The article “Sonic dominance and the reggae sound system session” by Julian Henriques was chosen for this discussion. The article discusses the cultural significance of sound systems in the reggae music scene and how they influence the audience’s musical experience. This article’s primary keywords are #soundsystem, #reggae, and #culture. The author, Julian Henriques, begins by outlining the background history of sound systems in Jamaica and how they came to play a significant part in the reggae music scene. He points out that large mobile discos, known as sound systems, were first employed in Jamaica in the 1950s and 1960s to provide music for dances and street parties (Henriques 455-456).
Still, over time, they evolved into significant cultural institutions and became crucial components in the creation of reggae music. He explains that sound systems serve as more than just a means of playing music; they also help the audience members feel connected and at home. He adds that using sound systems has played a significant role in the global diffusion of reggae music (Henriques 453).
Henriques also discusses how the connection to one’s culture, history, and community is made possible by sound systems as an expression of cultural identity (Henriques 465). He points out that sound systems are a significant component of Jamaican culture and have been crucial in defining Jamaican identity. Additionally, the author explores the technical details of sound systems and how they are applied to produce a particular auditory experience. He discusses how sound systems create a sense of sonic dominance. That is, the idea that one sound system is superior to or more potent than another—and how they are made to produce a particular sound (Henriques 465). Additionally, he discusses how, depending on the situation, sound systems can evoke feelings of closeness or distance.
The music video for Peach Pit’s song “Techno Show” is a relevant media nugget. The topic of sound system culture and its impact on the neighborhood is explored in this video. The band is seen in the video playing in front of a sizable sound system as a crowd of people dance and enjoy themselves. It also demonstrates how the band interacts with the audience and how listening to music fosters a sense of community. The argument made in the article is supported by the video, which emphasizes the value of sound system culture in fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Work Cited
Henriques, Julian. “Sonic dominance and the reggae sound system session,” in The Auditory Culture Reader, edited by Michael Bull (London: Routledge, 2003), 451-80. Web.