dub versions

The Dubby-Dub-Dub: A Journey Through the History of Dub

Dub, the sonic offspring of reggae, isn’t just a music genre, it’s an attitude, a sound, a vibe. Born in the studios of Kingston, Jamaica in the 1970s, dub takes the foundation of reggae and turns it on its head, creating a sonic landscape of echoing basslines, hypnotic rhythms, and ethereal vocals.

The Roots of Dub

The pioneers of dub were the sound engineers, the unsung heroes of the music world. They experimented with studio techniques like echo, delay, and reverb, twisting and turning the reggae tracks, stripping them down to their bare bones, and adding a layer of sonic wizardry.

King Tubby, the Dub Wizard

One such pioneer was King Tubby, a legendary sound engineer who became the namesake of the genre. He was known for his innovative use of the “dub plate,” a custom-made record that allowed for unique mixes and effects.

Funny Fact: King Tubby once played a show where his equipment was so old and unreliable that it kept shorting out, leading to the entire audience chanting “Tubby, Tubby, fix the sound!”

Lee “Scratch” Perry, the Mad Scientist of Dub

Lee “Scratch” Perry, another iconic figure in dub, was known for his eccentric personality and groundbreaking experiments. He used a variety of unorthodox techniques, like adding tape loops and manipulating the tape speed, to create his signature dub sounds.

Funny Fact: Perry once claimed to have invented the helicopter, believing it to be a natural extension of his sonic exploration. He also claimed to have been visited by aliens who gave him special powers.

The Rise of Dub’s Influence

From its Jamaican roots, dub spread globally, influencing a wide range of genres from hip-hop and electronic music to rock and jazz. The echo-laden sounds of dub inspired artists like Massive Attack, The Prodigy, and Bjork, showcasing its timeless and adaptable nature.

The Dub Legacy

Today, dub remains a vital force in music, with a dedicated following and a constant evolution. It has become a symbol of cultural and sonic exploration, a testament to the power of creativity and experimentation.

Funny Fact: Dub’s signature sound is so distinct that it has been used in unexpected places, including commercials for coffee and toothpaste!

The Dub Experience:

While dub is a genre with its own distinct history and legacy, it’s more than just a label. It’s an experience, a journey through sound, where the listener is invited to explore the sonic landscape and lose themselves in the rhythms and echoes.

And remember, a little bit of dub can go a long way!