Dub It Up: Field notes from promoting sound system events in Huddersfield from 2018-2020

Activity: Talk or presentation typesOral presentation

Description

This talk focuses on the experiences and observations made whilst establishing a regular night celebrating sound system culture in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK in the two years prior to the global pandemic. As a legacy to the Sound System Culture and Lets Play Vinyl touring exhibitions, Dub It Up was conceived in the autumn of 2018 by myself and Zion Inna-Vision Muzik owner Marshall Harriott. The vision of our venture was to celebrate our culture by showcasing both established and upcoming soundsystems in a supportive and uplifting environment. The first night was held in March 2019 with eight further sessions held over the following year. All events were held at BassMent Studios, Huddersfield.

The first half of this talk is augmented with a collection of images, photographs, videos, and audio recordings that document the nine Dub It Up events we held. As a practicing Music Technologist researcher, I will also consider the various technologies and techniques employed by the soundsystems in realising their desired sonic intention.
The second half of the talk draws on my personal reflections on the relative successes, opportunities, challenges and tensions that presented themselves in the conception and realisation of Dub It Up during this politically and culturally turbulent time. I will discuss a range of emerging themes before considering how we may progress towards sustainability in showcasing our cherished culture moving forward.
Period14 Jul 2021
Event titleSound System Outernational #7 Sound Systems at the Crossroads
Event typeConference
Conference number7
LocationOnlineShow on map
Degree of RecognitionInternational