| Wonky | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | IDM, Glitch hop, Hip hop, Crunk, Dubstep, Grime, Chiptune, G-funk, Electro, Breakbeat, Broken beat, Skweee, Psychedelic music, Noise music, Chopped and screwed, Witch house |
| Cultural origins | Late 2000s, USA, UK |
| Typical instruments | Music sequencer - Personal computer |
| Mainstream popularity | Underground |
| Regional scenes | |
| Street bass - Aquacrunk - Purple sound- Skweee | |
Wonky (also known as Street bass, Aquacrunk or Purple sound) is an often debated term used to describe a tendency to use mid-range unstable synths, complex and unusual time signatures that appeared before summer 2008, among a range of musical genres, including hip hop (particularly glitch hop), IDM, grime, chiptune, dubstep, 90's g-funk, crunk, electro, skweee, breaks & broken beat .[1]
In 2002, American producer Rodney Jerkins preceded wonky with the R&B song “What About Us” , written for American singer-songwriter Brandy. In 1997 Brookly-Based MC Sensational included the first wonky beat. Then, on Feb 1, 2004, American artist Jneiro Jarel released "Get Yuh Own" and "N.A.S.A" on Kindred Spirits/Label Who. Jneiro Jarel could be considered one of the pioneers of the wonky rhythm aesthetic. A few years later, wonky developed in various places around the world simultaneously. Starkey is one of the main proponents of the wonky sound. The American wonky sound has also been dubbed "street bass".[2]
On the other side of the Atlantic, Glasgow in Scotland could be considered one of the birthplaces of the sound - with the Glasgow wonky sound also being dubbed 'aquacrunk', a term originating from Glaswegian wonky musician Rustie. Glasgow night Numbers, local record shop Rub-a-dub, labels like Wireblock,[3] Stuff and Dress 2 Sweat are associated with the aquacrunk/wonky sound in Glasgow.[4][5]
Though wonky music is united by the tendency to use unstable mid-range synths and unstable time signatures, every wonky music scene has its own specific traits in sound. The American wonky 'street bass' scene is influenced by broken beat and jazz music and the music itself has organic feeling,[6] while the Glasgow aquacrunk and Bristol purple sound scenes are influenced by the sound of crunk music and instrumental grime/dubstep,[7] respectively. Aquacrunk is also characterised by the slow rhythm, basslines, that are described as 'morphing', and the use of synths.[8]