DARKSTEP Records is a Netlabel founded in 1999.
What is Darkstep?
Darkstep is a subgenre of drum and bass that fuses elements of darkcore with uptempo breakbeats and ambient noises (similar to those characteristic of neurofunk). Darkstep music is typically composed in a chromatic scale. The amen break, the firefight break, and other breakbeat samples feature prominently. Darkstep comes from techstep. Whereas neurofunk (which also come from techstep) relies on science fiction soundscape and really clean production, darkstep bring back elements of darkcore like horror movie soundtrack or vocal snippets, overdistorted techstep bassline and industrial soundscape. The rhythms are usually more complex and heavy than in neurofunk. Quite often the snare is metallic and ringing, creating a dissonant feel.
Ceremony put it best:
“It must have 2 step Amen plus reese combo, horror movie samples on top and a scary name. Or you’re banned.”
History
In 1999, hosted on Hyperreal.org, a new mailing list was formed, the DSL (DarkStepList). The archives for this mailing are still available at Hyperreal Darkstep Archives. Shortly thereafter, organized by Joe Pitassi and Robert Skinner (of Black Monolith) the first CD release was made available, consisting of artists on the DSL. (DSL1.0).
DSL1.0 was a mix compiled of list and non-list artists apart of Darkstep.org and other underground Producers supporting Industrial; Darkstep, Minimal, Broken Beat, IDM, Glitch, and Jungle. Originally released on CD in 2001, this was re-released in digital format March 2007. Limited edition of 100 copies.
In 2001, Darkstep.org was taken over by EDGEY, and the mailing list was retired and replaced by a website forum, and shortly thereafter plans were put in motion to re-release the original CD release as a digital download, along with plans to turn darkstep.org into a full netlabel with the intention to promote artists focusing on dark drumnbass, jungle, breakcore, wreckstep, deathstep, skullstep and all other forms of drum n bass with a harder darker edge.
Since that time, 27 digital releases have been distributed.
Links:
http://www.discogs.com/label/darkstep.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darkstep
http://music.hyperreal.org/lists/darkstep/archives
Release Inquires
If you are interested in becoming an artist on Darkstep.org, please contact us. If we choose to release your music, you retain all rights to your original music; to upload, share and sell as you see fit. Our goal is to promote artists.