Wednesday, February 9, 2011

The Early Days Of Jamaican Sound Systems

By Ricky Joyner


Audio techniques began at the end of forties to beginning nineteen fifties as considerably of an underground movement. It all started shortly immediately after World War II, once Jamaicans commenced purchasing radios in increasing numbers. These folks were able to use the radios to tune into the American navy broadcast, and hear rhythm and blues music from the states. That provided increase to an inflow of American R&B songs in Jamaica.

In order to meet the demand for this music, a number of entrepreneurs formed the first sound systems. These sound systems were much more basic than the modern ones. They usually consisted of a turntable, a modest amplifier and pr -amp, and the largest speakers they could find. They would gather up all of their equipment and set up at parties and other live events. At first, sound systems would play the R&B music from America, but over time local music took over. Sound systems became more popular, and more in demand, than live musicians. The sound systems basically functioned as the radio station for the people of Jamaica. They provided the people with the latest music on the scene. Eventually, the equipment used by sound systems got much better, and more importantly, much louder. A sound system is usually comprised of Disc Jockeys, Engineers, and MCs, typically playing dancehall reggae, rocksteady, ska, dub, reggae fusion, and other Jamaican music genres.

Over time, as the scene evolved, competition between different sound systems became intense. Events called sound clashes were held, where different sound systems would compete for the crowd's support. These sound clashes are usually held either outdoors or in dance halls. Commonly featuring reggae dancehall music, these sound systems try to beat or "kill" their competition by getting a better response from the crowd. To get the crowd's approval, the sound systems usually play exclusive tracks, or dub plate specials. The main element that determines a sound system's popularity is having new and exclusive songs.

Recordings of the competitions, called sound clash tapes, have helped globalize these sound clashes, and has spread reggae dancehall music all around the world. The sound system scene, and sound clash tapes are an important part of Jamaican cultural history and have been a catalyst in the rise in popularity of many Jamaican musical genres.

One of the a lot typical genres associated with Jamaican acoustic techniques, is reggae dancehall. In 1980, reggae dancehall music received acceptance and unfold to clubs across America, and the world. Dancehall has come beneath some criticism for the vulgar, or "slack" lyrics of some reggae dancehall songs, as well as the generally lovemaking character of dancehall culture. But most new music specialists see slackness as a true and related expression of which is fundamentally an oppressed culture. A lot of who go to dancehall occasions and participate in dancehall culture, uncover it liberating.

Sound systems possess had a key position in the evolution of Jamaican tunes. With out them, quite a few genres of Jamaican music may not possess gotten the exposure which sound methods offered them. When it comes to exclusive new music, it would be challenging to top auditory clashes, and thank you to acoustic conflict tapes, the new music can be shared across the world.




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