Channel One will step up to the turntables (or in their case turn table) to take on last years winners Metalheadz and go head-to-head against team Magnetic Man and Soul Jazz Records. But before battle commences we thought it fair to give you a wee insight into three of the sound systems ethos and construction along with an aural treat so you can decide who to cheer for at the big event.
Channel One is a sound system passed down from Mikey Dread’s father ‘the sound system was family orientated, dad had it from the 60s and I started playing from ’73.’ It was during the 70s that Mikey and his brothers found their feet and started clashing against other kids in the local community centre, east London. “That was a good schooling on sound - Man in The Hills by Burning Spear and Wolf and Leopard by Dennis Brown - those were the fattest tunes coming out of Jamaica.”
In 1983 Mikey and family got involved in the Notting Hill carnival and have been representing reggae every since. Channel’s unique sirens and sound effects can be heard blasting across the Grove every year spreading good vibrations. Channel One have a huge following that has a lot to do with their strictly roots and culture approach to their system, and the amount of pure love that goes into the up keep of this beloved hand crafted system. Mr Dread explains that the bespoke element of his sound system is an ‘art form’ and that the key to maintaining a successful sound system is ‘endurance.’
Below is footage of Mikey and family in action at Notting Hill Carnival:
Compared to the colder turbo sounds of Funktion One or earth shattering PA’s in super clubs, Mikey remarks that the quality of the technical equipment provides warmth like no other, “we use a live valve, valves give you a warm sound. When our valve light up nice and blue that’s when we know the sound is rolling. It’s the analogue sound that I try and keep.” In keeping with old school sound system tradition Channel One use one turntable and a preamp. Chief selector Mikey Dread doesn’t ‘use headphones as I know exactly what I’m playing,’ and is of the belief that ‘a DJ does his homework - if you are good enough DJ you know exactly what you are going to play.’
Unable to reveal any of their battle weapon dubplates Mikey had this to say about the up and coming Culture Clash at the Roundhouse, “this is an evening to come and promote reggae music whether I win the cup – true rastafari.”
To get you in the mood we have a Fireside Chat with Channel One Sound System care of our friends at RBMA Radio:
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