UBUR

UBUR (born Ben Smetana) is a prominent figure in the post-2014 wave of American dubstep and riddim. Emerging from the Southern California bass scene, his sound identity is characterized by 'tearout' aggression and intricate, metallic sound design.

His career trajectory saw a rapid ascent through key affiliations with Subtronics and the now-legendary Never Say Die Records, positioning him at the center of the 'riddim' explosion. His work is technically defined by high-frequency FM synthesis 'screeches' and a signature rhythmic bounce that bridges the gap between traditional dubstep and the more repetitive, flow-heavy riddim subgenre. Critically, he is respected for his ability to maintain high production clarity despite extreme distortion and compression. Within the bass music community, he is viewed as a reliable purveyor of 'heavy' sets, often collaborating with peers like SVDDEN DEATH and Ray Volpe to push the boundaries of sonic intensity. His discography reflects a shift from early experimental bass toward a more polished, festival-ready sound that remains a staple of modern dubstep curation.