Genre Analysis - Future Bass

Well... So much for posting more often Levels... I know, I know, its been a while but yes I am back with yet another Genre Analysis blog for you guys! This time, unlike my last genre analysis blog, we're going to be taking a look at a completely polar opposite genre and one I am also very fond of - Future Bass!

So, what is future bass?

Funnily enough, Future Bass is actually a sub genre of trap, which is a sub genre of the overall electronic genre! Unlike the grimey feel of trap, Future Bass has a very 'vibey' feel and unique sound, giving its listeners heavy emotional sensations. If any of you read my last genre analysis blog on Bass House you would know the distinction between it and other house genres given by its lack of chords and melodies and its large variety in sound design. The same rules apply here for Future Bass and Trap but in reverse. Unlike Trap, Future Bass is actually a rather restricted genre in terms of sound design and production, there are very specific techniques to it and if they aren't applied correctly, the sound is lost immediately. Unlike trap and even Bass House, this genre is closed inside the walls of chords and melodies, but with that being said, without them we wouldn't have this beautiful sound. An example of one of these tracks can be found below.

Illenium - Needed You (feat. Dia Frampton) (posted by MrSuicideSheep on September 26th 2017)

As you can hear, its a very synth layer based genre, leaning mainly towards the saw wave side of things. You also would've noticed that there were vocals and vocal chops laced throughout the track, this is a very prominent trait in future bass tracks as they aren't just tracks, they're songs.

The Structure of Future Bass

This is the part where every lover of electronic music gets confused between trap and future bass as they have almost the exact same beat, structure and speed (70 - 150 approx). However, even given their similar structures, these genre's couldn't be any more different. Future bass in particular is very focused on the vocals and delivering an emotional story throughout the song, especially in the drop section. Given the style and feel, it is very safe to assume that organic instruments such as piano and guitar (electric and acoustic) are commonly included. In terms of composition, generally chords within the minor scale are used as they give off those 'sad' and/or 'happy and vibey' feels. As far as drums go, it's usually your standard kick, snare, hi hat (especially) and other percussion on the occasion. However, what separates Future Bass from the norm is that foley is included. Sounds such as breathing, gasping, laughter and other bodily movements/sounds are placed throughout the tracks to give them a heavily organic feel and can also be beneficial towards adding suspense and tension where necessary.

Synthesis

As I mentioned earlier, in terms of synthesis this genre is heavily saw wave based. These waves are put through a variety of different effects and filters to create unique, individual layers which then result in the overall sound. Ironically, given the very emotional and almost chill (depending on the song) feel, the synths actually hit just about as hard as Dubstep does! This is a result of the ridiculous amount of layers it takes to form such sounds. However, the more layers one has the more separation it requires to control them all. The trick to having a really tight and danceable future bass track is making sure everything is in line and under control so frequencies don't clash and wind up a big mess (Strogin, 2017). Before anyone asks, yes, this is done on purpose as it creates a massive emphasis on the feel and vibe and story of the songs. Below I have listed both a tutorial on how to create and layer future bass synths and an example of a song where both future bass and dubstep meet in the same track!

How To Layer Synths Like Illenium / ODESZA / Porter Robinson (Serum Tutorial) - Posted by SynthHacker on July 17th 2017

EXAMPLE SONG - FUTURE BASS & DUBSTEP (listen for comparison in strength)

Illenium & Excision - Gold (Stupid Love) feat. Shallows (posted by UKF Dubstep on July 17th 2018)

To finish up

Overall, Future Bass is also one of my favourite genres as I've always been a softy for emotional and vibe style music. The fact that it has a sound that is only unique to the genre is unreal, not to mention that genuine lyrics, organic instruments and even foley can be applied to such electronic songs just amazes me. I look forward to learning how to produce Future Bass songs in the future as my music will most likely adapt to being a balance between the filth of Bass House and the smooth rides of Future Bass. Not both at once though because I don't see how that sounding good is possible, or maybe... Guys I just had an idea! Time to hit the studio again, until next time!

Levels :)

Works Cited:

- MrSuicideSheep, 2017, 'Illenium - Needed You (feat. Dia Frampton)', Last Date Viewed: 11/8/18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96lCUfORlOo

- SynthHacker, 2017, 'How To Layer Synths Like Illenium / ODESZA / Porter Robinson (Serum Tutorial)', Last Date Viewed: 11/8/18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlLCnbt61Hk&t=2s

- UKF Dubstep, 2018, 'Excision & Illenium - Gold (Stupid Love) (ft. Shallows)', Last Date Viewed: 11/8/18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcuMd_N7mmA

- Strogin, D, 2017, '10 Essential Tips for Producing Future Bass', Last Date Viewed: 11/8/18

https://theproaudiofiles.com/producing-future-bass/