EXRON MUSIC’S BEST DUBSTEP & RIDDIM RELEASES OF 2020 – [LISTEN]

2020 is a year many will associate with tragedy and uncertainty. The dubstep community lost one of its legends and countless DJs were left deprived of their main source of income.

In a time where all hope seemed lost, many artists rose to the occasion and reminded us why we listen to, write about and subject ourselves to this contagious noise we call “dubstep.”

Without further ado, here are our 10 end-of-year picks for this 2020’s finest dubstep and riddim (in no particular order).

“polyriddim” by phonon

This tune starts off with a mind-bending melody, which erupts into a flurry of synth stabs in a 7/4 time signature. “polyriddim” ditches the tried-and-tested 4/4 time signature commonly found in dance music, and creates something new entirely. Phonon’s jazz-infused contributions to dubstep are a breath of fresh air that continue to push the envelope of electronic music.

Plain and simple, there is not a single dubstep release on this list that ignited more discussion (or controversy) than “polyriddim.”

“Instance” by voltra

Voltra is one of those producers whose uniqueness and sheer skill shines through with every release. Her composition and arrangement chops are second to none, with many seasoned dubstep talents referencing her as their favorite sound designer.

From the contrasting uplifting, trance-inspired leads to her signature metallic bass, this artist always brings the heat and “Instance” is no exception.

This track is a turbulent, four-and-a-half minute journey that beams us through the universe at light speed.

“Rain” by Papa Khan

When Papa Khan first teased a clip of this song on Twitter, EVERYONE yearned for its release. Headliners and headbangers alike wished for a full song, and Papa Khan delivered a masterpiece.

Listening to this song places us in a hazy neon-lit metropolis, tracing the clumsy trajectory of raindrops down a fog-covered window.

Released via Marshmello‘s “JOYTIME COLLECTIVE” imprint, this landmark tune introduced the masses to the rising star’s beautiful work.

“UTAH” by SVDDEN DEATH

Slated as the first release of SVDDEN DEATH‘s new artistic direction, “UTAH” is both a haunting and heartfelt tune. While this track features the distorted drums and ominous atmosphere the producer is recognized for, it also marks his singing debut. The artist’s pained vocals perfectly complement the chaotic production.

As a true visionary and industry leader, SVDDEN DEATH is constantly progressing his sound and keeping others on their toes. From mosh-pit starting heaters to melancholy dubstep ballads, there is nothing he can’t do or accomplish — We cannot wait to hear the album he’s been working on. 

“Welcome Tune” by Versa

This wouldn’t be a definitive, end-of-year dubstep list without giving “Welcome Tune” a mention. From its iconic ad-lib to stomping bass, this song is responsible for multiple finger guns, broken necks and property damage.

The three-minute piece is a perfect balance between raw energy and uncompromising sound design. The producer’s efforts put him on the radar and landed him a spot on FuntCase‘s prestigious “DPMO” roster. 

“Emoboy303 (SIDE)” by Leotrix

Even though 2019 was dominated by Leotrix’s “Hive Bounce,” 2020 was truly the young star’s breakout year. Fresh from releasing two, heavy dubstep EPs via Disciple’s “Round Table” and Never Say Die‘s “Black Label” imprints, the producer blindsided everyone with “Emoboy303 (SIDE).”

The vocal-heavy track immediately hooks listeners in with its vivid instrumentation and distorted singing. The song draws inspiration from multiple genres like hyperpop and riddim, creating a vibrant collage of bass.

“Emoboy303” played a major role in pushing future riddim forward, cemented Leotrix as one of the most versatile producers today, and even garnered praise from Porter Robinson.

“Dreams (Data)” by Oolacile

“Dreams (Data)” represents a rebirth.

As a product of years of hard work and experimentation, it stands out as the centerpiece on an EP stacked with some of the hottest talent in all of dubstep.

The track boasts several contrasting sections, complex melodies and the usual top-notch production Oolacile is known for.

It’s not often that we see an artist completely reinvent their sound and revolutionize a genre, but when we do it’s impossible to look away. Pound for pound, there is not an artist on this list who incited more change and innovation this year than the Halcyon label leader.

“Sheriff” by Syzy

At face value, “Sheriff” is a raucous, bouncy dubstep tune. It ticks all of the boxes with ease.

• Punchy drums? Check.
• Interesting flow? Check.
• Meticulous bass? Check.

Once you peel back the layers of what makes a great dubstep song, you realize that it takes more than just a catchy melody and well-placed quarter notes to stand out.

This track emanates relentless energy and sheer swagger — it’s an instant dub anthem.

Six shooter in-hand, Syzy fires on all calibers and we could not be more thankful.

“Derma Crush” by Akeos

Ever since their Never Say Die “Black Label” debut in 2019, this artist ignited a hot streak of amazing releases. The young producer kicked 2020 off with: two EP label releases, an official remix for PhaseOne, a Subtronics collab and several singles.

With a discography this legendary, you would think it’s hard to stand out, but “Derma Crush” is in a class of its own.

The just-under 4-minute track excels at subverting everything we think we know about dubstep. It starts off with a bright melody reminiscent of early 2000s video games, and leads into one of the filthiest drops ever synthesized. There are various sounds and textures sprinkled throughout the song that wouldn’t normally mesh together, but the producer seamlessly blends them to create an elaborate work of art.

The next big dubstep artist is already here and their name is Akeos.

“Dirty Talk” by Hukae

If there were a year characterized by young, emerging artists it would be 2020. Several talented bedroom producers broke out and became the “talk of the town” overnight, but only a few managed to maintain that momentum year-round — Hukae is one such example.

When the Australian producer dropped “Dirty Talk,” the scene lost its collective mind. Some didn’t understand the hype behind the offbeat “bleepy bloopy” track, while others embraced it with open arms. This gem of a song fully encompasses the free-spirited and whimsical side of dubstep.

Since its release, the unique artist released two more EPs via Never Say Die’s “Black Label” imprint and multiple singles.

All of these tracks (and many more) are a testament to the diverse, inventive and resilient nature of dubstep community — a silver lining amidst a cloudy sky.

Dubstep’s in good hands, see you in 2021.