NEWS
EVENTS
An Interview with Channel One Soundsystem
Other | Sunday 26th October 2014 |
Channel One are one of the longest-running, most well-known and best-loved soundsystems out there right now. It's been 30 years since Mikey Dread and Jah T first started playing at free parties in their local east London, but since then they have played all around the globe, including Wembley Stadium. They're practically an institution at not only Carnival but also at Outlook festival. With 67.5k likes on Facebook (and counting), we were thrilled to be able to talk to them about how they've kept the party going for three decades!
Ok so starting from the bottom - what exactly is a Soundsystem and why are they so popular?
A reggae soundsystem is built from scratch, it represents a culture of black music. Reggae soundsystems were specifically built to play dubplates and new releases, from Jamaica to the public, how they are meant to be heard, rather than through a disco PA. They are so popular because of the sound that they produce and the culture that they represent.
Why did you decide to start Channel One?
Sound system has always been in the family. Pops had it back in the day, in the name of Admiral Bailey Sound. Channel One was the natural progression. I used to cut dubs from the Channel One studio on Maxwell Avenue in Jamaica. It was my favourite studio of the time.
It’s been 30 years of Channel One Soundsystem now which is incredible! What’s your secret?
Dedication and lots of motivation! What motivates me is being able to play and spread the word in different places all over the world. Different places, different countries and different crowds. Introducing them all to roots reggae music.
What influenced your decision to stick to vinyls?
It’s the sound. I like the analogue sound. It is how reggae is supposed to sound. It gives it the right feel.
So you were the first reggae soundsystem to play at Wembley Arena. How did you go about playing at such an enormous venue?
We worked with Noise Control Audio to get the right sound. We concentrated on bringing the best line up. We brought in Luciano from Jamaica and then different artists from all over the UK. We showed Wembley Arena what reggae music is all about and stuck firmly to our roots.
You’re basically a Notting Hill institution now. What’s your favourite thing about Carnival? Are there any years which stand out as favourites?
My favourite thing is seeing the massive crowd at Channel One, from all over the world. People that we visit in their home countries throughout the year, that we then see again at Carnival listening to Channel One. This year 2014 has to be one of the favourites. We fought Westminster Council for our place there and the whole reggae world came out to support. The Sunday of this year, 2014 felt like a big celebration for everything we’d worked for.
Out of all the fantastic parties you played this summer, do you have any standout moments?
One of the best parties has to be playing on our boat party at Outlook Festival in Croatia. Out on the Adriatic sea, with 200 people, great weather and nice vibes.
What’s your favourite record right now to really set a party on fire?
At the moment it’s Africa Dance by Daweh Congo
You travel the world playing at all sorts of events. Where’s the craziest place you’ve ever played?
Coro Gold Festival in New Zealand. We played just before Fat Freddy’s Drop. It felt as if people hadn’t heard roots music before. Everyone came onto the stage to hear something new. All of Fat Freddy’s even all of the security guards were on stage dancing.
You're soon to be playing at City Splash Festival. What can you tell us about this event?
We’re looking forward to it. It’s at the Roundhouse in Camden. We’ll be taking the sound system and playing alongside Jah Youth. We’re also running a masterclass where we can educate young people about sound systems. Also looking forward to seeing Richie Spice.
What have you got lined up in the future that you’re especially looking forward to?
We’re looking forward to our mini tour of Central America in November, we’re visiting Mexico for the first time and going back to Colombia as well to do a few dates.
Final question… if you were a cocktail, what would you be?
Haha! It would have to be a classic rum punch, with Wray and Nephews of course!
