Future bass

Definition

Future bass is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the 2010s, characterized by its vibrant melodies, heavy use of synthesizers, and unique rhythmic patterns. This genre blends elements from various styles such as trap, chillwave, and dubstep, resulting in a sound that is both melodic and energetic. The rise of future bass showcases how digital technology has transformed music production and has contributed to a broader landscape where genre boundaries are increasingly blurred.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Future bass gained popularity through platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube, where independent artists could share their work and reach wider audiences.
2. Artists like Flume, Marshmello, and Jauz have been pivotal in defining and popularizing the future bass sound.
3. The genre is marked by its use of 'sidechain compression', a production technique that creates a pumping effect, enhancing the overall rhythm and energy of the track.
4. Future bass often features vocal chops, which are snippets of vocals manipulated and pitched to create catchy hooks, adding to its melodic appeal.
5. The visual aesthetic associated with future bass often includes vibrant colors and abstract designs, reflecting the energetic and uplifting nature of the music.

Review Questions

• How does future bass exemplify the impact of digital technology on music production?
  • Future bass showcases the impact of digital technology through its reliance on software for creating intricate sounds and effects. Producers utilize advanced digital audio workstations (DAWs) that allow them to manipulate samples, synthesize sounds, and arrange tracks in ways that were not possible with traditional instruments. The genre's vibrant melodies and unique rhythmic patterns are largely made possible by the accessibility of digital tools, enabling a new generation of artists to produce high-quality music from home studios.
• In what ways does future bass reflect the concept of genre blending in today's music landscape?
  • Future bass is a prime example of genre blending as it incorporates elements from various styles such as trap, chillwave, and dubstep. This fusion creates a sound that transcends traditional genre categories and appeals to a diverse audience. The ability for artists to draw inspiration from multiple genres allows them to innovate and evolve their sound continually. Future bass’s fluidity exemplifies how contemporary music embraces cross-genre experimentation, leading to a post-genre era where labels are less significant than creative expression.
• Evaluate the role of platforms like SoundCloud in shaping the future bass genre and its artists' careers.
  • Platforms like SoundCloud have played a crucial role in shaping the future bass genre by providing a space for emerging artists to share their music without the barriers typically associated with traditional record labels. This accessibility has led to a vibrant community where collaboration and remixing thrive, allowing for rapid evolution within the genre. As artists gain popularity through these platforms, they can leverage their online presence to launch successful careers, thus fostering an environment where innovative sounds can emerge organically. This dynamic underscores how digital distribution channels have transformed not only how music is consumed but also how genres develop and grow.

Related terms

Synthesizer: An electronic instrument that generates audio signals to create sounds, often used in future bass for rich melodic textures.

Sampling: The technique of using portions of sound recordings to create new music, allowing artists to incorporate various influences into their future bass tracks.

Chillwave: A genre of music that combines nostalgic pop elements with lo-fi production aesthetics, influencing the melodic side of future bass.