Dub

Dub is a sub-genre of reggae that emerged in Jamaica in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is known for its emphasis on bass and drum rhythms and the manipulation of sound effects, reverb, and echo. Dub music has been described as a form of musical alchemy, as it takes existing tracks and transforms them into something new and different. In this blog post, we will explore the history of dub music and its impact on the music world. The origins of dub can be traced back to the development of Jamaican sound system culture. Sound systems were mobile DJ systems that would travel around Jamaica playing music for crowds at dance halls, parties, and other events. These sound systems were an essential part of Jamaican culture, and they played a significant role in the development of reggae music as well. In the early days, sound system DJs would often play instrumental versions of popular songs, which allowed them to add their own vocals, sound effects, and chants. This early form of dub - known as instrumental versions - was a starting point for what would later become dub music. The first true dub record was released in 1968 - "Fat Man" by producer King Tubby. King Tubby is often credited with inventing dub music, as his production style was groundbreaking and innovative. He used a mixing console and other effects to create his signature sound, which featured repeated echoes of vocals and instruments. King Tubby's approach to music production laid the foundation for dub music and inspired many others to explore this new style. Dub quickly gained popularity in Jamaica, and by the mid-1970s, it had become a ubiquitous part of the country's music scene. Dub music was especially popular among Rastafarians, who saw it as a form of spiritual expression. Dub music's bass-heavy rhythms and hypnotic instrumentals had a mesmerizing effect on listeners, and it became a staple of sound system culture. Despite its popularity in Jamaica, dub music was largely ignored by the music industry outside of the country. It wasn't until the late 1970s and early 1980s that dub music started to gain international recognition. Bands like The Clash and Public Image Ltd. incorporated dub elements into their music, helping to popularize the genre outside of Jamaica. Dub music's influence can be heard in many contemporary genres, including hip hop, electronic music, and dubstep. The use of bass, drums, and sound effects to create an atmosphere and mood is a fundamental part of dub production and has certainly influenced many modern music producers.

Lee "Scratch" Perry: A true pioneer of dub music, Lee "Scratch" Perry was instrumental in developing the sound of reggae in the 1960s and 70s. His innovative use of studio techniques and effects helped define the genre, and his collaborations with artists like Bob Marley and the Upsetters remain legendary. King Tubby: Often cited as the creator of dub music, King Tubby was a master of sound engineering and was celebrated for his ability to manipulate recordings to create new sonic landscapes. His work with artists like Augustus Pablo and Yabby You helped to define the sound of Jamaican dub in the 1970s. Scientist: Another influential figure in the world of dub, Scientist established himself as a top producer in the 1980s with his signature sound and attention to detail. His many collaborations with artists like the Roots Radics and the High Times Band showcase his skills as a producer, engineer, and innovator. Mad Professor: With a career spanning over 40 years, Mad Professor has become one of the most recognizable names in dub music. Known for his boundary-pushing approach to production, he has worked with an array of artists from across the musical spectrum, including Massive Attack, Sade, and The Orb. Adrian Sherwood: A key figure in the UK dub scene, Adrian Sherwood has been producing and remixing music since the late 1970s. His work with bands like Tackhead and African Head Charge helped to popularize dub music in the UK, and his productions continue to push the boundaries of the genre. Jah Shaka: Considered by many to be one of the most important dub selectors of all time, Jah Shaka is known for his marathon DJ sets and his dedication to dub music. His sound system has been a fixture of the UK dub scene since the 1970s, and he has helped to promote the genre to a wider audience through his performances. Prince Jammy: A student of King Tubby, Prince Jammy became one of the most sought-after producers in the 1980s with his distinctive sound and his collaborations with artists like Black Uhuru and Johnny Osbourne. He later became known as King Jammy and continued to produce groundbreaking music throughout the 1990s and beyond. The Upsetters: Led by Lee "Scratch" Perry, The Upsetters were one of the most important bands of the early dub era. Their recordings showcased the innovative production techniques that would later become synonymous with dub reggae, and their collaborations with Bob Marley and other artists helped to spread the sound around the world. Augustus Pablo: A virtuoso of the melodica, Augustus Pablo was a key figure in the development of dub music in the 1970s. His collaborations with King Tubby and other producers helped to define the sound of the genre, and his solo recordings remain some of the most beloved in the history of reggae music. Horace Andy: One of the most recognizable voices in reggae music, Horace Andy has been an important figure in the genre since the 1970s. Known for his high, ethereal voice, he has collaborated with many of the key figures in roots and dub reggae, and his solo recordings remain some of the most beloved in the genre.

1. King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown – Augustus Pablo 2. Two Sevens Clash – Culture 3. Marcus Garvey – Burning Spear 4. Super Ape – Lee “Scratch” Perry and the Upsetters 5. Heart of the Congos – The Congos 6. Dub Side of the Moon – Easy Star All-Stars 7. Police and Thieves – Junior Murvin 8. Blackboard Jungle Dub – The Upsetters 9. War ina Babylon – Max Romeo and the Upsetters 10. Satta Massagana – The Abyssinians 11. Meets Sly and Robbie – Bunny “Striker” Lee and the Aggrovators 12. Night Nurse – Gregory Isaacs 13. Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires – Scientist 14. Party Time – The Heptones 15. Right Time – The Mighty Diamonds 16. Rockers – Original Soundtrack 17. None Shall Escape the Judgement – Johnny Clarke 18. King In My Empire – Rhythm & Sound 19. Dub Chill Out – Augustus Pablo 20. Dub I – Augustus Pablo 21. Dub Me Crazy!! – Mad Professor 22. Prince Far I and the Arabs – Cry Tuff Dub Encounter Chapter 1 23. King At The Control – King Jammy 24. Meets the Roots Radics – Scientist 25. Uptown Top Ranking – Althea and Donna

Dub has been the subject of several books that have examined the history and evolution of the genre. In "Dub Soundscapes and Shattered Songs in Jamaican Reggae", Michael Veal explains how dub emerged as a radical sonic experiment that helped to create new political, cultural and artistic spaces in postcolonial Jamaica. He argues that dub's fragmentation of the traditional reggae song form, combined with its focus on the "sound" of music rather than the "song," provided a medium for societal critique and dissent. Another notable book is "Bass Culture: When Reggae Was King" by Lloyd Bradley. In this book, Bradley charts the evolution of reggae and dub from its roots in Jamaica to its emergence as a cultural force in Britain in the 1970s. The book explores how dub music was appropriated by British sound systems and became a catalyst for a new urban youth culture, which blended elements of Caribbean and Afro-diasporic cultures with punk, funk and soul. Many notable quotes have been made about dub music. Bob Marley is famously quoted as saying, "Dub is the roots, the rest is the fruits." This quote emphasizes the importance of dub music as the foundation of reggae, and its role in shaping the distinct sound and style of Jamaican music. Another notable quote is from Lee "Scratch" Perry, one of the pioneers of dub music. He once said, "Dub is just a free style, a way to express yourself." This quote speaks to the creative freedom that dub offers, and how it provides a platform for artists to experiment with sound and push the boundaries of traditional music genres. In "Dub: Soundscapes and Shattered Songs in Jamaican Reggae," Michael Veal writes, "Dub is a revolution in sound, a simple idea with vast implications for musical and cultural production." This quote highlights the significance of dub music in challenging the traditional conventions of music and paving the way for new genres that experiment with sound and style.

Politically, Jamaica in the 1960s was a country struggling to find its footing. The island had gained independence from Britain in 1962, but it was still grappling with the challenges of self-rule. The political instability in Jamaica during this time paved the way for social unrest and a wave of crime and violence. The lack of opportunities for young people and the ongoing economic crisis made it challenging for people to make ends meet and caused widespread frustration and despair. It was in this context that Dub emerged in Jamaica. Dub music was the brainchild of sound system operators and engineers who experimented with manipulating existing reggae tracks by isolating individual instrument tracks or vocal samples. This technique was achieved by using techniques such as delays, reverb, and echoing. The result was a stripped-down, bass-heavy version of reggae music that emphasized the drums and bass rhythms. The rise of Dub music was aided by technological advancements in music production. The emergence of the electric guitar and the amplification of instruments played a significant role in the development of Dub music. Also, the increasing availability of recording equipment in the 1970s made it easier for sound system operators to create their own music, without having to go through traditional music labels. The explosion of the Jamaican music industry in the 1970s also played a significant role in the rise of Dub music. Jamaican music was becoming increasingly popular on the global stage, and the emergence of Dub can be seen as a response to the increased demand for new and unique sounds from the country. During this time, notable record labels such as Trojan Records, Island Records, and Greensleeves Records emerged, providing a platform for Dub music to be heard by a wider audience. One of the key figures in the rise of Dub music was King Tubby, a sound system operator and music producer who is credited with inventing the Dub style of music. He took the ideas of others and made them his own, creating the "Dub" sound that would come to define the genre. Other notable figures in Dub include Lee "Scratch" Perry, Scientist, and Augustus Pablo, all of whom were instrumental in the development of the genre.