What are the genres of drum and bass
Drum and bass is a genre of electronic music characterized by fast breakbeats (typically between 150 and 180 beats per minute) with heavy bass and sub-bass lines.
The genre developed out of the UK hardcore rave scene in the early 1990s and was initially known as jungle, before later developing into drum and bass.
While jungle often incorporated samples from films and television, drum and bass typically uses original recordings of drums, bass guitars, and other instruments, as well as sampling from other genres such as dub, hip hop, techno, and reggae.
What is Drum and Bass?
Drum and bass is a type of electronic music that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by fast, breakbeat-oriented rhythms and often features heavy basslines. Drum and bass has its roots in jungle and hardcore techno, and was initially influenced by these genres. However, it has since developed its own unique sound and style.
Today, drum and bass is one of the most popular genres of electronic music, with a global following. It is often heard in clubs, bars, and festivals, and its popularity has led to the development of subgenres such as darkstep, liquid funk, and neurofunk.
The Different Genres of Drum and Bass
There are many genres of drum and bass, each with their own unique sound and feel. The most popular genres are jungle, neurofunk, techstep, and breakbeat.
Jungle is the original style of drum and bass, characterized by its fast tempo and heavily syncopated rhythms. Jungle often incorporates samples from other genres of music, such as hip hop or reggae.
Neurofunk is a dark and aggressive subgenre of drum and bass that emerged in the late 1990s. Neurofunk features complex, layers sound design and intricate arrangements.
Techstep is a fusion of techno and drum and bass that emerged in the early 2000s. Techstep is characterized by its hard-hitting drums and dark, atmospheric soundscape.
Breakbeat is a more funky and upbeat style of drum and bass that emerged in the mid-2000s. Breakbeat often features catchy melodies and hooks over a 4/4 beat.
Characteristics of Drum and Bass Music
Basslines: Basslines are very important to drum and bass, both as a fundamental element and for their physical impact on the dancefloor. Powerful sound systems allow listeners to feel and sense the heavy basslines of Cyantific’s ‘Little Green Men’ and Drumsound & Bassline Smith’s ‘Cold Turkey’. The bass lines are usually sampled or synthesized, although musicians may use electric or acoustic instruments.
Breakbeats and percussion: Drum and bass has a relatively fast tempo, between 160 and 180 beats per minute (BPM), which requires tight, funky breakbeats; the “Amen Break” from “Amen, Brother” by The Winstons has been used by UK Apache, and Original Nuttah by Shy FX and more recently “Lost” by Hybrid Minds have become staples of many drum and bass tracks. Samples of bass drum lines from the Roland TR-808 drum machine are also frequently heard in drum ‘n’ bass.
Variations: Drum ‘n’ bass has spawned an incredible number of subgenres, each of which has expanded its scope and audience. All retain the core of breakbeats and basslines, but add their own flavor to the sound: DJ Marky’s Sunbass has a Latin feel, while the fluid funk of High Contrast and Maduk adds melody to the beat. The variations are divided into “light” and “heavy” drum’n’bass, depending on the influences and the overall sound.
Pros and Cons of Drum and Bass
There are many different types of drum and bass, each with their own unique sound and feel. Here are some of the pros and cons of each:
Drum and bass can be very intense and energetic, making it perfect for getting people moving on the dance floor. However, this can also make it difficult to listen to for extended periods of time.
The genre is often very complex and layered, with lots of different elements going on at once. This can make it an acquired taste, but also makes for a more rewarding listening experience for those who appreciate it.
Drum and bass tends to be quite dark and brooding, with a lot of focus on the deep bass sounds. This can create an atmospheric and immersive experience, but some find it too dark or depressing.
What type of music do you like?
There are many different genres of drum and bass, from the more underground and minimal styles to the more mainstream and commercialised varieties. This can make it difficult to pinpoint what type of music you like, as there is such a wide range of sounds to choose from. However, some of the most popular genres include neurofunk, techno-influenced drum and bass, and jump up.
Neurofunk is a dark and often atmospheric style of drum and bass that often features complex sound design and intricate drum patterns. It is one of the more technical genres of drum and bass, and can be quite challenging to mix.
Techno-influenced drum and bass takes its cues from the techno genre, incorporating elements such as four-to-the-floor kick drums and synth stabs. This results in a harder, more driving sound that is often perfect for dancing.
Jump up is a high energy style of drum and bass that is designed for maximum dancefloor impact. It features catchy hooks, big melodies, and heavy basslines that will get any crowd moving.
