An integral part of the music, sound systems are the lifeblood that pushes the vehicle of the music industry. More than just bringing the right vibe to a party, sound systems have propagated the spread of reggae and dancehall music.
By Krista Henry and Kandre McDonaldCoppershot Disco for instance has played across the globe with Sean Paul in places such as Martinique, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Dubai, Canada and more.
"We play everywhere, which is music being spread out all over the place. A lot of sounds play overseas. When you go they want to know what's happening in Jamaica. We introduce them to the latest songs, they wanna know the dances, we introduce them to it," said Coppershot's Matthew Gray.
Clash Recognition
Damion Wong from Irish and Chin, the managers of Mighty Crown and other sound system, that numerous clash sounds travel as well.
"Locally, the only 'jiggy sounds', no disrespect intended, that tour are Stone Love and Swatch International. Only clash sounds really get to tour because of the recognition they get from clashing. Clash sounds travel to places such as Japan, Sweden, France, Australia, New Zealand, Ghana, Italy and lots of other places," Damion said.
Scratchy B from Cash Money claims that their sound system has toured England, Canada and the United States. "We tour for our year to year events and actually have a date every three months at least."
Other than touring, local work helps to push the music farther. There are increasing number of sounds that keep street dances such as Weddy Weddy Wednesday (Stone Love), Passa Passa (Swatch International), Dutty Sundaze among others.
It is often at such dances that the latest songs are played to masses and the dancers create the accompanying moves. This aspect has become so important that according to Gray, Coppershot was approached by the World Cup Cricket team to play at a dance in Trench Town so that tourists can come to taste Jamaican music.
Music production companies
Many sounds have even turned to opening their own music production companies. Gray says; "...a lot of sounds are building studios now, finding new artistes. Its easier for artistes to get 'buss' on a sound system than on radio." Damion agrees claiming "sound systems help to build the local music business because they are a medium through which artistes can really express themselves.
Most radio stations dilute the music they play and that dampens the vibes. Plus, there is also the other side to it where sound systems get the songs first and buss them before they start playing on radio. Sound systems are basically music ambassadors."
Scratchy B who has 'bussed' many artistes on their mixed CDs says "sound play a big thing when it come to bussing artiste because without the sound you won't hear about nuff artistes. Sound and mix CDs really buss the majority of artistes even before the radio stations. Sound systems play a very vital role."
But despite their efforts and importance to the industry, sound systems most often are not as recognised as the artistes who are at the forefront, but as the selectors say 'its just a part of the business'.
