dubsetters

A Dubwise History: From Roots to Riddims

The history of dub is a journey through sonic experimentation, cultural evolution, and a whole lot of bass. It’s a story that starts in Jamaica, where the sounds of ska and reggae provided the fertile ground for dub’s unique blossoming.

From Echo Chambers to Cultural Icons:

It all began with the simple act of echoing. Jamaican producers, seeking to create a more spacious, atmospheric sound, started playing around with tape delays. This simple technique, applied to reggae tracks, became the foundation of dub, transforming music into an expansive, reverberating experience.

Early Pioneers: The King, The Emperor, and the Rebel:

King Tubby, often considered the “father of dub,” used his ingenuity to create groundbreaking effects. He’d often add sound effects, like sirens and horns, to his dub mixes, giving them a psychedelic edge.

Lee “Scratch” Perry, known for his eccentric personality and revolutionary approach, took dub to new heights. He pushed the boundaries of sound, experimenting with distortion, echo, and reverb, creating a genre that was both hypnotic and groundbreaking.

Scientist, the “dub technician”, was another pivotal figure. His focus on precise, meticulous mixing and mastering techniques resulted in some of the most intricate and expansive dub tracks ever made.

From Jamaica to the World:

The influence of dub spread beyond Jamaica, inspiring artists and producers worldwide. In the UK, artists like The Slits, The Clash, and The Orb embraced dub’s sonic possibilities. In the US, The Wailers and Bob Marley continued to push the boundaries of dub, creating international stars and inspiring generations of musicians.

The Rise of Dubstep:

Dub’s influence extended beyond reggae. The heavy basslines and reverberating echoes of dub found a new home in the emerging genre of dubstep. This subgenre, with its focus on deep, pulsating bass and complex rhythmic patterns, proved that dub’s legacy was far from over.

Fun Facts & Legends:

• Lee “Scratch” Perry once claimed to have a secret “dub laboratory” in his studio, where he’d conduct experiments with sound.
• King Tubby reportedly used to sleep in his studio, so he could wake up in the middle of the night and continue mixing.
• Scientist, known for his meticulous mixing, was said to have used an actual scientific device called a “phase shifter” to create his unique sounds.

Dub, with its roots in innovation and experimentation, continues to inspire and influence music today. From the echoing landscapes of early dub to the complex rhythms of dubstep, the journey of dub is a testament to the power of sound and the boundless creativity of music.