Friday, July 15, 2011

What is Drum and Bass

By Freddy Fender


Drum and Bass refers to a type of electronic dance music. A product of the London Club scene of the mid-1990s, the genre derives its name from the part of song that features just drum and bass. It is also referred to as "drum 'n' bass," "D&B" or "DnB" and "Jungle".

Characteristics of drum and Bass music

Drum and Bass is fast and furious and is characterized by breakbeats between 160 and 190 BPM (beats per minute), with heavy bass lines. Though it has undergone a lot of changes since its inception and has spawned many sub-genres, it retains 3 important and 1 often-employed features:

1. Highlighting from the drum and bass line components: The bass line which is a deep sub-bass musical layout, is so powerful that it is usually physically felt when played on potent sound systems. The bass line is a prominent feature of Drum and Bass music.

2. Tempo: Drum and Bass currently sustains anything between 160 and 190 BPM as compared to other backbeat genres, which maintain 130 to 140 BPM. In 1991, Drm and Bass maintained BPM at 130, and then BPM perked up to 160 by 1993. The Drum and Bass of 1996 and beyond was played between 170 and 180 BPM. Note though that the BPM drops during a live performance because of obvious limitations such as high-energy atmosphere, exertion, interactive settings, etc.

3. Sound effects: Many drum and bass tracks (and not all) subject their bass lines to sound effects like compression, flanger, overdrive, timestretched beats, equalization, "Resse Bass," and some more.

4. Setting: Drum and Bass is best heard in clubs because its full frequency response is often best appreciated on sophisticated sound systems that can handle low frequencies. Drum and Bass parties are regarded to be very loud along with other types of digital dance audio. That said, there are many Drum and Bass albums that are created for personal listening either at home or during the car.

Drum and Bass Impact

It truly is best to become suddenly subjected to Drum and Bass. Once you start liking the sound, it works on you and draws you in to the club scene. However, it's not for everyone and if you want to try it out, come with your friends and hit the dance floor to enjoy the genre. If you want to try it before you hit the club, pick up some mixes that will orient you to the genre. Here is a list of great drum and bass albums that can either get you started or get you grooving from the club: Earthling (David Bowie), Jungle -- Sound of the Underground (Various), So Far (Alex Recce), and Timeless (Goldie).

You can chat with the folks at your local music store about the genre or with your friends who are already clued in, and pick up a couple of recommendations.

Go ahead and get some fast fun!




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