natural high dubs

The Natural High: A Dubby Journey Through Sound

Dub music, that lush, echoing landscape of sound, has always been about more than just the music itself. It’s a philosophy, a cultural statement, and a journey into the depths of sonic experimentation. And while some dub producers found their high in the smoky haze of a Jamaican dancehall, others took a different path – the natural high.

These dub pioneers explored the psychedelic, the ethereal, and the cosmic, creating soundscapes that echoed not the urban jungle, but the vastness of the universe. Think Pink Floyd‘s soaring space epics, Tangerine Dream‘s hypnotic synth journeys, and Brian Eno‘s ambient dreamscapes. They weren’t just making music; they were creating sonic tapestries that could transport you to another world, another dimension.

One of the key ingredients in this natural high was the use of tape manipulation. Dub producers would use tape loops, echo chambers, and other analog tricks to create swirling, ethereal textures. It was a time when experimentation was king, and sonic exploration was paramount.

And the funny facts? Let’s just say these pioneers were a little… eccentric.

• Brian Eno once famously declared that he didn’t even like music! He saw sound as a tool for creating atmosphere and mood, rather than a traditional form of musical expression.
• Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters was known for his intense dedication to sound effects. One story goes that he spent weeks trying to create the sound of a falling rock for their song “Echoes.”
• Tangerine Dream were so dedicated to their sound that they once built a special recording studio in the middle of the woods to escape the distractions of the city.

These natural high dub artists didn’t follow the same path as their dancehall counterparts. They weren’t interested in the immediate gratification of a dancefloor, but in the long, winding journey of sonic exploration. They weren’t just making music; they were creating a universe of sound.

So, next time you listen to some ambient dub, remember the pioneers who paved the way. Remember their eccentricities, their dedication, and their love for pushing the boundaries of sound. And remember that sometimes, the best high is the one you find in the music itself.