Soundcheck: Butch Cassidy Sound System
A Curated Look at the Artists & Bands I Rate
I came across this artist by chance and was knocked out. The groove, production, musicianship, and overall energy of this track (and artist) sold me right away and has become a mainstay on my radio shows over the years.
I’d like to hear what you think. Have a listen, and let me know what you think in the comment section below.
Artist History & Overview
Butch Cassidy Sound System is the brainchild of Michael Hunter, a Glasgow-based musician, writer, and producer. At just 26, Hunter carved out a style that defies genre boundaries—merging rare breaks, early ‘70s soul, jazz, and hip-hop with deep-rooted reggae aesthetics.
Before launching this project, Hunter recorded under the alias Pablo for respected labels like Good Looking Records, Guidance, Fenetik, and his brother Paul’s Red Hook imprint. After years of crate-digging and experimenting, he created the Butch Cassidy Sound System to bring together all his influences with vintage instruments, two-inch tape, and raw creativity.
Though rooted in reggae, the project is more than a genre exercise—it's an eclectic and organic journey through soul, funk, hip-hop, house, and dub, all brought together with warmth and authenticity.
One of the best-known stories about the project involves Hunter anonymously sending a white-label 12” to legendary BBC DJ John Peel, claiming the group was an 8-piece reggae band from Birmingham. Peel aired it—and even more amusingly, promoters started asking the "band" to tour in France.
Credits include music for Grand Theft Auto IV & San Andreas.
SUGGESTED LISTENING
Album: Butches Brew (2004)
Brothers & Sisters
The Putney
Hear What I Say
ARTIST LINKS
Great recommendation, thank you Jesse - purchased. Reminded me a little of Earl Zinger's "Speaker Stack Commandments" and Yes King's "Rock This World."
I like the lead guitar and whistle parts. And the mix is amazing. It sounds like there are digital, anolog, and lofi elements, and they all fit nicely in the mix. That can be a challenge. Great track. Inspiring!