Drum and bass

Definition

Drum and bass is a genre of electronic music characterized by fast breakbeats, heavy basslines, and an emphasis on rhythm and tempo. It emerged in the early 1990s from the UK rave scene, incorporating elements of reggae, hip hop, and funk while pushing the boundaries of sound through innovative production techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Drum and bass typically features tempos ranging from 160 to 180 beats per minute, creating an energetic and intense listening experience.
2. The genre is known for its subgenres such as liquid funk, neurofunk, and jump-up, each with unique characteristics that cater to different audiences.
3. Prominent figures in the drum and bass scene include Goldie, Roni Size, and Andy C, who have all contributed to the genre's popularity and evolution.
4. Drum and bass has influenced various other genres and has been integrated into mainstream music through collaborations with pop artists.
5. The genre relies heavily on technology for production, using digital audio workstations (DAWs) and sampling to create intricate soundscapes.

Review Questions

• How did the cultural context of the early 1990s UK rave scene contribute to the development of drum and bass as a distinct musical genre?
  • The early 1990s UK rave scene provided a vibrant backdrop for the emergence of drum and bass. This era was marked by a counterculture movement that embraced electronic music, dance, and alternative lifestyles. Artists began experimenting with fast breakbeats and heavy basslines, influenced by reggae and hip hop. The shared experiences of rave culture fueled creativity, leading to a unique sound that distinguished drum and bass from other electronic genres.
• Discuss how technology has shaped the production of drum and bass music and its impact on the genre's evolution.
  • Technology plays a crucial role in shaping the production of drum and bass music. The use of digital audio workstations (DAWs), sampling techniques, and synthesizers has allowed producers to create complex rhythms and deep basslines. These advancements have enabled experimentation with sound design, leading to the development of various subgenres within drum and bass. As technology continues to evolve, it fosters innovation in production methods that keep the genre fresh and relevant.
• Evaluate the influence of drum and bass on contemporary music genres and its role in shaping modern popular culture.
  • Drum and bass has significantly influenced contemporary music genres such as dubstep, trap, and even mainstream pop. Its characteristic breakbeats and heavy bass have found their way into various tracks across different styles, enhancing rhythmic diversity in modern music. Collaborations between drum and bass artists and pop musicians have introduced this energetic genre to broader audiences, contributing to its cultural relevance. As a result, drum and bass continues to play a vital role in shaping the soundscape of modern popular culture.

Related terms

breakbeat: A rhythmic style that samples or loops drum patterns, typically found in hip hop and electronic music, and is a key element in the creation of drum and bass tracks.

dubstep:

An electronic music genre that evolved from drum and bass, characterized by slower tempos, deep bass drops, and a focus on sub-bass frequencies.

Jungle: A precursor to drum and bass, jungle music features fast breakbeats and heavy use of samples, often incorporating elements from reggae and dancehall.