Revealing the Unexpected: How Modern Dubstep Would Sound to a Musician of 1985
Moving forward in time from a musician of the 1985 era to experiencing the electrifying sounds of modern dubstep will undoubtedly be as fascinating as experiencing a time jump itself. In this article, we explore what would happen if a musician from the 1985 era were to hear modern dubstep and the reactions one might witness in that period.
A Time Warp to 1985
The movie Back to the Future, released in 1985, enthralls us with time travel and relatable characters. Imagine a similar scenario but with a twist, if a musician from 2015 were to be transported to 1985 and introduce dubstep to a crowd of teenagers. The journey is as exciting as the destination.
Musician of 1985 and the Rhetorical Question
Let’s imagine a lighthearted scenario where a 1985 music scene erupts with a modern twist. The Student Council at Hill Valley High School might book a black DJ, thinking, “If the DJ is black, he must be really cool.” However, they are in for a surprise. Instead of the expected coolness, they get a nerd – a Steve Urkel type who is genuinely intrigued by the new sound, but things take a different turn when he hears dubstep.
“What the fook is this? Is this rave or reggae music? These kids sound bonkers with that!”
The Origin and Explanation of Dubstep
To understand the musician's reaction, we need to provide the context and explanation of what dubstep is. It is a musical genre of British origin, often cited as an evolution from the Jamaican dub and reggae scenes. Understanding the background might help the musician grasp the essence of dubstep.
“No way! How'd this be British? And where in Britain would this type of music come from?”
The musician is correct in his confusion. Dubstep emerged from Croydon, a part of London, not exactly the lively, vibrant city one might associate with music, but a place rich in cultural exchange and innovation.
Waterfronts and Neighborhoods
The musician, intrigued, asks about the nature of the neighborhood. He is perhaps wary of the reputation of Croydon being a sleepy town. However, it is exactly this reputation that makes it a fascinating mix of cultural diversity and music.
“But isn’t that place supposed to be full of old people? It’s such a sleepy little town from what I've heard.”
Indeed, the area was characterized by its diverse community, including a vibrant Jamaican population and other Black communities, making it a fertile ground for music innovation.
Misconceptions About Crime and Community
The musician’s concerns about crime are valid, as any stereotype can be concerning. However, without being misguided, he gets a firsthand account of the vibrant community’s true nature.
“But wouldn’t there be crime?”, “Not from what my friends told me, but you know the old crowds who are set in their own ways.”
The community, though old, was not immune to the energy and innovation brought by new music genres, which the musician now seeks to explore. The musician’s curiosity leads to an opportunity to experience the music and culture up close.
The Musical Journey
The musician, finally, has an opportunity to hear some of the dubstep music being played. The King Tubby influence is noticeable, and the musician is struck by its similarities to Public Image Ltd.'s avant-garde sound, a throwback to the post-punk rebellion of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
“Wow, this sounds like that crazy record by Public Image Ltd! So it's true what they say about Johnny Rotten and his new band after the Sex Pistols broke up being so pop yet so out there.”
After the experience, the musician expresses an eagerness to learn more. The realization that modern music has roots in the past fuels his curiosity. The opportunity to explore dubstep in London becomes a thrilling adventure.
“Could you show me some of the music they play then?”, “Sure thing but I might hitch a ride to London for that. Could you help me out then?”, “Sure but you’ll have to pay me some quid.”
The journey to London for a deeper dive into the world of dubstep moves forward, symbolizing the evolutionary journey of music from the 1980s to modern times.
A Musical Journey from Past to Present
What began as a curiosity turned into a journey of discovery. The 1985 musician’s encounter with modern dubstep brings a fresh perspective on the evolution of music, highlighting the significant leap from the guitar riffs of Eddie Van Halen to the complex rhythms of modern British dubstep.
Conclusion
The scenario of a 1985 musician discovering modern dubstep is a fascinating exploration of musical evolution. It highlights the unexpected connections between past and present and the ongoing journey of music. Whether it’s a journey through time or a journey through musical genres, the curiosity to explore and discover new sounds remains a constant.