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Ambient dubstep is a subgenre that combines the atmospheric and textural qualities of ambient music with the heavy, bass-driven sound of dubstep. This fusion creates a unique sonic landscape that emphasizes mood and texture over traditional rhythm and structure.

Characteristics[]

Ambient Dubstep is characterised by a slow to mid-tempo pace, often around 100-110 BPM, heavy, distorted basslines that provide a foundation for the track, atmospheric soundscapes and textures, often featuring ambient pads, filtered synths, and reverb-drenched effects, minimal drum patterns or emphasis on percussion, allowing the bass and atmosphere to take center stage, and elements of downtempo and trip-hop, with a focus on sonic experimentation and mood creation.

Notable Artists[]

  • Burial: A pioneer of the ambient dubstep sound, known for his dark, atmospheric productions
  • Four Tet: Kieran Hebden’s work often blends dubstep’s bass-heavy sound with ambient textures and introspective moods
  • Machinedrum: Travis Stewart’s music often incorporates elements of ambient and dubstep, with a focus on atmospheric soundscapes and intricate drum programming
  • Teebs: A Los Angeles-based producer who combines dubstep’s bass weight with ambient’s atmospheric textures and jazz-influenced harmonies

Influences:[]

  • Brian Eno’s ambient music, particularly his work in the 1970s and 1980s
  • Dubstep’s early days, with artists like El-B and Zed Bias
  • Downtempo and trip-hop, with influences from Massive Attack and Tricky

Example:[]

  • Delta X - Don't Forever
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