Musicians have often wanted to change the world. From underground innovators to pop icons many have believed in the political power of music. Rulers recognise it too. Music has been used to challenge the political and social order - and to prop up the status quo.
Sound System is the story of one musician's journey to discover what makes music so powerful. Dave Randall uses his insider's knowledge of the industry to shed light on the secrets of celebrity, commodification and culture.
This is a book of raves, riots and revolution. From the Glastonbury Festival to the Arab Spring, Pop Idol to Trinidadian Carnival, Randall finds political inspiration across the musical spectrum and poses the question: how can we make music serve the interests of the many, rather than the few?
Published in partnership with the Left Book Club.
Table of Contents:
Series Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Roots
2. Culture
3. Partying for Your Right to Fight
4. Getting Political
5. Unity Lost
6. A Short Musical History of Neoliberalism
7. Star Gazing
8. Their Music
9. My Turn
I0. Music of the Arab Revolutions
11. Rebel Music Manifesto
12. Conclusion
Notes
Index
About the Author :
Dave Randall is a musician, producer and activist. He has toured the world playing guitar with Faithless, Dido, Sinead O'Connor and many others. He also teaches courses on guitar and the creative industries at BIMM University Bristol.
Review :
'Fascinating ... A deeply intelligent look at music and society and in particular pop's tempestuous relationship with commerce. Thought provoking, readable and clever stuff'
'A thrilling trip through the dark corners and secret gardens of the music world! Dave Randall leaves no stone unturned and has produced a work of rare insight'
'What an imaginative idea, what a terrific, exciting book, weaving together the strands of music, politics and worldwide struggles'
'This engaging, hugely readable book should be compulsory reading for anyone interested in the state of the world - and in the essential, life-affirming role music can play in changing it for the better'
'Logical and informed, synthesising the historical and the theoretical with a spirit of warmth and accessibility. We need more left wing writing like this. I give only a fraction of a shit about music, and I can't put this down'
'A wide-ranging and punchy book'
'Very readable and highly enjoyable'
'5 Stars!'
'Ceaselessly fascinating and incredibly well researched, with a narrative voice that's simultaneously highly educated and humbly inviting'
'An outstanding book on many different levels'
