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We talk sound system culture and Seasplash Festival with Nucleus Roots
Reggae | Monday 18th May 2015 | Christina
Nucleus Roots, who are at the forefront of Manchester’s reggae scene, have been playing, recording and releasing quality roots music for two decades. They have been endorsed by leading sound systems including Iration Steppas, Aba-Shanti-I and Jah Shaka, and have collaborated with renowned reggae acts like Mykal Rose, Ossie Gad, Zion Train, Simon Dan and Twinkle Brothers. Frontman Paul Lush took some time out to talk about the evolution of Nucleus Roots, sound system culture and Seasplash Festival.
How’s life treating you?
Life is fine, can’t grumble!
Where did Nucleus Roots come from?
Nucleus Roots formed after the breakup of my other band Community Charge, around 1995. I started working with Peter Technical and developed relationships with local Manchester reggae artists.
How important has your relationship with Iration Steppas been over the years?
Very important - Mark Iration and I have been good friends for over ten years now. He was one of the first sound systems to endorse Nucleus Roots music and still plays our tunes and specials to this day.
You hail from Manchester, why do you think the city produces so much great music across a range of genres?
Manchester is a very diverse city with a vibrant nightlife and talented people. Historically Manchester has produced some of the Britain’s most memorable music. Maybe it’s something in the water?
How much has Manchester influenced your music? Is there a place in the city that is particularly special for you?
I was born and bred in Manchester but I wouldn’t say the city itself was a massive influence. I do, however, have fond memories of my first gigs at The Band On The Wall. Music in general influences me, not just reggae – I was originally a punk. Coming from a working class background there was not much opportunity to travel abroad when I was young, but music has enabled me to travel and discover a more interesting and diverse world.
Sound system culture is really booming in the UK at the moment, why do you think that is?
I think it’s popular at the moment because I feel there is a bit of a void in the music industry after drum & bass and dubstep, so this next generation of bass culture youth have found a sound they can identify with, as all youth cultures do, although I fear it’s not as spiritual as it once was. Remember, sound system culture has been around for decades and will probably be here for generations to come. Reggae & roots music is not for the swift, but for those that can endure.
How do you go about finding and choosing the talent that appears on your albums? You’ve collaborated with so many great people!
Generally, artists tend to choose me as they like Nucleus Roots productions. I prefer to write in a traditional style, developing ideas with real instruments - as you can hear from my back catalogue – and sculpt the music around the artists, giving a broader range to the styles of reggae I produce.
For those out there who may want to learn more about you, which of your tracks would you direct them to first?
Good question. I would probably direct them to the track ‘Irie Meditation’ from the 2002 Universal Love album. It’s an anthem for Nucleus Roots and I think it captures our essential sound.
You’re playing at Seasplash in Croatia this summer, are you looking forward to it?
I’m most definitely looking forward to playing this summer. Nucleus Roots featured at Seasplash some years back and I thoroughly enjoyed the vibes! It’s very down to earth festival in a great location.
Who else of the performers are you excited to catch?
I’m looking forward to catching up with a load of mates who are also playing, such as Conscious Youth, Warrior Charge Sound, Jah Free and just to catch up in general with anything new from around the world.
What other festivals do you have scheduled this year?
One Love Festival in the UK and Laba Daba Festival in Latvia.
Where would be your dream place to play?
Reggae Sun Splash Jamaica!
What other projects do you have in the pipeline? Any new music on the cards?
My latest 7” vinyl has just gone in to production, which is a very exciting project with Mykal Rose and is due for release late autumn, and I am working on a digital download album which will be released over the summer.
What are you listening to right now?
Some classical guitar - Francisco Tarrega played by Julian Bream. Also the new release from Dub Iration (Mexico).
What’s the first record you bought?
Never Mind The Bollocks by the Sex Pistols - showing my age a bit!
If you could fill a swimming pool with anything, what would it be and why?
Peace, Love & Unity to the world.
Follow Nucleus Roots on Twitter and Facebook. Seasplash Festival, Croatia takes place 16th - 19th July. Follow Seasplash on Twitter and head to the website for all the info.
