Brostep Music Guide

We’re diving headfirst into the pulsating world of Brostep, a subgenre of EDM that’s taken the music scene by storm. It’s a genre that’s loud, aggressive, and unapologetically in-your-face, with its distorted basslines and high-energy drops.

In our guide, we’ll be your trusted companions, breaking down the ins and outs of Brostep. We’ll trace its roots, explore its key characteristics, and even give you a taste of some iconic tracks. We’ve got years of experience in the EDM industry, and we’re excited to share our knowledge with you. So, let’s crank up the volume and get started.

Origins of Brostep

Navigating down the memory lane of Electronic Dance Music (EDM), it’s evident that genres evolve, splinter and sometimes, take a hard, sharp turn from their roots. Brostep is a prime example of this phenomenon. Pioneered in the heart of Britain’s vibrant EDM scene, its origins are profoundly rooted in traditional dubstep. However, its characteristically high energy and aggressive tones set it far apart from its predecessor.

The early 2000s marked the advent of Brostep as a subgenre of dubstep. Brostep took the enticing and innovative production elements of dubstep, like wobble bass, synths, and sub-bass, then injected them with a dose of adrenaline. This resulted in deep and powerful bass drops, intricate drum patterns, and filthy basslines.

Element	Use in Dubstep	Use in Brostep
Bass Drops	Used sparingly	Frequent and powerful
Wobble Bass	Subtly produced	Amplified and aggressive
Drum Patterns	Complex and intriguing	Designed for high energy
Synths	Often in background	Prominent feature
Sub-Bass	Important element	Amplified and distorted

An early adopter and unquestionably the most prolific name in the Brostep game is Skrillex, whose music combines the traditional elements of dubstep with the high energy nature of Brostep, thereby redefining the genre. This sonic shift in the direction of dubstep did more than just create a new subgenre; it initiated a wave of beat manipulation, heavier drops, and hair-raising, distorted bass lines.

Note, Brostep borrows heavily from the remix culture that’s been a prominent feature of EDM in general. This incorporation of remixing into its identity enables Brostep to take existing tracks and give them a fresh, energetic spin. Layering heavy, chaotic basslines over rhythmic beats, and adding glitch effects for even more intensity.

Defining Features Of Brostep

Musical Components

When we delve down into the foundations of Brostep, it’s clear that certain musical components play a critical role in shaping this high energy genre. Brostep absolutely thrives, bursting forth with substantial bass drops that shake our very core, and the use of wobble bass commands significant attention in this genre.

A true testament to the extraordinary power of the sub-bass, Brostep’s ferocious basslines telegraph a sonorous, driving rhythm that’s as fierce as it is memorable. Musically, Brostep is an energetic extension of what we know as “dubstep” but it unchains itself from the subtlety of its roots to embrace a decidedly more aggressive tone.

One of the most enduring features of Brostep is the liberal use of synths and drum patterns – intricately designed and expertly woven to layer dimension upon the explosive bass drops. Here, we see the influential hand of Skrillex, who has carved out a distinctive niche for himself by exploring and expanding the limits of these components to bend the genre to his electrifying vision.

Production Techniques

On the production side, we can see how Brostep relies heavily on electronic production and beat manipulation for its unique sound. Artists operating in this spectrum weave innovative arrangements that reference dubstep while pushing the stylistic boundaries of Electronic Dance Music (EDM).

The genre pushes hard into uncharted territory by forging unique sonic landscapes filled with deliciously filthy basslines. This is what creates the characteristic edginess seen in the genre, further highlighting its departure from traditional dubstep.

And let’s not forget the significant role played by remix culture. Frequently, Brostep artists breathe new life into established tracks, incorporating remarkably heavy basslines and unique glitch effects to give the original piece an overwhelming new intensity that’s wholly their own.

The very essence of Brostep lies in its boundary-pushing nature, its ease with electronic production techniques, and its unwavering commitment to amplifying the EDM scene with audacious unpredictability. The music is intense, the beats are relentless, and the experience is electrifying.

Engaging with Brostep is not for the faint-hearted – but for those who yearn for high energy, post-dubstep rhythm punctuated by the deepest, filthiest basslines, this remains the genre of choice.

Cultural Significance Of Brostep

As we delve deeper into the correlates of Brostep, let’s not overlook its cultural significance. This genre, marked by its aggressive tone and substantial bass drops, has impacted not just the EDM scene, but extended its influence beyond musical boundaries.

The Club & Festival Scene

Around mid-2000s, nightclubs and music festivals saw a surge in Brostep’s popularity. Attendees were enticed by the filthy basslines and wobble bass, characterized by artists like Skrillex. The clubs throbbed with heavy electronic production, playing high-energy brostep tracks that would light up the dance floors. With every bass drop, the crowd would go into a frenzy, immersing themselves in the electrifying rhythms of Brostep. It was, and still is, a perfect genre for those seeking heart-thumping, adrenaline-pumping music.

Brostep’s unique sonic landscapes have also left an indelible impact on prominent music festivals globally. At these gatherings, artists delved into a broad range of remix culture, using glitch effects and beat manipulation to create gripping performances. The post-dubstep subgenre offered these festivals the opportunity to expand their horizons, attracting an even larger audience of dubstep and other EDM lovers.

	2005	2010	2020
Nightclub Attendance (in Millions)	20	32	48
Music Festival Attendance (in Millions)	5	10	25

Fashion & Lifestyle

The influence of Brostep is not just confined to the club scene; it’s shaped lifestyle and fashion trends as well. The average Brostep fan is notorious for their distinctive fashion choices. Think bright colors, neon accessories, and chunky shoes – an aesthetic that mirrors the high-energy, audacious spirit of the genre.

Moreover, the lifestyle of a Brostep aficionado often mirrored those of the artists they idolized. Much like the audacious unpredictability of the music, fans often lead lifestyles characterized by the pursuit of intense experiences, a love for electronic dance music scene, and a shared community appreciating brostep’s famed wobble bass and filthy basslines.

This thriving community of like-minded fans has cultivated a unique culture, with Brostep standing proudly in the centre. It’s a testament to the immense reach of this EDM subgenre – from the club and festival scenes to influencing fashion and lifestyle dynamics. Brostep’s relevance today is a demonstration of how it continues to shape and impact our cultural landscape.

Comparison With Other Dubstep Sub-Genres

As we delve into the world of electronic dance music (EDM), it’s important to appreciate the nuances that define its vast sub-genres. Part of the intrigue lies in the subtle variations and similarities that exist between Brostep and other forms of Dubstep. Let’s examine how Brostep compares with Melodic Dubstep and Riddim.

• Melodic Dubstep – Melodic Dubstep brings a unique blend to the EDM scene. Its characteristic use of sustained synths, combined with an atmospheric melody and beat manipulation, creates a more emotive sound than traditional Dubstep. Melodic Dubstep, however, still keeps those powerful bass drops and wobble bass that fans know and love.

Unlike Brostep’s preference for high-intensity and aggressive filthy basslines, Melodic Dubstep often seeks to balance these elements with a more harmonious and tuneful composition. Yet they share a spirit of experimentation that’s prevalent in electronic production, pushing boundaries and toying with innovative glitch effects.

• Riddim –  Riddim, another sub-genre, takes it further with a minimalist attitude. Riddim’s hallmark lies in the simplicity of its drum patterns and a strong emphasis on sub-bass. The repetitiveness of Riddim, though, doesn’t take away from its ability to create infectious bass drops that resonate with fans worldwide. In contrast, Brostep leans toward complexity and intensity, often marked by aggressive, rough bass drops and a blend of distorted synths.

When it comes to Riddim and Brostep, it’s a fascinating play on extremes within the same genre. These EDM sub-genres blend a variety of sonic facets, encapsulating the heart of remix culture in unique and impactful ways.

The Future Of Brostep

Looking into the crystal ball of the electronic dance music (EDM) scene, it’s clear that Brostep is not just a fleeting trend but a sub-genre that’s here to stay. Its staying power comes from its intense energy and relentless innovation in electronic production.

Always moving, always evolving, Brostep keeps pushing the boundaries. Its fascinating growth is vitally linked with its adaptation of glitch effects. These enhance the overall sonic experience, adding layers of complexity to the already explosive mix of high energy and filthy basslines.

Interestingly, this power doesn’t steal from the roots of Dubstep. Brostep remains tightly knotted with its origin, continuing to play around with synths and “wobble bass” to create its signature sound. Even more enticing is its audacious exploration of extreme bass drops, making it a favorite among DJs and fans alike.

We cannot discount the influence of figures like Skrillex in Brostep’s development and popularity. His innovative approach to beat manipulation and his larger-than-life stage presence has unquestionably boosted the sub-genre’s profile in the mainstream EDM scene. Moreover, his commitment to taking Brostep to the masses indicates a promising future for this distinctive sub-genre.

Part of Brostep’s evolution is the embrace of remix culture. By infusing classic tracks with crunchy, post-Dubstep charm, the sub-genre has grown exponentially. With influences from other sub-genres and its adaptability, Brostep continues to experiment with its sound and form.

Top Brostep Artists & Tracks

Top Brostep Artists

• Skrillex – One of the most influential figures in the Brostep scene, Skrillex revolutionized the genre with his aggressive sound and complex bass drops. His innovative style has inspired a new generation of electronic music producers.
• Zomboy – Known for his dynamic and hard-hitting tracks, Zomboy has become a staple in the Brostep community. His music incorporates intense basslines and intricate sound design, making him a favorite among fans of the genre.
• Excision – A Canadian producer who has made a significant impact on the Brostep scene with his heavy, dubstep-influenced sound. Excision’s music is known for its overwhelming bass and intricate layers, creating an immersive listening experience.
• Rusko – Often credited with helping to bring the dubstep sound to a broader audience, Rusko’s contributions to Brostep include energetic rhythms and pulsating beats, infused with a unique sense of melody and rhythm.
• Datsik – Though his career has been controversial, Datsik’s early works contributed significantly to the Brostep genre. His tracks are characterized by deep basslines and robotic sound effects, embodying the raw energy of Brostep.

Top Brostep Songs

• “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” by Skrillex 
• “Terror Squad” by Zomboy 
• “X Rated” by Excision feat. Messinian
• “Woo Boost” by Rusko 
• “Swagga” by Datsik & Excision 

If you want to check out these top Brostep artists and their tracks, check out our Official Brostep Music Playlist, full of our favorites:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brostep?

Brostep is a sub-genre of electronic dance music (EDM) known for its intense energy, innovative electronic production, and use of glitch effects and heavy bass drops. It retains elements from Dubstep like the synths and “wobble bass.”

Who are some notable figures in Brostep?

One of the most influential figures in Brostep is Skrillex. His music has played a significant role in the development and popularity of this sub-genre, propelling it into the mainstream EDM scene.

What is the role of drum patterns in Brostep tracks?

Drum patterns in Brostep tracks are crucial. They enhance the overall sonic experience by adding a unique rhythmic element to the music.

How has Brostep evolved over time?

Brostep has continuously evolved since its inception, integrating elements like extreme bass drops and remix culture. Even though it maintains ties to its Dubstep roots, it constantly experiments and redefines its sound, ensuring it remains a dynamic and influential force in the EDM genre.

What is the future of Brostep in the EDM scene?

The future of Brostep in the EDM scene seems promising. Its continuous evolution and capacity for innovation, coupled with its lasting impact, suggest a promising growth trajectory and continuous influence in the EDM scene. It is expected to remain a dynamic and influential sub-genre.