[DYSLOG002] - BASS MUSIC HISTORY

Bass music is a genre built around deep frequencies and raw energy.

Drawing from various influences, it has evolved over the decades to become a cornerstone of electronic music. Here’s an overview of its origins and evolution.

Early Influences (1980s-1990s)

• Dub and Reggae (Jamaica)

  Dub producers reworked reggae tracks, emphasizing basslines and adding echo effects. Sound systems* became central to this culture, offering an immersive and physical experience.Sound system: A massive audio setup used at outdoor parties to amplify music.

• Hip-Hop and Electro (United States)

  In the 1980s, hip-hop producers incorporated heavy grooves and syncopated rhythms. Artists like Afrika Bambaataa fused these sounds with electronic elements, shaping the future of bass music.

• Acid House and Rave (United Kingdom)

  Acid house took over underground raves in the UK, with hypnotic synthesizers like the TB-303* laying the groundwork for a new club culture focused on sonic intensity.TB-303: A Roland synthesizer/sequencer originally designed to mimic guitar basslines but embraced for its unique electronic sound.

  
  

Rise of Key Genres (1990s-2000s)

• Jungle and Drum & Bass

  Jungle emerged in the early 1990s, combining breakbeats* and deep basslines with reggae influences. It quickly evolved into drum & bass, with artists like Goldie and Roni Size pushing more complex and atmospheric sounds.Breakbeat: A rhythm built from percussive loops, often taken from funk or soul tracks and rearranged for greater impact.

• UK Garage

  Evolving from house music, UK garage introduced choppy rhythms and catchy melodies, later leading to the rise of grime and dubstep.

• Dubstep

  Born in Croydon, London, dubstep introduced heavy bass, metallic sounds, and fragmented rhythms. Pioneers like Skream, Benga, and Digital Mystikz played a major role in its international success.

  
  

Expansion and Experimentation (2010s)

• Trap and Hybrid Trap

  Trap fused hip-hop elements with deep basslines and explosive percussion, while hybrid trap pushed electronic influences even further.

• Neurofunk and Jump-Up

  In the drum & bass world, neurofunk became known for its precise sound design and futuristic textures, while jump-up took a more accessible and upbeat approach.

• Bass House and Future Bass

  Bass house brought raw energy to club music with heavy rhythms and aggressive synths, while future bass focused on dreamy melodies and soaring chords.

  
  

Bass Music Today

Bass music continues to evolve, integrating new influences and pushing sonic boundaries. Festivals like Rampage and Let It Roll celebrate the scene, while labels such as Blackout, Hospital Records, and Critical Music play a key role in its growth.This culture remains deeply connected to sound systems, experimentation, and the raw power of bass-driven music.

If you want to dive deeper into the world of bass music, don’t hesitate to follow us on this journey!