Say what you will about the emerging electronic music genre dubstep, but you've got to admit that its fast-paced rise to fame proves that it’s both versatile and maybe even catchy.
If you’ve followed any of the latest buzz around the music world, then you’ve definitely heard a song or two from the notoriously prolific genre. But its instant popularity also comes with many skeptics, who bring plenty of negativity to the genre.
“I don’t really get all that hate, to be fair, so I’m quite lucky. The hate I do receive, I just block out,” comments Benga, one of the pioneers and leading producers of dubstep alongside Skream.
Let’s not forget, on the other hand, that dubstep also has a huge cult following, which explains how it has branched out from south London to all corners of the world. This Saturday, 14 January 2012, dubstep finally makes its way to Hong Kong when Skream and Benga perform at our very own Club Fly.
“I guess we’ve always wanted to do a run in this part of Asia, and then the bookings came in. We couldn’t say no!” says Benga. “We’ve played Japan a few times and it’s gone down well. It’s been a long time coming.”
It sure has. Between a tour in North America and a newborn baby for Skream, the duo have released an EP in December and is in the works for a second album for their other electronic music project, Magnetic Man.
“I think there are many reasons [for dubstep’s international success]. One of them is the rise of the Internet and all the social networking sites. Another is because of how ambitious and driven people are in the scene,” says Benga. “People love that we change it up in our sets. We just try to represent what we like and what we think is forward thinking.”
To understand Skream and Benga and what dubstep music actually is, you’ll have to find out for yourself at one of their shows. We bet that if you go in with an open mind and have a listen, you’ll come out of the Skream and Benga show a converted soul. After all, they are known to put on quite a show.
“One time, the crowd in Amsterdam just decided to start running around in circles, which was crazy!” says Benga. Start by listening to their new EP and get hyped for the show:
Catch Skream and Benga this Saturday, 14 January 2012, at club Fly.
Fly, G/F, 24-30 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2810 9902, www.clubfly.com.hk
