chillstep

Chillstep is a subgenre of electronic music that blends the heavy, bass-driven textures of dubstep with the relaxed, melodic, and atmospheric sensibilities of chillout and ambient music. It emphasizes mood and texture over aggressive rhythms.

Tracks typically feature soft, rounded basslines, airy pads, melodic leads, and spacey reverbs. Drums are often subdued and presented in a half-time feel, creating a slower, contemplative groove despite tempos that commonly sit around 140 BPM. Vocal samples, if present, are usually ethereal or processed, contributing to an ambient atmosphere.

Emerging in the early to mid-2010s within the broader dubstep and chillout scenes, chillstep grew through online communities, labels, and mix compilations that highlighted melodic, downtempo tracks. It is sometimes described as a bridge between chillout and dubstep, or as a softer strand of melodic dubstep.

Not all producers and listeners agree on the term; some prefer melodic dubstep or downtempo dubstep to describe similar sounds. The style has influenced video game and multimedia soundtracks and has been featured on streaming playlists and mix series.

Notable artists associated with chillstep include Blackmill, Synkro, and Stumbleine, among others, who have contributed tracks that epitomize its breathy, melodic, and cinematic aesthetic.

Related genres include dubstep, chillout, ambient, and melodic dubstep.