darkstep
what it is
Darkstep (also referred to as tech and techstep) is a subgenre of drum and bass that emerged in the mid 1990s. It is characterized by a dark, sci-fi mood, near-exclusive use of synthesized or sampled sound sources, influences from industrial and techno music, and what some writers have described as a "clinical" sound. Although described as having a "techy" feel, techstep's relationship with techno should not be overstated.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make darkstep a playlist
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questions
What is darkstep?
Darkstep (also referred to as tech and techstep) is a subgenre of drum and bass that emerged in the mid 1990s. It is characterized by a dark, sci-fi mood, near-exclusive use of synthesized or sampled sound sources, influences from industrial and techno music, and what some writers have described as a "clinical" sound. Although described as having a "techy" feel, techstep's relationship with techno should not be overstated.
What are good darkstep albums to start with?
Try Back to the Machine by Current Value, If You're Into It I'm Out of It by Christoph De Babalon, rituals by goreshit, and The Tide / Concussion by Noisia.
Who are some women making darkstep?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/darkstep/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making darkstep, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-19