Dub: Soundscapes and Shattered Songs in Jamaican Reggae (Book Recommendation)

By Michael E. Veal

Since I was a teenager I’ve devoured all manner of books, plenty of fiction (especially historical fiction, but what has always resonated with me are non-fiction music-related books - I’ve always felt I can learn, understand more about the history and/or person and possibly apply what I’ve read to my own journey in life as musician and entrepreneur. I’m open to a good autobiography or history of a record label, mixing, production and mastering books - anything and everything - I’m in, so when I came across this new book by Michael Veal entitled “DUB” I bought it without a second thought.

This is more of an academic read but provides immense depth and a historical look at its evolution and the impact Dub music has made globally. (below are a few of my music books- you can see the spine of “Dub on the 3rd shelf, middle)

The Synopsis

Michael E. Veal's Dub is a comprehensive exploration of dub music, a sub-genre of Jamaican reggae that emerged in the late 1960s. The book delves into the technical, cultural, and historical aspects of dub, highlighting its transformation of the recording studio into an instrument and its global influence on various music genres.​

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Key Themes

1. Dub as a Creative Process

• Dub is presented not merely as a genre but as a transformative process that reimagines existing recordings through remixing and sound manipulation.​

• Pioneers like King Tubby and Lee "Scratch" Perry utilized studio technology to deconstruct and reconstruct tracks, creating new sonic experiences.​

2. Cultural and Social Context

• The book situates dub within the socio-political landscape of Jamaica, reflecting themes of post-colonial identity and resistance.​

• Veal connects dub to broader cultural movements, including Afrofuturism and the African diaspora's artistic expressions.​

3. Technical Analysis

• Detailed examinations of dub tracks reveal the innovative use of effects like echo, reverb, and delay.​

• Veal discusses the specific equipment and techniques employed by engineers to achieve dub's distinctive sound.​

4. Global Influence

• Dub's impact extends beyond Jamaica, influencing genres such as hip-hop, electronic music, and post-punk.​

• The book explores how dub's principles have been adopted and adapted worldwide, contributing to the evolution of modern music production.​

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You can find the book on Amazon and other bookstores.

👤 About the Author

Image Source:Yale University

Michael E. Veal is a Professor of Ethnomusicology at Yale University, specializing in African and African diaspora music.His research often explores the intersections of music, culture, and technology. Veal is also the author of Fela: The Life and Times of an African Musical Icon and Tony Allen: Master Drummer of Afrobeat.​