flingstep

Flingstep is a term used in online music discourse to describe a niche style within electronic dance music that blends bass-heavy dubstep with swung, groove-oriented percussion akin to UK garage and breakbeat. The label is not standardized, and tracks described as flingstep can vary in sound, but they often prioritize a strong, growling bass presence alongside rhythmic complexity.

Origins and usage of the term are informal, arising in online forums, blogs, and self-released tracks on platforms such as SoundCloud in the 2010s. Because there is no formal governing body or universal definition, the label is applied inconsistently, with some listeners using flingstep to denote a specific mood or groove rather than a fixed set of sonic rules.

Musical characteristics commonly associated with flingstep include heavy sub-bass, half-time or swung drum patterns, rapid hi-hats, and glitchy or stuttering percussion. Tracks labeled as flingstep may feature aggressive or playful basslines, impact-heavy drops, and a general emphasis on groove and movement. The tempo is often within the broader bass music range, roughly around 120–140 BPM, though variations occur.

Relation to other genres is fluid; flingstep sits alongside dubstep, breakbeat, trap, and other bass-centric styles. Because the term lacks formal recognition, a significant portion of tracks described as flingstep are marketed under broader genres or left as ambiguous subgenre labels in discographies and streaming playlists.

See also: dubstep, breakbeat, UK garage, bass music.