NEW SOUNDS FROM THE DUBROOM STUDIO AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

NEW SOUNDS FROM THE DUBROOM STUDIO AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
DUBROOM IN-SITE #32

WWW, June 2014 - The last months, the Dubroom has been the scene of more activity than the last two years combined. It all started with a complete website renovation about which we reported in the previous Dubroom In-Site, and continued as the sound from the Dubroom Studio and Net Label also went through quite an update. In the same time, users of Studio Dubroom have seen how significant additions provided them with a lot of new info and soundware. This edition of Dubroom In-Site not only sums it up, but also reveals a little bit concerning exiting new music which Jah Willing be released later in this year. Reasons enough to take a sip and read on...

Sometimes, it is good to take a little bit of rest. The Dubroom started back in 1997 and developed but during the first part of 2014 and some years before that, yours truly had absolutely no energy to continue in the same way. The sound that was developed around 2006, was worn out to say the least. Five albums and well over thirty EP's/Singles, altogether about 130 different mixes, the last one released in this year, 2014. In another update you can already read a little bit about it, but this edition of Dubroom In-Site gives a bigger picture.

Most self-respecting artists and producers will have a sense of unsatisfaction concerning material they have (seen) released in the past. It's called healthy criticism or continual insight, whatever. Usually, such a sense leads to some kind of development but it can take time, sometimes years before anything is actually achieved. 

Even though it can take years, an improvement can be done in a short time. Just compare "Dub the Wicked" (MP3) with "Imperial Dubwise" (MP3), the first one released in April and the second in May of this year 2014. The difference is hopefully noticeable, and is not just the result of some financial investments in licenses and hardware. Not just the result of a sense of responsibility and dignity when it comes to using the obtained material. It has to do with inspiration as well, something that is very hard to define. Call it the X-Factor. Personally, I Messian Dread prefer to say the JAH Factor but that will be no surprise for anyone even remotely familiar with I (works).

Now, these past few months it's not just the Dubroom Website where a lot of things are going on. The very same, well, to be quite frankly even more can be said about the Dubroom Studio. Thus far, only a couple of tracks have been released but much more is produced, just not released. A sneak preview is given in......

CLICK HERE TO READ FURTHER

STEPPIN' ROOTS WITH DON GOLIATH

STEPPIN' ROOTS WITH DON GOLIATH
DUBROOM ARTIST REVIEW AND INTERVIEW

WWW, June 2014 - Do not call it Dub Step, don't even call it "Dub Steppish", and especially not when the term sounds like a cuss to you. Call it Roots Step, for that is the name of the unique sound captured in no less than twenty-four chapters of the "Rootsstep To The World" series released by Don Goliath from his Berlin-based studio. With the help of elders like U Roy, Trinity and many others, his "Rootsstep Division Recordings" label is ready to bring the Roots Vibration to a brand new generation. Are we? Time for an in-depth listen and talk with the don himself.

Dubstep. Just saying the word can get you into a long discussion or even debate. Every one has an opinion, every two disagree about everything two can possibly disagree over. And, as with all Dub/Reggae derivates, it can be kind of really difficult to discover any Roots. Dubstep. Not really something to check and not really something to disagree over, either. It's just not relevant. 

Or is it?

Apparently it is. We have Mad Professor's Ariwa Sound releasing "Roots of Dubstep", an obvious description of (DUB) Reggae. An obvious statement as well from someone who actually stood at the roots of UK DUB. 

And now we have "Rootsstep" music straight from Berlin, in a rather large quantity and consistent quality. Many well-known vocalists have contributed, some are so well-known that their contribution is obviously voluntarily. We're talking names like U Roy, Jazzbo, Kojak, Lone Ranger, Trinity, Dillinger. They have all stood before the microphone and voiced especially for Don Goliath and his Rootsstep riddims. Voicing like they have done for decades, without any compromise in word or sound or power.

So, what is Rootsstep? What drove these Founding Fathers of Reggae to contribute to Don Goliath's sound? Mind you, these are people that you do not tell what to do. When they do something for you, it is the result of their decision to do so. They really can be considered as Elders for they are.

The best way to start is to listen for yourself. However, it it is very difficult to find reviews or articles about the Don and his Rootsstep Sound. Just only recently, the ORIGINAL DUB GATHERING Net Label picked up some of Don Goliath's work and a German blog wrote a review in German but that's about it. So, chances are that your discovery of this unique sound starts by CLICKING HERE (ZIP FILE) for an MP3 mix featuring Kojak and Trinity straight from Don Goliath's WEBSITE or (if your browser lets you) check out the tune below:

 

Yes, this is the sound of Rootsstep. It's a sound that has all the musicological elements of Roots Reggae while the overall vibe has nothing out-dated or "historical" if you will. This could very well be described as 21st Century Roots, Cyber Roots, or simply Conscious Contemporary Reggae. This is more than merely a style by a sound, this is a sound by itself. So why not call it Rootsstep? 

Listening to the conscious message of Rastafari, skillfully delivered by voices too familiar to not take serious, the music instantly drops you into today's vibes dominated by modern digital recording and mixing technologies. In itself, once again it is shown how Rastafari and Consciousness in general transcends times and places as it contains a universal message from the Creator Himself. Who feels it, definitely knows it.

Unlike the Biblical giant, this one Goliath comes with an uplifting message. A message of righteousness and with songs of praises to the Almighty. Just like all conscious Reggae, that is. However, it is the sound that is intriguing. This is a sound that will appeal to an audience that may not necessarily be drawn to your Steppers Reggae or (DUB) Reggae in general. This is a sound that seamlessly fits into today's spectrum of electronic styles while in the same time distinguishing itself from the slackness and plain vanity or emptiness "present" in too much productions these days (including Reggae!).

Don Goliath started releasing his new sound through a series of albums called "Rootsstep To The World". At this time, in June 2014, chapter 24 is released. You don't have to make the math to see that something is going on here and the fact that so little is written about it all makes you wonder. It makes you wonder so much that you want to find out more about Don Goliath and his Roots Steppin' sounds. 

Time to go to the Don and ask him some thing. This: What Is Rootsstep and how did you come up with this unique sound? 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE WHOLE INTERVIEW AND GET LOADS MORE MUSIC AS WELL

Radio Dubroom 2014 Chapter 6: Anti-Racist Dubs 'n' Steppers

ANTI-RACIST DUBS 'N' STEPPERS
RADIO DUBROOM 2014 CHAPTER 6

WWW, June 2014 - Another selection of stricktly heavyweight Steppers coming your way! Featuring some recently reviewed Net Label releases, a healthy portion of UK DUB and Roots, a Lyrical Benjie classic from Dubcreator's MP3. com days and two recent Dubroom productions, one of which is not released and perhaps might not be released so this mix could very well be the only opportunity to hear it.

Starting off with a no-nonsense track by Canada's Dub maestro Dubmatix, taken from a free compilation recently reviewed in the Dubroom. Also reviewed on mp3.dubroom.org is the brand new anti-racist Vocal and Dub by Yeyo Perez and the Bass Culture Players from Spain. Mr Bossman Dub by Dub Machinist is als taken from the free "Lost in Dub Chapter 1" compilation.

Next segment contains a selection of vocals and dubs released through Zion Train's labels Deep Root and Universal Egg. With the exception of Dr. Dubious and Sister Verdiana - Stone In the Wall Dub, which was taken from the third chapter of the excellent Italian Dub Community Showcase series.

Lyrical Benjie is no stranger to the Dubroom visitors. The Netherlands-based Roots Singer is a veteran vocalist, and to listen to his conscious lyrics over a Vibronics and a Dubcreator track is a blessing for the soul. Hopefully, the trtack you can hear straight after the Dub of "Ten Plagues" gives you a good vibe as well, since this is a track taken from the fresh mixes in the Dubroom studio. As you may or may not know, there's hard work going on in establishing a new sound, well, this is just one Dub out of many that may or may not be released later. Just listen to the track, and -when you want- give a little feedback. This is also welcome for the Dub from Dennis Alcapone's "Got To Be Conscious", by the way. That one track can be downloaded for free.

Again, Izyah Davis and Fullness. Taken from the album "Arise" (reviewed in the Dubroom), this show features the title track. A superb track of which we play the vocal and the Dub. Closing off, two crucial Dubs by the UK based Nucleus Roots collective. Massive, heavyweight!

PLAYLIST 

01. Dubmatix - Permanance (Dub Reservoir)
02. Bass Culture Players - Bash Dem Barriers Dub (LaFamille)
03. Yeyo Perez - Jah Jah Have No Colour (LaFamille)
04. Dub Machinist - Mr Bossman Dub (LaFamille)
05. Tena Stelin - Child Soldier (Deep Root)
06. Dub Terror - Child Soldier Dubwise (Deep Root)
07. Jah Free - Hear Me Calling (Deep Root)
08. Jah Free - Hear Me Calling Dubwise (Deep Root)
09. Dr. Dubious and Sister Verdiana - Stone In the Wall Dub
10. Sis K and Zion Train - Power (Deep Root)
11. Sis K and Zion Train - Power Dubwise (Deep Root)
12. Lyrical Benjie - With Jah I Shall Overcome (Vibronics)
13. Lyrical Benjie - Dubwise (Vibronics)
14. Lyrical Benjie - Ten Plagues (Dubcreator)
15. Lyrical Benjie - Ten Plagues Dub (Dubcreator)
16. A Dubroom Pre-release or Non-release (Dubroom)
17. Dennis Alcapone - Dub To Be Conscious (Dubroom)
18. Izyah Davis - Arise (Fullness)
19. Izyah Davis - Arise Dubwise (Fullness)
20. Nucleus Roots - Dub it Up Rasta (Nucleus Roots)
21. Nucleus Roots One Fe De Soundman ( Nucleus Roots)

DOWNLOAD PODCAST (128 or 320 KBPS)

SLY AND ROBBIE - A FIST FULL OF HORNS

SLY AND ROBBIE - A FIST FULL OF HORNS
DUBROOM MP3 REVIEW

WWW, June 2014 - This crucial remix of a very familiar track from the vaults of the Taxi Label serves as a teaser for the brand new Sly and Robbie release "Stepper Takes the Taxi". It features a little Dub mixing, a lot of horns and of course the undeniable Sly and Robbie drum and bass line.

"Stepper" is Guillaume from Paris. When he visited Jamaica in the 1980's he established a lot of contacts which led him to opened vaults at the archives of Sly and Robbie's very own Taxi label. The result is a set of remakes that have a contemporary and historical vibe combined, among which "A Fist Full Of Horns" is just an appetizer. 

READ MORE, GET MP3

YEYO PEREZ AND BASS CULTURE PLAYERS - JAH JAH HAVE NO COLOUR PLUS DUB

YEYO PEREZ AND BASS CULTURE PLAYERS - JAH JAH HAVE NO COLOUR PLUS DUB
DUBROOM MP3 REVIEW/CREATIVE COMMONS DOWNLOAD

WWW, June 16 2014 - Yesterday was a day of protest against the "Foreigner Internment Centers", prisons where people are kept for being born in a certain place with a certain colour of their skin. It's all part of the spirit of racism that haunts Europe since times of memory. To contribute to the protest, LaFamille has released an excellent Anti-Racist track with vocals by Yeyo Perez and music by the Bass Culture Players.

READ MORE, GET MP3's

VARIOUS ARTISTS - LOST IN DUB CHAPTER ONE

VARIOUS ARTISTS - LOST IN DUB CHAPTER ONE
DUBROOM MP3 ALBUM REVIEW

WWW, June 2014 - Introducing the DUB Reservoir posse: from their base in Bruxelles (Belgium) they spread Roots and Culture vibes through radio and live sessions and also by releasing this free compilation of DUB and other Roots Reggae. Presenting LOST IN DUB CHAPTER ONE, with no less than seventeen tracks of pure niceness by names like Jah Free, Dubmatix, Wicked DUB Division. 

There's quite a bit of variety in the selection of Lost in Dub 1: from the opening by Dubmatix (a Steppers with crucial horns) to the very last drop of Duppy Dub by the Muzikal Ben (Steppers in the digital tradition) the listener is being treated to a surprising combination of styles including meditative vibes from Jah Free and a song of praise by Crucial Alphonso as well as heavyweight digital steppers Dub.

READ REVIEW, GET THE MUSIC AND MORE

VOXX LAB L2S ACOUSTIC DRUM KIT SAMPLE PACK

VOXX LAB L2S ACOUSTIC DRUM KIT SAMPLE PACK
STUDIO DUBROOM DOWNLOAD

WWW, June 2014 - Recorded with professional microphones (Shure, Neuman etc), the VOXX L2S Kit has the sounds of Sonor and Yamaha Drums, plus Zildjan, Paiste and Istambull brass (Hi Hats and Cymbals). With different velocities and hits in 24 bit audio (Stereo and Mono), this sample pack is better than a lot of commercially available acoustic Drum libraries especially when you have (DUB) Reggae in mind.

Getting a good Drum sound starts with a a high quality recording of good drums, plus the skillfull hit of the drummer. All this is done in the Voxx L2S Drum kit, so you're ready to load the samples in your favorite (soft) synth or drum computer. The sampling was done in Bulgaria by VOXX Labs who released it in 2008 under a Creative Commons copyright with the intention to provide foundational drums to a community of creative producers. That would most definitely include the visitors/users of Studio Dubroom and so you can download the Drum Kit straight from the Dubroom website.

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RAS KITCHEN RASTA VOCAL SAMPLE PACKS

RAS KITCHEN RASTA VOCAL SAMPLE PACKS
STUDIO DUBROOM DOWNLOAD

WWW, June 2014 - Meet Ras Mokko a.k.a. Ras Kitchen. Living in Jamaica with his family, he has a Video channel and nationally broadcasted show which is labeled "part cooking show, part documentary, 100% original". He also released two vocal sample packs for DJ's and producers to use in productions, and all he asks is to give him some credit and share your track(s) with him. Deal? Read on...

Jamaican food is like Jamaican music: recognizable and kind of essential when you want to produce some thing. Even though Reggae Music (and especially DUB) have long crossed the border and became international, Jamaican elements continue to be essential. It has even come so far that many, many contemporary music producers use Jamaican vocals or rhythms to define their sound. Just think about DubStep or Drum 'n' Bass. 

READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD