Genre-Defining Sound
#FutureBass documents the electronic music subgenre that dominated 2012-2017, characterized by pitched vocal chops, lush synth chords, vibrant melodies, and emotional drops that bridged trap, chillwave, and pop.
Origins & Pioneers
The genre emerged from UK producers Rustie (Glass Swords, 2011) and Hudson Mohawke, then exploded through Australian producer Flume (Flume, 2012) and American RL Grime (High Beams EP, 2013).
Key early tracks:
- Flume - “Sleepless” (feat. Jezzabell Doran, 2012)
- Rustie - “After Light” (2011)
- What So Not - “Jaguar” (2013)
- Lido - “Money” (2014)
Mainstream Crossover (2014-2016)
The Chainsmokers’ “#Selfie” (2014) and “Roses” (2015) brought future bass to Top 40 radio. San Holo’s “Light” (2016) defined the “kawaii future bass” aesthetic with anime visuals and emotional buildups.
Louis The Child, Jai Wolf, and Kasbo refined the sound into festival-friendly anthems, while Odesza’s In Return (2014) elevated it to arena-level production.
Sound Characteristics
- Vocal chops: Pitched, chopped vocals creating melodic hooks
- Synth chords: Lush, supersawed harmonic progressions
- Emotional drops: Melodic instead of aggressive bass
- Tempo: 130-160 BPM (faster than dubstep, slower than house)
- Aesthetic: Anime, pastel colors, emotional/nostalgic themes
Decline & Legacy
By 2017, oversaturation led to “future bass fatigue.” The genre splintered into melodic dubstep (Illenium, Seven Lions), trap (RL Grime), and experimental bass (Flume’s Skin, 2016).
However, its influence persists in modern pop production (Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish) and festival mainstays (ODESZA, San Holo).
Cultural Impact
- SoundCloud era: Defined 2012-2016 SoundCloud aesthetic
- Festival takeover: Every major festival 2014-2017 featured future bass sets
- Pop production: Influenced Top 40 vocal production techniques
- Anime connection: Popularized Japanese visual aesthetics in EDM
Key Artists
Flume, ODESZA, San Holo, Louis The Child, Jai Wolf, Kasbo, Lido, Mura Masa, What So Not, RL Grime, Ekali, Medasin, Rustie, Hudson Mohawke