MUMBAI: Taru Dalmia’s lifelong passion for Jamaican music began at a very early age- fifteen to be precise. Dalmia’s short stay in Germany introduced him to an experience that he intends to share with people back home. He first discovered ‘Sound System’ culture through a crew called ‘Big Things a Gwaan’, who would arrange ‘sessions’ in youth centers and music venues, sometimes far away from any police interference. Soon after, Dalmia realised the potential and the power of influence it would carry to any part of the world that does not understand reggae. Citing Japan as an example- a country with over 300 sound systems- Dalmia firmly believes anyone who experiences the ‘sound system’ would end up asking for more. The desire to create or import an idea, unfamiliar to the Indian population, comes with challenges and Dalmia is not new to it.
With his other act- Delhi Sultanate or Ska Vengers- Dalmia gained attention for his love towards Reggae and the name is synonym with the sound in the independent music scene. The growth of ‘indie scene’ has impressed everyone, and the composer from Delhi is no different. ” A sound system is the next logical step for me. I have seen an openness and curiosity for new forms of music in all classes of people. I believe that reggae music is especially relevant from India. It comes from another colony, it is profoundly political and conscious and can also deeply spiritual. I can imagine a roots and dub dance in a dargah for instance,” said Dalmia.
Dalmia is not messing around. The Sound System stands very emotionally close, as a project, for the Reggae Sultan of Delhi and physically close to its completion. With a little help from his friends, Dalmia managed to begin the project with a hope to put it out by February of 2016. Although the idea and dream is Dalmia’s, several people provided their assistance in ensuring the deadline is met. “The first person I must mention here is Taus. He is building the system for me. Every speaker has been singlehandedly built by this man. It is a labour of love. I came across a brilliant illustrator from England called Soph Bass who allowed us to use one of her illustrations for our work.”
Additionally, Markus Santiago, a graphic novelist, worked on an illustration, whereas DJ Earl Gateshead, from Trojan Sound system, have created a custom DJ mix for the campaign. Benefit gig, organised by Krunk, crowd-funding and contributions from other musicians kick-started the dream Dalmia envisioned when he was fifteen. The support continues to arrive from beyond the borders, with Diana King, Dr Das of Asian Dub Foundation, Culture Yard Promotions from Seattle joining the ‘movement’ initiated by Dalmia.
With super scoops as the foundation and four sub-bass speakers that amplify sub bass, the Sound System includes mid bass or kick bass speakers on the top that are designed in a manner to reproduce high range or top frequencies.So will the instrument find its place on Indian streets? “We want dances public spaces and schools and universities. I want people to experience the physical power of a sound system and create the uniquely uplifting and social bonding experience of dancing to reggae sound system music,” adds Dalmia, whose long-term goals with the project is to establish an independent touring circuit across the country, revolving the idea and sound.
Dalmia and his team hope to educate the crowd through low key, public spaces. “One of the first places we intend to tour once we have gained basic competency with the system will be in the North East. Of course, my idea is idealistic and somewhat romantic.. the tour the country with our own van and set up sound in villages and hold reggae sessions. We will discover what it means to actually try and do this in the real world but I look forward to the learning and growth involved in this journey. I also want to collaborate with other artists and even academics,” expressed Dalmia, further illustrating his inspiration behind the idea of tours, “I am inspired by England rapper Low Key’s lecture & music tour with intellectual Tariq Ali. I envision tours where we combine forces with a lecturer who has knowledge and understanding to share with people, a visual artist who can exhibit his or her work and us playing music for people.”
With 52 contributors in 10 days and self-investment of 5 lac rupees, the project gathered more interest from people- monetarily and otherwise. “I’m not going to lie though. It’s a huge challenge and a lot of money to raise. We will have to see how long the initial good will lasts and in how far we can catch the imagination of a wider audience and convince them to support our cause,” replied Dalmia, when asked about the response so far.
Dalmia’s obsession with the sound system started around a couple of decades ago, and the musician would love nothing less than Reggae be heard in villages and towns, to an extent, where some day, a fifteen-year-old eager to dance, inspired from Dalmia, continues to take the music to a new level recreating and reworking on an effort, led by Dalmia.
The contribution to this campaign can be done through this link- https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/let-s-build-india-s-first-reggae-sound-system#/
