Classic wubstep? Sounds like an oximoron.
Many old-timers cringe at the tune of modern electronic music. Many new-timers enjoy electronic music, and claim that it’s the future of music.
The debate over whether or not music is ‘dead’ has been occurring since before any types of music we’re used to listening to today even existed. It can be dated back many years, most notably at the introduction of rock, when old-timers of the day claimed that it was no good for the youth. But the youth of that day embraced rock.
So this debate is nothing new. However, whether or not music is “dead” won’t be discussed here. What will be discussed is a potential music artist from Vancouver, British Columbia. An artist who seems to be a potential candidate in bridging the gap between those who hate electronic music, and those who love it.
His name is Morgan David King, professionally known as MDK.
MDK is a lesser-known artist. If you were to ask an average forty year old who MDK is, they most likely wouldn’t know. Ask a thirty year old, there’s a chance they know. Ask people ages twenty and under, and most likely they’ll know.
So what makes MDK different from the rest? Answer: his style.
MDK combines genres of music from many time periods with electronic music, a form of electronic music commonly known as dubstep. MDK refers to it as ‘wubstep’, which is dubstep with more beat drops, bass and 8-bit elements.
It is this combination of genres that allows MDK’s music to appeal to almost anyone. He utilizes various genres of music in each of his songs, which he mixes with wubstep. In this way, he can make a modern-day creation, like wubstep, into a classic. Gregg Talbot, a professional music analyst and instructor, had a bit to say regarding MDK:
[MDK] is just a unique musician in that he can take a modern-day form of music like dubstep, and incorporate elements of classic music from many different eras into it, and turn it into an entirely new genre. He especially uses elements of rock and roll and house music in [his] works. From this, we can certainly say that MDK’s music could be a genre of its own, a sub-genre, if you will.
A sub-genre of a larger genre or a genre of its own can certainly be said of him.
MDK is not one to leave out modern culture references in his pieces as well. His newest single, X-Buster, incorporates the famous “Somebody Toucha My Spaghet” meme of 2018, so he’s certainly reflecting the times in his music.
Is this good for music? Does it hurt the music industry and professional musicians that solo music makers are hitting it big without contracts or record labels? That remains the opinion of the individual.
One thing is for certain: MDK has left his mark on music, and how we think of music genres will differ when we take into account his unique blend of styles.
Chris is a writer and publisher who travels America, and loves doing it. He also loves pizza, video games, and sports, and can tell you a thing or two about each. Follow him on Medium to be informed of new articles.
