Dub music may have started as a niche genre, but its ripples have reached far beyond the shores of Jamaica, where it was born. From the echo-laden tracks of 1970s reggae music legends to the bass-heavy production of today’s electronic dance music, dub has left its mark on a wide array of popular music.

Artists like The Clash and Massive Attack have dipped into the dub pool, creating music that has long resonated with audiences worldwide, yet somehow, dub itself remains a genre that still flies under the radar for many.

Despite its decades of influence, dub music continues to be a sound that’s both ubiquitous and elusive. In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the history, influence, and icons of the dub music scene. By the end, you’ll see why dub deserves a lot more than just a nod of appreciation. And who knows? You might even find yourself dropping a dub-inspired beat in your next track!

What Is Dub Music?

Dub music, often referred to as "dub reggae," was born out of the instrumental versions of Jamaican reggae songs in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It all started with the simple yet brilliant (and accidental) idea of stripping down reggae songs to their bare bones - removing the lead vocals while sometimes keeping the backing vocals - creating a space where the rhythm, or "riddim," took center stage.

These early dub tracks were all about the drum and bass, the heartbeat of reggae music, laid bare for all to hear.

The name "dub" comes from " dubplates, " which were acetate records used by sound system operators to test out new mixes or play exclusive tracks. The term "dub" itself became synonymous with remixing and altering these instrumental versions, adding layers of effects like reverb, echo, and delay.

Essentially, the producer became the artist, remixing and reshaping the music in real time, turning the mixing board into an instrument of its own.

In its early days, dub music was raw and organic. Producers would use the studio as their creative playgrounds. But as technology advanced, so did dub music. Drum machines and samplers eventually made their way into the mix, pushing the genre into new territories.

Today, dub music has evolved almost into an electronic music genre of its own, influencing everything from hip-hop to EDM. Yet, at its core, dub remains true to its roots - a celebration of rhythm, experimentation, and the power of the bass!

A History of Dub Music

"On the Beach"

The birth of dub music is one of those happy accidents that forever changed the course of music history.

It was 1968 in Jamaica, and the air was filled with the sounds of reggae music. Sound system producer Rudolph "Ruddy" Redwood had just commissioned Treasure Isle studio to press a recording of the hit single "On the Beach" by the Paragons.

However, a small slip-up by Byron Smith, the studio's engineer, led to something magical.

Smith accidentally pressed a copy of the track without the vocals - just the instrumental. Instead of scrapping the "mistake," Redwood decided to roll with it, spinning the vocal-free version at one of his sound system parties.

The response was electric .

The crowd loved the stripped-down, rhythm-driven sound, and the instrumental version quickly became a massive hit. What made it so special? For one, it gave more space for the music to breathe, and it also opened up opportunities for something called "toasting," where DJs would talk, chant, or sing over the riddim. This was an early precursor to what we now recognize as modern rap and hip-hop.

The King Tubby Sound

The accidental birth of dub music eventually caught the attention of one of its most influential pioneers, Osbourne "King Tubby" Ruddock . A sound engineer with a keen ear for innovation, King Tubby saw the potential to take the idea of instrumental reggae tracks to the next level. Inspired by the many possibilities, Tubby developed his own dub formula, which was all about deconstruction and reconstruction.

He would take the original reggae tracks and strip them down to their core elements - primarily the drum and bass, known as the "riddim." He then layered the tracks with a mix of echo, reverb, and delay. Vocals were often reduced to fragments, echoes of the original, while other instruments would drop in and out of the mix, creating an immersive listening experience.

This innovative approach to music production soon spread like wildfire, and dub music quickly evolved from a sound system phenomenon to a recording studio staple. Before long, dub albums started appearing on record store shelves, introducing the world to a new, experimental side of reggae.

Dubbing the Mainstream

During the 1960s and 1970s, Jamaica's music scene was booming with mainstream hits that came from ska, rocksteady, and reggae. These genres pretty much dominated the airwaves and dance halls. But while these tracks were lighting up the charts, something revolutionary was brewing on the B-sides.

Sound systems, always on the hunt for something new and exciting, began experimenting with the flipsides of these popular records. Instead of simply pressing the original tracks, they started creating dub versions of the A-sides, stripping away the vocals and playing with the instrumental elements.

These dub versions gave a new life to mainstream hits.

For example, "King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown" was the dub version of "Baby I Love You So" by Jacob Miller, becoming one of the most famous dub versions of an A-side.

Dub Experts Come on the Scene

By the early 1970s, dub music had become a full-fledged movement. Several pioneering producers stepped onto the scene, each bringing their own flavor to the evolving genre. Names like Lee "Scratch" Perry, King Tubby, Augustus Pablo, and Errol Thompson began to echo through the streets of Kingston as these visionaries carved out their place as the true proprietors of dub.

One such contributor to the dub revolution was Derrick Harriott, a producer who brought his own unique touch to the genre.

Harriott became known for his inventive use of sound effects, adding elements like sirens, thunderclaps, and even snippets of dialogue to his dubs. These effects added layers of atmosphere and drama to the music, making each track feel like a living, breathing entity.

Creating the British Dub Scene

As Jamaican immigrants settled in the UK during the 1970s and 1980s, they brought with them the sounds of reggae and dub music. This cultural exchange sparked the creation of a distinct British dub scene.

Pioneering artists like Dennis Bovell, Mad Professor, and Jah Shaka played a crucial role in shaping this movement, infusing the thumping basslines and hypnotic rhythms of Jamaican dub with their own unique British flavor.

Dennis Bovell, known as the "Godfather of UK Dub," was instrumental in bringing dub to the British masses. His work with bands like Matumbi helped bridge the gap between reggae, dub, and the emerging punk scene.

Similarly, Mad Professor became famous for his experimental approach, blending traditional dub elements with electronic sounds to create a futuristic, spacey vibe that resonated with the youth of the era. Jah Shaka championed the spiritual side of dub, using his music to promote messages of peace, love, and resistance.

These British dub pioneers also inspired a wave of crossover bands that incorporated dub into their own sound, helping to bring it to an even wider audience.

Bands like The Police, The Clash, and UB40 began to experiment with dub's deep rhythms and echoing effects, blending them with punk, rock, and new wave. The Clash's iconic album Sandinista! and The Police’s track “Walking on the Moon” both showcase how dub influenced mainstream British music.

The British dub scene not only gave a platform to Jamaican sounds but also expanded the reach of dub music.

Dub Goes Electronic

By the early 1980s, the evolution of dub music took an exciting turn as electronic remixes started to emerge. Producers began experimenting with synthesizers, drum machines, and digital sound effects, pushing the boundaries of dub's signature sound. This era gave birth to a fusion of dub with electronic music, creating a whole new spectrum of subgenres that continue to influence the music world today.

As dub embraced the digital age, several electronic forms of dub emerged:

• Dubstep : Many modern dubstep fans aren't aware that the genre originated in the UK in the late 1990s. At first, dubstep took the deep bass and reverb-heavy elements of dub and merged them with a darker, more aggressive sound. Pioneering artists like Skream , Benga , and Burial helped define this genre, which quickly gained popularity in underground clubs and later exploded onto the global music scene.
• Dubtronica : With the atmospheric qualities of dub and electronic drums, dubtronica became a space for experimentation. Artists like Thievery Corporation and Ott are known for their work in this genre.
• Dub Techno : Dub techno takes the minimalism of techno and infuses it with the deep, echoing qualities of dub. Artists like Basic Channel and Deepchord pioneered this genre.
• Psydub : A fusion of dub and psychedelic music, psydub offers a trippy, mind-bending listening experience. Shpongle and Younger Brother are key figures in the psydub scene.
• Trip-Hop : Trip-hop blends dub with hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music, creating a genre that’s both chill and edgy. Massive Attack , Portishead , and Tricky are some of the most iconic artists that rose out of the 90s trip-hop scene.

As time went on, the overlap between dub and dancehall also became more pronounced, particularly as dancehall began to incorporate electronic elements in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Artists like King Jammy were instrumental in this fusion, and later on, artists like Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton would further blur the lines, using dub-inspired production techniques to create dancehall hits.

Reggae vs. Dub

Reggae and dub are pretty closely related genres, so it's no surprise that many people speak about them interchangeably. For starters, both are rooted in the rich musical traditions of Jamaica.

However, while they share many similarities, there are some key differences that set them apart. Here’s a breakdown of the main distinctions between reggae and dub:

• Structure :
  • Reggae : Typically features structured song formats with verses, choruses, and often strong vocal melodies.
  • Dub : Primarily instrumental, with a focus on remixing and manipulating the original track's elements, often removing or minimizing vocals.
• Instrumentation :
  • Reggae : Relies on a full band setup, including guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and horns, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and melody.
  • Dub : Focuses heavily on the bass and drums (the "riddim"), often stripping away other instruments or using them sparingly with added effects.
• Production Techniques :
  • Reggae : Recorded and produced with minimal sound effects, focusing on a natural, live-band sound.
  • Dub : Known for its experimental use of studio effects like reverb, echo, and delay, creating a more spacious, otherworldly sound.
• Vocal Presence :
  • Reggae : Vocals are central, delivering the song’s message, often with themes of love, social justice, and spirituality.
  • Dub : Vocals, if present, are usually fragmented, echoed, or remixed, becoming part of the overall texture rather than the focal point.
• Purpose :
  • Reggae : Aimed at delivering a cohesive song experience with a clear narrative or message.
  • Dub : Often serves as a remix or reinterpretation of reggae music, focusing on mood, rhythm, and sonic experimentation.
• Cultural Impact :
  • Reggae : Widely recognized for its influence on global music, particularly in spreading Jamaican culture and messages of peace and unity.
  • Dub : Influential in shaping the sound of modern electronic music, from hip-hop to EDM, and known for its role in remix culture.

While dub and reggae music share a common origin, their differences lie in their approach to actually making the music.

Iconic Dub Artists

King Tubby

King Tubby, born Osbourne Ruddock, is often hailed as the "father of dub."

As a pioneering sound engineer, Tubby revolutionized music production by turning the mixing board into an instrument. His groundbreaking work involved stripping down reggae tracks to their cores and adding innovative sound effects like echo, reverb, and delay.

Tracks like King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown featuring Augustus Pablo showcase his signature style. Tubby's influence is immense, and in just about every way, he laid the foundation for modern remix culture and electronic music.

Lee Scratch Perry

Lee "Scratch" Perry, also known as "The Upsetter," is another one of dub’s most eccentric and influential figures. A producer, mixer, and artist, Perry's work in the Black Ark Studio in Jamaica produced some of the most groundbreaking dub tracks of all time.

He was a master of using unconventional sounds, like breaking glass or animal noises, layered with heavy reverb and delay to create out-of-this-world soundscapes. Perry's collaborations with artists like Bob Marley and The Wailers, as well as his own albums, helped to push the boundaries of what dub could be, making him an icon of the genre.

Augustus Pablo

Augustus Pablo, born Horace Swaby, is best known for his masterful use of the melodica, an instrument he popularized in reggae and dub music. His signature sound, which you could describe as haunting, ethereal, and melodic, with deep, echoing basslines, became a hallmark of the dub genre.

Pablo's collaborations with King Tubby resulted in some of the most iconic dub albums, including King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown . His ability to blend traditional Jamaican music with experimental dub elements helped solidify his place as one of the genre’s most innovative and enduring artists.

Mad Professor

Mad Professor, born Neil Fraser, is a key figure in the evolution of dub, particularly in the UK. Known for his futuristic approach to the genre, Mad Professor embraced the digital side of things, pushing dub into newer electronic territories.

His Dub Me Crazy series showcased his innovative use of synths, samplers, and drum machines, blending traditional dub techniques with what was then cutting-edge production. Mad Professor’s collabs with a wide range of artists, including Massive Attack on their No Protection album, helped to bring dub to a broader audience.

Scientist

Scientist, born Hopeton Overton Brown, was a protégé of King Tubby and became known for his playful approach to dub. Starting as an apprentice at Tubby's studio, Scientist quickly developed his own style, characterized by heavy bass, unique echo effects, and intricate sound manipulation. Albums like Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires and Scientist Wins the World Cup are often celebrated for their imaginative titles and pioneering production techniques.

Scientist's ability to create vivid, almost cinematic soundscapes made him one of the most iconic and beloved figures in the dub scene.

Top 5 Dub Mixing Tips

Dub is a unique art form. In many ways, the "mixing console" is the most important instrument.

Of course, in the early days of dub, pioneers like King Tubby and Lee "Scratch" Perry turned the studio into their instruments. Today, while computers have changed the way we create dub, the essence of the craft remains the same.

Here are a few tips to help you master the art of dub mixing on a modern setup:

1. Take a Manual Approach

When it comes to mixing dub, there’s something uniquely powerful about using your hands. While digital tools offer precision, the tactile form of expression that comes from physically interacting with your equipment is irreplaceable.

In dub, your hands should act as an extension of your creative instincts.

The manual approach to mixing allows you to connect with the music on a deeper level. Whether you're pushing faders or twisting knobs on a console, the physical act of manipulating sound in real time brings a level of spontaneity and intuition that's at the heart of dub. When you physically engage with your mixing console or gear, you respond to the music in the moment, making decisions based on feel rather than theory.

In short, dub should always be an instinctual process.

2. Setting Up Your Dub Session Template

When it comes to mixing dub, preparation is key.

Whether you’re working with outboard racks or in-the-box with a DAW, having your session template set up with ready-to-rock aux sends can save you time and help you stay in the creative flow. Here’s a breakdown of some must-have aux sends and effects you should include in your setup:

• Mono Spring Reverb : You can use a classic spring reverb to add a gritty, analog warmth to your mix. Ideal for sending snare hits or vocal snippets to create that authentic, old-school dub vibe. The mono setup helps keep the effect tight and focused. If you're using hardware, a Fender '63 Reverb Unit is a good choice. If you're working in the box, check out the AKG BX 20 from UAD.
• Digital Stereo Reverb : A digital stereo reverb gives you a broader stereo sound. Send your guitars, horns, or even full drum kits through it to create a lush atmosphere. This effect works well for adding depth to your mix, making it feel more spacious. The Lexicon PCM 92 is ideal for expansive reverb on the hardware side of things, but if you're looking for software, Valhalla VintageVerb is a go-to.
• Long-Building Dub Echo (Mono or Stereo) : This is a dub essential. Set up a delay with a long feedback loop, allowing it to build and evolve over time. Use it in mono for a more direct, focused sound, or in stereo for a wider, more immersive effect. Perfect for letting a guitar riff or vocal line trail off into infinity, creating that classic dub space. The Roland RE-201 Space Echo is the most obvious choice, though for greater flexibility, I recommend Soundtoys EchoBoy .
• Phaser : A phaser is great for adding movement and texture to a mix. You can send your hi-hats, synths, or even entire drum loops through a phaser to create a swirling, hypnotic effect. As a guitarist, the Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Phaser is one of my favorites for hardware. However, if you want to go the software route, check out Soundtoys Phasemistress .

3. Creating Long Dub Echo Delays

One of the signature techniques in dub music is creating those deep, evolving echo delays that seem to stretch out into infinity. At the heart of this sound is a simple yet powerful trick: sending the delay back to itself. This method, often called "feedback looping," is a cornerstone of dub production.

To achieve this effect, you’ll want to route the output of your delay unit back into its input.

Here’s how it works: when the delay signal is fed back into itself, it creates a loop that causes the echoes to build and evolve over time, growing more intense with each repetition. This feedback loop can be adjusted to control how long the echoes last and how they interact with the rest of your mix.

I recommend using analog delays, as the natural imperfections and quirks of the hardware add to the magic. Analog units, like the Roland Space Echo or the classic tape delays, often introduce subtle variations in pitch, timing, and tone as the echoes repeat, giving your dub tracks that warm, gritty character.

Because the rates on these delays aren't perfectly timed, your choices are based on feel rather than strict rules. As you manipulate the feedback and delay times, you’re responding to the music in real time.

One of the most effective ways to create cool dub echoes is by turning the delay rate from very fast to very slow. Start with a rapid, tight delay to create a sense of urgency, then gradually slow it down to stretch out the echoes, creating a vast, spacious soundscape.

4. Accentuate the Drums

In dub music, the drums are everything.

To make your drums stand out, you’ll want to get creative with effects and processing. One way to do this is by sending specific drum elements to auxes loaded with phasers, spring reverbs, or delays, which can add depth, movement, and atmosphere.

For example, try sending your snare drum to an aux with a classic mono spring reverb, or send your hi-hats or percussion to a phaser on an aux track.

In addition to creative effects, getting the right punch and presence in your drums is key. Compressors like the DBX-160 are fantastic for this purpose. Set a medium attack and a fast release to let the initial transients through, then dial in the compression to taste. This will give your drums that signature snap and punch that cuts through the mix.

Final Thoughts

Dub music is more than just a genre. Born out of the rich traditions of Jamaican music, it has evolved from its roots into a dynamic, ever-expanding art form. The history of dub is long and deep. From reggae music pressed into instrumental tracks and instrumental reggae music remixed into modern dance music, dub music is still evolving as we know it.

Hopefully, this little dub music guide has given you a better appreciation of the genre and inspired you to make it on your own!