WHAT IS DRUM AND BASS?

So here is some detailed information on the music of drum and bass. Some of this research is based on information I read up on wikipedia. Drum and bass (commonly abbreviated to DnB) is a genre of (hardcore) dance music which emerged from the UK rave scene around the early 1990s. Although it brings influences from techno and hip-hop, it mainly focuses on the breakbeat (sampling of breaks as drum loops/beats) side of rave rather than the house/techno side. This genre is characterized by fast breakbeats with heavy bass and sub-bass lines.



Drum and bass has number of scenes and styles; from highly electronic, experimental sounds of techstep through to the use of more conventional, acoustic instrumentations which find themselves in a more jazz-influenced end. Because there is a range of influences behind the music, the sounds of drum and bass are quite varied. The genre emphasises greatly on the 'bass line', a deep bass pattern which can be (if played through powerful soundsystems) felt physically. It is common to have an MC rapidly rap or chant over the music, as well as using samples (line/s from other songs or from films, etc) which are played repeatedly throughout the track.



Drum and bass is mostly a form of dance music designed to be heard in clubs (and thus danced to). Its loud and epic bass/beats/breaks can really only be fully appreciated on professional sound systems. As a matter of fact, drum and bass parties are often advertised as featuring uncommonly loud sound systems. However, because of the loud and physical sensations given in these events, many of those who attend intoxicate themselves with substances like ecstasy. Whilst the majority of drum and bass music is fast, loud, and powerful, there exists a subgenre named intelligent/atmospheric drum and bass. This subgenre consists of somewhat more melodic music which emphasises on influences from lounge, jazz, and ambient music. Althought this mellow and tranquil style contrasts with the more common dark and aggressive style, tracks of this subgenre are still generally produced for a dancefloor in mind. Another personal thing associated is the dance style of 'x-outing', in which the dancer rapidly hops between their heels and toes from leg to leg. Though perhaps a more common dance move is 'skanking', which consists of thrusting your arm in the air with your hand in the shape of a gun. Fair enough but I don't do it myself, I prefer the old John Travolta style!



Drum and bass is quite popular with teenagers, adolescents, and generally young/ish people perhaps up to those in their mid-30's (those older probably get headaches or suffer heart attacks from it). Despite its huge fanbase and constant airplays on some stations, it remains an 'underground' genre. Personally, I'm not that keen on it. I don't mind it, but it quickly loses its novelty on me after a few songs and after a while starts to sound like broken engines being grinded against each other.