We have begun building a sound system some months ago. It has been a long time ambition of ours and we felt that it's the only way to take things to the next level. Both musically and also in terms of reducing our dependence on venues and sponsors. Below is what we have managed so far. Kick bass is ready and below that the boxes for the scoops. We have bought the drivers and need to fit them in and paint the speakers. There is a long way to go still. We need to buy high power amps and very importantly a vehicle to store the sound and transport it across country. So far we've been spending our own resources on this but have decided to launch a crowd funding campaign in order to raise remaining funds. Link below
Understanding that music should not just be heard, but physically felt — that's why you never forget your first reggae sound system experience. Taru Dalmia (AKA Delhi Sultanate) aims to bring this unique phenomenon to various cities and villages in India with a mobile, Jamaican-style sound system consisting of powerful, hand-built speaker stacks with an emphasis on the bass.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/let-s-build-india-s-first-reggae-sound-system
“A system has to allow you to feel the music. It should embrace you, engulf you, make you feel warm.”
—Ras Kayleb, Channel One, UK
So what exactly is a Sound System?
A worldwide phenomenon today, the sound system concept traces its roots back to the ghettos of Kingston, Jamaica, in the 1950’s, when DJs would load up a truck with a generator, turntables, and huge speakers and set up street parties for the community. They’d often be playing music that would not be played on the radio, and sound system culture quickly became an integral part of Reggae music.“Back in the day in Jamaica, poor people didn’t have a TV or a radio, so the sound systems brought the news to the district,” Ras Kayleb from Channel One explained in a recent interview. “It was the same for our communities in the UK; in the ‘70s, we never knew what was going on in Jamaica.”
It became a means to relay news, understand the hardships and suffering of those in Jamaica and to learn about Rastafari. As he aptly put it, “The music is a great teacher.”
Sound systems also enabled the music to be played outside of clubs and commercial venues — in parks, community centres and wedding halls — going on to become an important part of community life.
Why India Needs A Reggae Sound System
Roots or Rasta sessions can be uplifting, almost spiritual, experiences, that are not meant to take place in clubs only; we need sound systems in India in order to represent this wonderful culture in the right way. Delhi Sultanate has been working hard to establish a Jamaica-India connection, and to create awareness and appreciation for Reggae music in the country. He explains. “I feel that independent music culture has suffered not from a dearth of talent in the country, but mainly two things —the scarcity of venues where non-commercial music is played, and secondly, the dependence on sponsors.”
While music has the ability to bring people of different backgrounds together, the fact remains that India is a very socially segregated country; and not everyone can afford to frequent exclusive venues like clubs.
Several communities or student organisations would be very keen to host music events, but haven’t always been able to shoulder the high production cost involved in putting together such events.
Having a sound system could really change this and make it much more inclusive.
Where We Are Currently At
The scoops and kick bass speakers have been built at personal cost, with Delhi Sultanate investing INR 5 lac (US$ 7500) from his end. While the sound speakers are built and painted by hand, for amps and pre-amps, the idea is to source only the best components.
The Breakdown: How You Can Join The Journey
We need the equipment to be able to withstand rugged touring, and also re-produce the sound optimally, to make sure we give people the real, amazing experience of a Jamaican sound system. The down payment has been made for a top-of-the-line preamp, and we have zeroed in on what it is exactly that we need.
We’ve chosen to go with Labgruppen for amplifiers, for their reliability and excellence in sound. Here’s what your contribution will be going toward on top priority: LabGruppen FP14000 : INR 3.6 lac (+ taxes) / US$ 5500
Labgruppen FP10000Q: INR 3.7 lac (+taxes) / US$ 5600
LabGruppen C10:4x : INR 1.3 lac (+taxes) / US$ 2000
Jo Red (Switzerland) Standard Pre Amp: INR 1.6 lac / US $ 2400
Any additional funds will be put towards a car (A FORCE delivery Van 7.7 L — US$11000) to store (as well as hit the road) with the sound system, as well as other requirements like speaker paint and cables.
Over to you, massive
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/let-s-build-india-s-first-reggae-sound-system#/
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