Future Bass, a captivating sub-genre of electronic music, emerged around 2006 in various parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, and Australia. Rooted in the broader realm of electronic music, it offers a diverse array of sounds and rhythms brought to life through the creative use of synthesizers.
With its focus on a robust bassline and intricately detuned synthesizers, typically featuring sawtooth waves and square waves, Future Bass stands out for its unique sonic character. This distinctive sound is achieved through techniques like automation or low-frequency oscillation, which manipulate audio filters such as low pass or high pass filters, creating a dynamic interplay of loudness. A notable hallmark of the genre is the inclusion of a shimmering rise, a gradual pitch increase accompanied by arpeggio chords and innovative vocoder usage.
Future Bass finds its origins in genres like trap, juke, and UK garage, which have collectively contributed to shaping its sonic landscape. Additionally, the genre is connected to the post-dubstep movement in the United Kingdom, bridging the gap between these musical realms. Evoking similarities to chiptune and glitch hop, Future Bass continues to evolve and influence the electronic music scene.
The genre's pioneering figures include artists like Flume, whose groundbreaking tracks played a significant role in shaping the genre's early identity. Other notable innovators such as Cashmere Cat, Rustie, and Wave Racer contributed to the genre's growth by pushing sonic boundaries and incorporating new elements.
In more recent times, modern artists like San Holo, Marshmello, and Illenium have continued to expand the horizons of Future Bass, blending it with elements of pop and other electronic sub-genres. These artists have infused their unique styles into the genre, redefining its sound and ensuring its relevance in contemporary electronic music.