Best Dubstep, Grime and Bassline in London

Best Dubstep, Grime and Bassline in London

Bass for your face London

So what are we talking about when we say 'bass' music? UK bass music is a broad umbrella term which can take in everything from drum n bass, to 2-step and future garage, dubstep and beyond. The veteran of the scene is DnB. Having morphed out of jungle in the 1990s, DnB has now been around in one form or another for over twenty years. DnB's high bpm broken beat still has one of the biggest 'get up and dance' effect of any genre, and more recently the influence of dubstep has had some very interesting effects.

Another development was that of UK garage, which in the last decade or so began to splinter into distinct branches. During the naughties it's given us grime, dubstep and bassline, along with many indistinct offshoots and influences. In the last five years many of its biggest stars (Dizzee Rascal, Skepta, Kano, Wiley et al) moved into the mainstream, with a bubbling hybrid scene on the underground. Enter Discolsure and the new stars of 'future garage'. Future garage went some way in filling the gap left by dubstep as the music of choice for bass heads, fusing wobbly basslines with a 2-step danceablility. 

Right, you've heard what all the fuss is about. Now where can you find these musical delicacies?

Fabriclive
One of the safest bets if you're out on a Friday and hungry for some bass is the world famous Fabric and their exceptional 'bodysonic' sound system. There will inevitably be some big name DJs on the bill, along with other sporadic label or brand promotions such as RAM, Hospital and Rinse, this is always an immense party.

FWD
This legendary club night works closely with Rinse FM and was where dubstep was forged - it now happens every Thursday in the unassuming Plastic People. It draws a great mix of established acts such as Markus Nasty, Caspa and Icicle as well as emerging talents.

Dollop
Relative newbys on the bass scene, Dollop have ridden the recent future garage / bass wave with a host of huge parties between London and Nottingham. Everyone from Jackmaster and Oneman to Julio Bashmore and Jamie xx has graced their decks so far, definitely one to check out.

Chew the Fat
Chew the Fat are one of the longest running promoters in town, having started way back in 1997. Since The End closed they have had their parties all over the shop, from Corisca Studios to Cable. This is where you'll get your fill of dirty electo/bassline, sometimes with smatterings of dubstep and techno.

We Fear Silence
Run by a couple of guys from The End's promotion team the We Fear Silence music policy is fairly eclectic within the genres in question, if slightly dnb tipped, the only connecting factor being the consistently high quality. At each party they throw at Cable they'll run label promotions such as Shogun (Friction), Metalheadz (Goldie) and Hyperdub(Kode 9) as well as teaming up with other promoters such as Chew the Fat and Buzzin' Fly, turning them into a sort of super promoter.

Urban Nerds
Another eclectic one. This is one of the better places to get a bit of a grime and garage fix, fusing producers and DJs from the old and new generations. The Nerds are also known for pushing unknowns up through the ranks into notoriety so this is a good place to catch the next big thing.

Vagabondz
In the same vein are the Vagabondz who over the years have booked the Foreigner Beggars, A1 Bassline and El-B amongst others. Originally started in Leeds they are now perhaps the most nationally recognisable bass promoter, having spread to several other cites as well as running the immense Outlook festival in Croatia.

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Robin