The moment the doors swing open, instant bass roars. The room is crammed with dancing bodies and darting laser lights. Old horror movies flash across the television above the bar. The room is filled with 18-year-olds and 20-somethings. It does not matter what they are wearing, even if it’s fuzzy slippers.
People go to hear the bass drop.
Turbo Tuesdays at Fubar in downtown St. Petersburg is a mecca to any dubstep or house music fan.
“Acropolis is out and Fubar is in,” said freshman Nikki Hester.
DJs from all over the area—Spew Hefner, Zaylien and Sirkit—drop by for a few hours to crank out their creations for the massive group. It is a social event for friends to dance and listen to something unique and difficult to replicate.
“We get a fun group to go and it is a great atmosphere when you’re with good company,” said freshman Shannon Fouts.
Dubstep began as a movement in music in South London. The genre is characterized by a techno-like sound, relying heavily on a climatic build up of beats with a sudden drop of bass—like a rollercoaster with a big drop.
Over the past decade, it has slowly leaked into the mainstream through heavy dance beats in pop singers’ recordings, such as Rihanna, Britney Spears and Usher. Dubstep and house producers such as David Guetta and Plastician have remixed tracks to pop music, though trending in Americanized stylings is Skrillex.
“I don’t usually dance in public but I will if I’m with friends. I’ll drop the bass then,” said freshman Stefani Gettle.
Students can get in to Fubar for a cover charge of $2 for 21-and-up and $5 for 18-and-up.
“[We] rage until they kick us out,” said freshman Justin Shafer. “I pretty much feel accepted, as at any dubstep event with the people. As for the music, it’s pretty good. The DJs definitely keep everyone happy.”
Turbo Tuesdays take place every Tuesday at 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Fubar is located at 658 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg.
