Lately, as we look around, there is entirely too much hating going on. Too many jaded souls that feel that feel they have the right to determine when a genre is dead. It is honestly mind-blowing. Dubstep has always been about pushing boundaries, sub frequencies, and uniquity. Considering that all three of the aforementioned traits are still EVER-PRESENT, there is no possible way that the music we love so much had died. While many people’s claims that the current state of dubstep is “too commercialized” , “every song sounds the same”, or ” it’s no longer underground” do have strains of validity, they are in no way suited for generalizations. Many artists have reached unimagined levels of acclaim for sounds that are over-produced, but these people in no way encompass dubstep, musically or culturally. If you listen to song after song and truly say to yourself that they all sound the same then you don’t have a grip on what is being put out, or reality for that matter. The complaint that Dubstep is no longer underground is tired, useless, and blatantly incorrect. Although a particular niche (brostep) of dubstep has gained a large amount of hype in the past couple years, this doesn’t mean that dubstep, as a whole, is no longer underground. Just open your eyes and look around! You will find underground culture still in large effect in every country, city, or province. Dubstep is so multifaceted that making any generalization will leave you standing in the wrong. As stated by Goth-Trad in his recent Resident Advisor interview, “dubstep is very progressive, there are no rules…”.
Today’s post has the purpose of reminding you that dubstep is in no way, shape, or form, dead. The artists and songs that we have chosen for today are examples of music that is the complete opposite of commercialized, songs that all sound very different, and songs that represent the still-live underground culture of dubstep/bass music.
The first producer that fits into this category is the one, and only, Goth-Trad. This man has been making dubstep since the term hadn’t even been coined yet. During the early 2000’s the artists who are now credited with the formation of dubstep (Skream, Benga, Goth-Trad, Hatcha, etc.) were just making beats. It was all about experimentation, innovation, and limitlessness. They had no idea what they were making but they were just doing it. Goth-Trad is still making his music under these rules. Goth-Trad is one of the few producers today that when you hear a track of his you immediately know it’s Goth-Trad. Now, don’t get it twisted, that is not to say that all of his productions sound the same, because his sounds are all very diverse. But, his style of production is very unique so when you hear a tune of his, you immediately know. Already having too many releases under his belt to mention, Goth-Trad has a full-length album due out in February of this year on the Deep Medi imprint. The highly anticipated album, ‘New Epoch’, was, in part, inspired by the devastating earthquakes that terrorized Japan this past year. Read more about how the earthquake effected the album/the man here. We have two songs from the ‘New Epoch’ album for your ears today. The first track, ‘Departure’, is like riding through the subway systems at extremely high-speeds while everything around you in moving in slow-motion. The tune in an absolute gem suited for any occasion. The second track, titled ‘New Epoch’,
Goth-Trad – Departure
Goth-Trad – New Epoch (sorry for the radio rip)
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The next artist that we want to highlight is a Finnish producer who goes by the name LAS (Love and Sound). First caught wind of this guy when, during the latter part of 2011, Black Box released his track titled ‘Power Surge’. Now, with many more releases lined up, he is finally beginning to receive the attention that he deserves. The tracks that we have for you today are both really cool. The first one, ‘Mental Judgement’, is forthcoming on Box Clever (offshoot of Black Box). The track has a very nice incorporation of percussion that keeps the feet shuffling, and a soundscape that vibes eerie throughout. The second track, ‘He Ha Ho’, utilizes a really sick vocal sample, emitting the laugh of a monster from some sci-fi movie (we would imagine). The minimalist approach on this tune was perfectly executed. Show some love to LAS is you haven’t already!
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The last artist that we want to highlight really caught us off-guard! We were introduced to his sounds after the boys at Trusik:Dubstep did a little highlight on him right before the new year. This Dutchman, Camu, has taken the eternal phrase of “meditate on bassweight” to a new plateau. The clips that we have for you today will send you on a journey through tribal hallucinations, spiritual cleansing, and extremely powerful sub frequencies. He has already received support on Rinse FM for a couple of his previous productions and if he keeps putting out tunes in the manner he has been, he’s going to be a quick-rising sensation for all the deep heads. The first tune, ‘Asmat’, made me laugh with excitement because it was so good right off the bat. This track honestly will put you into the jungle. The atmospheric production is absolutely amazing. The second tune, ‘You Are’, is a seemingly flawless fusion of sounds. Again on a tribal vibe, this track has bit more dance appeal than the previous. Enjoy! And try not to drool all over your computer.
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Alright everybody hope these sounds will ease you into the weekend, nice and steady. We will see you all on Monday with a fresh batch of dankness that we always bring to the table. Be safe and, most importantly, be present.
To the gods.
-Bassweight Society (Kinman)
Bassweight Society 