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‘Soundsystem' is the traditional medium through which reggae music is presented. It refers to not only the machine itself with its speaker stacks and equipment, but also to the crew where each member plays a role. Often the sound system is custom built, giving each individual ‘sound’ its own unique character. The concept dates back to the late 1950’s in the ghettos of Kingston, Jamaica, from where it was brought to the UK and other countries by the Caribbean migrants. Communities developed around their local soundsystems and each would have its own loyal following rather like Sunday league football clubs. The dances were crucial in lifting the spirits of the migrants, helping them to forget their hardships - something that reggae and soundsystem culture now does worldwide, regardless of nationality. As music constantly evolves, soundsystem is the foundation that resonates through many sub-genres of modern progressive music we know today.
HEARTICAL HI POWA
The project began in 2002, shortly after Stryka D arrived from the UK and figured that Melbourne needed a purpose built sound system to help promote the culture. The plans were laid out and the construction of what was to be Melbourne’s first reggae and dub orientated sound system soon began.
Once the sound was complete and eventually a suitable venue was found, the Heartical family formed Dub Club Melbourne to present their flagship event - Basement Sessions, demonstrating how a music culture that began in Jamaica over 50 years ago has now gone outernational and reached Australia.
When Heartical Hi Powa plays in session the sound system becomes the instrument, played live by the operator. Tracks are often versioned by live dub mixing and sound shaping through a custom built pre-amp mixer, while deep infectious selection from extensive record collections and exclusive dubplates are forwarded. Often special guest artists are showcased and many top names in the business have featured on the sound. The sound system has been built to particular specifications giving the audience an unique sonic experience. Our policy is to play uplifting forward thinking music, for the young, old, dread or bald. Now based in Byron and with over a decade of holding dances, Heartical Hi Powa continues to play for the people with correct weight and treble.
Once the sound was complete and eventually a suitable venue was found, the Heartical family formed Dub Club Melbourne to present their flagship event - Basement Sessions, demonstrating how a music culture that began in Jamaica over 50 years ago has now gone outernational and reached Australia.
When Heartical Hi Powa plays in session the sound system becomes the instrument, played live by the operator. Tracks are often versioned by live dub mixing and sound shaping through a custom built pre-amp mixer, while deep infectious selection from extensive record collections and exclusive dubplates are forwarded. Often special guest artists are showcased and many top names in the business have featured on the sound. The sound system has been built to particular specifications giving the audience an unique sonic experience. Our policy is to play uplifting forward thinking music, for the young, old, dread or bald. Now based in Byron and with over a decade of holding dances, Heartical Hi Powa continues to play for the people with correct weight and treble.
STRYKA D
Stryka D was born Derek Marr and raised on the outskirts of Liverpool UK. His interests in music lead him to discover Toxteth Community Radio, a pirate station that broadcasted from the mid to late 80’s. Around this time a friend introduced him to veteran reggae singer Roy Cousins (The Royals) who ran Cousins Cove record shop. Along with tuning in to TCR most nights and regular visits to the shop, a deep love for reggae was ignited. After seeing the mighty Jah Shaka in session and attending London’s Notting Hill Carnival he was enlightened to the soundsystem culture of black Britain. Later he would DJ at the Zanzibar Club, Liverpool before migrating to Australia in 2001. In 2003 he began to present his own radio program Break The Chain which broadcasted for over 12 years on Melbourne’s highly regarded station PBSFM. Stryka D has played at countless music events and festivals and has become internationally recognised as one of most prolific figures within the Australian reggae community.
