dub music
music genre originating from Jamaica
Dub music wraps you in a rich, spacious soundscape where rhythm reigns supreme. It’s a world of deep bass lines and echoing effects that invites listeners to drift and sway. The atmosphere is both hypnotic and immersive, often punctuated by distant, reverb-heavy vocals and snippets of melodies that float in and out like wisps of smoke. There’s a playfulness to the genre as producers experiment with layers, creating tracks that feel alive and ever-changing.
Emerging from the heart of Jamaica in the late 1960s, dub music was a revolutionary response to traditional reggae's structure. Pioneered by innovators like King Tubby and Lee “Scratch” Perry, it transformed existing reggae tracks into experimental sound collages, stripping away vocals and emphasizing instrumental components. This sonic deconstruction became a crucial part of the reggae movement, allowing tracks like Tubby’s "King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown" to showcase new production techniques and inspire countless artists. The genre peaked in the 1970s but continued to evolve, influencing various styles around the globe.
For those curious about diving into dub’s expansive waters, start with King Tubby's "The Roots of Dub." It perfectly encapsulates the genre's essence through its dynamic use of space and sound manipulation. Next, give Lee “Scratch” Perry’s "Super Ape" a listen; it’s an adventurous ride brimming with eclectic layers. Don’t miss Scientist's "Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires," which showcases his groundbreaking studio skills. Lastly, check out The Upsetters’ "The Good, The Bad And The Upsetters" for a taste of instrumental creativity. Once you’ve explored these gems, consider venturing into related genres like reggae or even ambient music for deeper inspiration.
154 artists in the catalog.
Guides for dub music artists
Top dub music albums
See essentials
All dub music artists
Maxi Priest
dancehall, lovers rock
Fishmans
dream pop, neo-psychedelia
Muslimgauze
ambient dub, ambient techno
Kevin Martin
De Facto
Fat Freddy's Drop
Txarango
cumbia, pop music
Horace Andy
downtempo, reggae
Miri Yusif
hip-hop, jazz
Max Romeo
reggae
Big Youth
reggae
El Guincho
Afrobeat, electronic music
Toshinori Kondo
jazz
Prince Far I
reggae
Scorn
ambient music, illbient
LSP
brostep, drum and bass
About dub music
What is dub music?
music genre originating from Jamaica
Where should I start with dub music?
Start with "Deconstruction: The Celluloid Recordings" by Bill Laswell. It captures what makes dub music worth exploring.
What are the best dub music albums?
The dub music albums worth hearing first: "Deconstruction: The Celluloid Recordings" by Bill Laswell, "Bass & Drums" by Bill Laswell, "Subsonic 2: Bass Terror" by Bill Laswell, "Mysteries of Creation" by Bill Laswell and "The Redesign" by Bill Laswell.
How many dub music artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 154 dub music artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.