Some software synthesizers are designed for creating dance and rhythm loops--repeating series of bass and drum lines.

CNN: Create your own music on the Mac

With a reputation as Britain's finest superclub, Fabric boasts three rooms of dance music, with top resident DJs and unrivalled, bass-heavy sound systems.

CNN: London: Where to be seen

Olympia opens with "You Can Dance, " a sinuous, throbbing track propelled by three bass players, Flea among them, and slashing guitars.

NPR: First Listen: Bryan Ferry, 'Olympia'

The missing ingredient turned out to be sub-bass: The lowest frequencies audible to the human ear, used extensively by dance acts to give their rhythm tracks an added wallop.

BBC: Sound of 2013: Haim

Parents are unlikely to hit the dance floor for three hours while d.j.s from England play a mixture of dubstep and vintage drum bass.

NEWYORKER: On The Floor