techstep
what it is
Techstep (also referred to as tech and darkstep) is a subgenre of drum and bass that was popular in the late 1990s. It is characterized by a dark, sci-fi mood, near-exclusive use of synthesised 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 techstep a playlist
turn these 27 artists into something you can press play on.
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questions
What is techstep?
Techstep (also referred to as tech and darkstep) is a subgenre of drum and bass that was popular in the late 1990s. It is characterized by a dark, sci-fi mood, near-exclusive use of synthesised 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 techstep albums to start with?
Try In a Far Future by Current Value, Industry by Dom & Roland, Diagnostics by Technical Itch, and Outer Edges by Noisia.
Who are some women making techstep?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/techstep/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making techstep, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20