Understanding that music should not just be heard, but
physically felt — that's why you never forget your first reggae sound system
experience. Taru Dalmia (AKA Delhi Sultanate) aims to bring this unique phenomenon to various cities and villages in India with a mobile, Jamaican-style sound system consisting of powerful, hand-built speaker stacks with an emphasis on the bass.
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“A system has to allow you to feel the music. It should
embrace you, engulf you, make you feel warm.”
—Ras Kayleb, Channel One, UK
So what exactly is a Sound System?
A worldwide phenomenon today, the sound system concept traces its roots back to the ghettos of Kingston, Jamaica, in the 1950’s, when DJs would load
up a truck with a generator, turntables, and huge speakers and set up street
parties for the community. They’d often be playing music that would not be
played on the radio, and sound system culture quickly became an integral part
of Reggae music.
“Back in the day in Jamaica, poor people didn’t have a TV or
a radio, so the sound systems brought the news to the district,” Ras Kayleb
from Channel One explained in a recent interview. “It was the same for our
communities in the UK; in the ‘70s, we never knew what was going on in
Jamaica.”
It became a means to relay news, understand the hardships
and suffering of those in Jamaica and to learn about Rastafari. As he aptly put it, “The music is a great teacher.”
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Sound systems also enabled the music to be played outside of
clubs and commercial venues — in parks, community centres and wedding halls — going on to become an important part of community life.
Why India Needs A Reggae Sound System
Roots or Rasta sessions can be uplifting, almost spiritual, experiences, that are not meant to take place in clubs only; we need sound systems in India in order to represent this wonderful culture in the
right way. Delhi Sultanate has been working hard to establish a Jamaica-India
connection, and to create awareness and appreciation for Reggae music in the
country. He explains. “I feel that independent music culture has suffered not
from a dearth of talent in the country, but mainly two things —the scarcity of
venues where non-commercial music is played, and secondly, the dependence on
sponsors.”
While music has the ability to bring people of different
backgrounds together, the fact remains that India is a very socially segregated
country; and not everyone can afford to frequent exclusive venues like clubs.
Several communities or student organisations would be
very keen to host music events, but haven’t always been able to shoulder the
high production cost involved in putting together such events.
Having a sound system could really change this and make it
much more inclusive.
Where We Are Currently At
The scoops and kick bass speakers have been built at
personal cost, with Delhi Sultanate investing INR 5 lac (US$ 7500) from his end. While the sound speakers are built and painted by hand,
for amps and pre-amps, the idea is to source only the best components.
The Breakdown: How You Can Join The Journey
We need the equipment to be able to withstand rugged
touring, and also re-produce the sound optimally, to make sure we give people
the real, amazing experience of a Jamaican sound system. The down payment has
been made for a top-of-the-line preamp, and we have zeroed in on what it is
exactly that we need.
We’ve chosen to go with Labgruppen for amplifiers, for their
reliability and excellence in sound. Here’s what your contribution will be
going toward on top priority:
- LabGruppen FP14000 : INR 3.6 lac (+ taxes) / US$ 5500
- Labgruppen FP10000Q: INR 3.7 lac (+taxes) / US$ 5600
- LabGruppen C10:4x : INR 1.3 lac (+taxes) / US$ 2000
-
Jo Red (Switzerland) Standard Pre Amp: INR 1.6 lac / US $
2400
Any additional funds will be put towards a car (A FORCE delivery Van 7.7 L — US$11000) to store (as well as hit the road) with the sound system, as well as other requirements like speaker paint and
cables.
Over to you, massive.
Thank you for taking an interest in our campaign. We hope
you’ll be able to support our sound system venture by contributing to this
exciting opportunity, and also by spreading the word online. Don’t forget to check out the special perks we’ve got in store for our backers!
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The Team Behind The Sound System
Taru Dalmia (AKA Delhi Sultanate) is the lead singer of India's first ska, reggae
and rocksteady band The Ska Vengers. He is also the founder of the not-for-profit organization Word Sound Power, that creates films and musical collaborations
around issues of social justice in India.
Samara Chopra (AKA Begum X) is the lead singer of award winning band The Ska Vengers and performs solo as Begum X. She is also a trained Yoga therapist. All graphics for the #LetsBuildaSoundSystem campaign have been designed by Begum X.
Sohail Arora (AKA bass music DJ
EZ Riser) is the founder of alternative booking agency
KRUNK, and India's only festival dedicated to bass-heavy genres
Bass Camp Festival.
Rahul Mangal is the artist manager for King Jassim, Sahaj and Bass Foundation Roots (Delhi Sultanate and Begum X). With his roots in Monkey Radio India and Bass Sanskriti, Hyderabad, he is the co-promoter for Sound System en Masse, India's 1st and only community Reggae festival along with Dakta Dub. He also handles India tours of international artists ( Nuphlo, Diana king).