“Dubstep” just may be one of the most misunderstood words of the 21st century. The meaning of the label is so confused that today, even fans of the genre qualify their tastes with sub-categorizations. But before there was “riddim”, or “brostep”, or “tearout”, dubstep was simply dubstep. Music and culture have changed immeasurably since 2011. Many artists sold out to commercial interests, or abandoned the styles they once loved. Still, five years after his first releases, today P0gman unquestionably continues to make dubstep.
Hailing from the UK, P0gman is an icon of the aggressive styles of dubstep that initially fascinated American audiences and now spark its stateside revival. He isn’t only a master of the genre’s most energetic, adrenaline-inducing personality: he helped to shape it. Equally suited for partying and punching holes in walls, the infectious quality of P0gman’s sound is evidenced by the slew of young artists who emulate and imitate it. The heavy aesthetic continues to gain momentum (despite the popular insistence that “dubstep is dead”), but creativity can’t be copied. P0gman’s signature is the now-pervasive low end wobble that defines the dubstep genre in the minds of many fans. Spoken out loud, his name is even reminiscent of the sound.
P0gman’s connection to classic dubstep styles is obvious in his older productions. His collaborations with Boy Kid Cloud are staples for any fans of the style now known as “riddim”. Among his earliest SoundCloud uploads is a track with Doctor: “Tearing The World Apart” makes undeniable sense of the aggressive sound’s contagious appeal to fans of deep end dubstep, and for newer initiates exploring the genre, it may also work the other way around. For proof of P0gman’s dedication to preserving and refining the style he loves, his recent track with Killa P, “Panty A Drop”, packs similarly explosive vibes while showcasing his progression as a producer. His most recent release, the ZERO EP, is met with enthusiastic reception from new fans and original followers alike. As an artist, his style evolves along with the genre and its listeners. He neither piggybacks off the success of his past productions, nor compromises the integrity of his sound. In a time when popularity is transient and trend dependent, it is no surprise that P0gman maintains an ever-growing loyal fan base.
Thanks to the relentless “riddim” movement, dubstep in America is facing a second resurgence. Eager to capitalize on the opportunity, many artists inevitably succumb to the soul-sucking kiss of commercial interest. But the explosion is led by artists like P0gman, who prove that the true essence of dubstep will always prevail. In his upcoming US tour, P0gman promises to energize stateside dance floors with low end passion. For tour information, click here. Follow P0gman on SoundCloud for more from the artist.
Amye Koziel