Skream's "Midnight Request Line" is widely regarded as arguably the first significant crossover track in the dubstep genre.
The Emergence of Dubstep's Melodic Sound
While pinpointing a single song that definitively "started" the entire dubstep genre is complex, Skream's "Midnight Request Line" played a pivotal role in its early development and broader recognition. Released in 2005, this track was instrumental in introducing a more melodic sound to the genre. Before this, dubstep often leaned towards darker, more aggressive sonic landscapes. "Midnight Request Line" combined deep, resonant basslines with evocative, intricate melodies, which helped to expand dubstep's appeal beyond its underground origins and laid foundational groundwork for its future evolution.
Skream's Impact and Mainstream Ascension
Skream, a highly influential figure in the formative years of dubstep, is recognized as one of the "grandfathers of the genre." His impact extended significantly beyond "Midnight Request Line." Another key contribution to the genre's mainstream breakthrough was his 2009 remix of La Roux's "In For the Kill." This remix gained widespread popularity, effectively bringing dubstep to a larger, global audience and solidifying Skream's legacy as a crucial innovator in the genre's journey from niche to mainstream phenomenon.
