Boomshots

Category: Sound System

When two sounds goes to war. One is all that you can score.

  • Music Is A Mission: David Rodigan Speaks His Mind About Today’s Sound Clash Culture

    Music Is A Mission:
    David Rodigan Speaks His Mind About Today’s Sound Clash Culture

    Will Sir RamJam’s Recent Soundclash On The Sea Be His Last?

    UK radio presenter David Rodigan has been described as the “outside world’s greatest ambassador of Jamaica’s musical heritage.” He’s been honored with an MBE by the Queen of England for his contributions to British broadcasting and recently published his memoirs, entitled My Life in Reggae —”the unlikely story of an Army sergeant’s son from the English countryside who has become the man who has taught the world about Reggae.” This year David Rodigan will be touring the globe once more to celebrate his 40th year in the business. He’s cut countless dubplates and won many clashes in his time, but had largely “walked away from clashing” prior to his participation in the recent Soundclash on the Sea during the 2017 Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise. In this exclusive interview, Rodigan speaks to Boomshots about the roots of sound system culture, explains the difference between dub plates and specials, shares his thoughts on the true role of selectors and DJs within the reggae industry, reflects on whether modern clash culture has “spun out of control,” and speaks frankly about where he thinks the music that now inspires so much of the mainstream is heading. Interview After The Jump…
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  • World Clash Arrives In Canada As “The Superbowl Of Sound Systems”

    World Clash Arrives In Canada As “The Superbowl Of Sound Systems”

    Rumble Series Winners Get Their Shot At The World Title

    Irish & Chin shook the world when they announced the move of their preeminent sound clash brand, World Clash, to Canada. In an even bigger surprise, fans are now faced with a whole new formula for this famed 19-year-old event, which will see World Clash held on the winner’s home turf each year, instead of in New York. This long awaited event arrives in Toronto, Canada this weekend—Saturday, October 14,  home of defending champion King Turbo. Each staging of the preliminary Rumble Series in United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom and Germany have decided which hungry contenders  will take the World Clash stage to face off against King Turbo. With anticipation building throughout the year clash fans will converge to see Platinum Kids, King Attarney, Fujiyama, Platinum Cartel, and Northern Lights, in what has been dubbed “the super bowl of sound clash.” In typical Irish and Chin fashion they’ve upped the ante with the wild card entrant Poison Dart from Antigua, as the Caribbean representative adding to more excitement. A Rumble Series was not staged for the Caribbean, so this shocker has sparked a frenzy amongst clash fans! Story Continues After The Jump…

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  • King Attarney Takes The Trophy at Canada Rumble

    King Attarney Takes The Trophy at Canada Rumble

    Toronto Sound Clash Victor Will Face World Clash Champion King Turbo

    At last year’s World Clash, Toronto’s own King Turbo made sound system history when they became only the second Canadian sound to take the title at the original, authentic and still predominant international sound clash on planet earth. This past weekend at the Canada Rumble, six up-and-coming dancehall sound sytems out of Canada competed for the chance to musically murder their countrymen in the next World Clash aka the Superbowl of Sound Clash. After four hours of heated competition at LaVictoria Banquet Hall, King Attarney outgunned Step-A-Choice in the final Tune Fi Tune round. The Rumble Series was introduced by leading clash promoters Irish & Chin who are celebrating their 20th anniversary in the business this year as they focus on bringing new stars into the sound clash industry. Coming off last October’s popular Japan Rumble, where Fujiyama Sound claimed the title, Canada Rumble sets the stage for future Rumbles to be held in the U.S., U.K., Europe and the Caribbean. If you missed the big clash, you can still check out all the action right here. And make sure to check Boomshots’ exclusive interview with Garfield “Chin” Bourne, reasoning with Reshma B about the past, present, and future of Sound Clash Culture. Audio & Video After The Jump…
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  • Charly Black Rocks New York City

    Charly Black Rocks New York City

     Dancehall Artist With A Certified Diamond Tune Gives Electrifying Performance at Stage 48

    Recently obtaining his “wings to fly” (VISA to the U.S.A.), Charly Black took flight to  New York City for a quick press run ahead of next month’s U.S. promotional tour in support of his certified diamond song, “Party Animal.” First stop was Hot 97’s “Ebro In the Morning” Show on January 11 with Ebro, Laura Stylez and DJ Kastone. Later that evening he linked with the Boomshots crew for an in-depth reasoning.  A few days later “the international sensation” (as Ebro described him) flew out to Jazzy T ‘s (Renaissance Sound) Earthstrong Party at Luxy in Toronto. The Trelawny General returned to NYC the following Sunday, drawing in a capacity crowd for his first live performance in New York at Stage 48. More After The Jump…

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  • Reasoning with Garfield “Chin” Bourne: “Authentic Sound Clash Culture is in Jeopardy”

    Reasoning with Garfield “Chin” Bourne:
    “Authentic Sound Clash Culture is in Jeopardy”

    Keeping Sound System Safe From The Culture Vultures

    As co-founder of Irish & Chin, one of the most respected reggae promotion companies in the world, Garfield “Chin” Bourne has left his mark on the music industry and popular culture as a whole. He is the founder of SoundChat Radio and a range of media ventures, but Chin may be best known as a leading advocate of sound system culture at a time where hardcore soundclash audience is aging, and the appropriation of dancehall culture is not limited to international artists reworking Jamaican rhythms to hit the pop charts. The rise of EDM music and the success of the recent Red Bull Culture Clash highlight the impact of Jamaican sound systems on worldwide pop music, even as the originators of the culture who are still active tend to be marginalized.  Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • Major Lazer Mashes Up Mumbai

    Major Lazer Mashes Up Mumbai

    Diplo, Walshy & Jillionaire Drop Bombs in Bombay

    “India is special and its beauty absolutely humbled me,” said Diplo in the comments for Major Lazer’s “Lean On” video—one of the most popular music videos in history, with over 1.25 BILLION views. That video was shot in Mumbai aka Bombay, the booming metropolis on India’s west coast. Earlier this year Major Lazer brought the Mad Decent Block party to Mumbai and Boomshots was there to witness the magic (shout out to Jillionaire—good lookin’ out fam). “Major Lazer has always been a culture mashup,” Diplo says. “To us, India feels like some kind of special creature with one foot in history and one firmly in the future. The experience is something we’ll never forget.” Watch yah now. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning with Father Metro

    Reasoning with Father Metro

    Metro Media Top Selector Talks Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise Sound Clash on the Sea

    Jimmy Metro, aka Haldane James, took over Metro Media in 1976 after the sound’s original founder, Lou Gooden, emigrated from the island. Building up the sound’s following in the Woodford Park area of central Kin, Jimmy had a great ear for raw talent. He discovered future superstar DJ Peter Metro in 1981 and later Tanto Metro (who would go on to become an international hitmaker as a duo with Devonte) not to mention Zuzu, the late great Massive Dread, Ashman, Chicken Chest, Dickie Ranking (aka Snagga Puss), and Niggah Mikey. The X-factor for the sound was Dominic, a British journalist who fell in love with dancehall culture and became the first bonafide white artist in Jamaican music. The sound soon added a young selector named Skyjuice whose belly and reputation would increase considerably in years to come. Father Metro was able to quit his job at Dynamic studios when the sound got big enough to tour England in 1984. “That really helped us build a foundation overseas,” he told the Jamaica Gleaner. “And we haven’t looked back.” Metro may be experienced overseas, but this coming November they will be playing on the seas when Metro Media clashes Bass Odyssey and Mighty Crown during the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise’s first-ever Sound Clash on the Sea. Boomshots spoke with the dancehall pioneer as his year-to-year sound prepares to make history all over again.  Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise to Host First Ever Soundclash on the Sea

    Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise to Host First Ever Soundclash on the Sea

    Mighty Crown vs Metro Media vs Bass Odyssey—Some Selector Get Chuck Overboard

    From the moment Jr. Gong first announced the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise, the concept was clearly a game-changer. Bringing an outernational audience of reggae lovers on board a luxury liner with a stellar lineup of reggae and dancehall talent made last year’s maiden voyage such a success that this year the cruise will set off from Miami to Jamaica and back not once but twice. As crucial as the main deck stage shows were, a huge part of the cruise’s unique vibes were the spontaneous sound system freestyle sessions. And this year the sound systems will play an even bigger role. Stone Love Movement and Jammy’$ Super Power will return again—Papa Jammy promises to bring a few surprise guests along this year. Shinehead will return as well, having made a powerful impression with Kingston 12 sound. The UK champion sound Saxon Studio will be making its first appearance on the cruise along with fast-chat DJ legend Papa Levi of “Mi God Mi King” fame. But perhaps the most exciting announcement is that this year’s cruise will include the first-ever Soundclash on the Sea. Which sounds will have to walk the plank? Details After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Addies Intl Presents: Mark Myrie AKA Buju Banton Dubplate Salute

    HEAR THIS: Addies Intl Presents: Mark Myrie AKA Buju Banton Dubplate Salute

    Addies Intl Reminds Us How Deep Their Dub Box Really Is

    Addies bad from how long? Isn’t that how the saying goes. Addies Intl drops a wicked tribute to Gargamel better known as Buju Banton entitled “Mark Myrie AKA Buju Banton Dubplate Salute.” Their new selector A1 digs deep into the crates and pulls out some of the most lethal dubs ever played in a sound clash. Take our word for it, you won’t be disappointed – Shellings After The Jump… (more…)

  • Spragga Benz’s Bongo Bash in Jamaica

    Spragga Benz’s Bongo Bash in Jamaica

    The Dancehall Icon Celebrates A Career Without Compare

    With 22 years in the music industry, Carlton Errington Grant aka Spragga Benz, tours the world, on long journeys from his home in Dunkirk, Kingston, Jamaica. However, despite his worldwide success, the dancehall icon remains deeply rooted to his humble beginnings with LA Benz sound. This weekend,  he will return home for his Bongo Bash at “LA Benz Corner” in Duhaney Park, Lessing Avenue, Kingston 20 on Saturday, May 31, 2014.  Ricky Villa, owner of LA Benz, who has now passed on, encouraged Spragga to first enter the studio and this followed with a big break, when he voiced some dubs for Buju Banton. More After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Major Lazer Feat. Sean Paul “Come On To Me” (Official Music Video)

    WATCH THIS: Major Lazer Feat. Sean Paul “Come On To Me” (Official Music Video)

    Bomb Bomb Diggity Gyul Come Bring It To Me

    When it comes to a Major Lazer one thing is for sure its going to be full of energy, and like their videos before, a little weird. For the third single of their “Apocalypse Soon” EP Lazer links up with none other than mister dutty himself Sean Paul and are aided but a dance crew of Kubuki dancers? Yes you read that right, but If you’ve been a fan of the Major that wouldn’t come as much as a surprise. Just come on to me and check the Video After The Jump…

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  • WATCH THIS: Jillionaire & Salvatore Ganacci Feat. Sanjin “Fresh” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Jillionaire & Salvatore Ganacci Feat. Sanjin “Fresh” Official Music Video

    Fresh An Ting

    Never standing still Jillionaire links with Stockholm’s own Salvatore Ganacci and Sanjin. The trio combine to create a fresh tune appropriately titled “Fresh.” Shot in NYC in conjunction with Karmaloop TV in the middle of winter (yes that’s real snow),  Jilly and crew take on the elements the best way they know how, fresh music, fresh gear and of course fresh women with dance moves to match. Everything fresh! Video After The Jump… (more…)