Soundcheck: Ticklah: The Sonic Architect of Brooklyn's Dub Underground

Victor Axelrod’s genre-blending legacy in reggae, dub, and Latin fusion

Who is this Ticklah? What is this sound I’m hearing - this fusion of 70s era dub influences with groove, funk, and Latin? I wanted to hear more, and since that first discovery, I’ve been a fan ever since. It’s not just the music; it’s the approach to production, which brings back those styles heard on Stax, Muscle Shoals, Studio One, and Tubby’s - all blended to sound fresh with a vintage flair.

Just look at his work - Sharon Jones, Easy Star All-Stars, Amy Winehouse & Frightnrs - the common thread is the tone, arrangements, production, and quality. Victor is a force and one that I highly recommend listening to.

---

Victor Axelrod, known as Ticklah, is a Brooklyn-based musician, producer, and engineer. He's a founding member of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Antibalas, and Easy Star All-Stars. His work spans reggae, dub, Afrobeat, and soul, contributing to notable projects such as Amy Winehouse's Back to Black.

Musical Background & Collaborations

• Founding Member:

  • Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

  • Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra

  • Easy Star All-Stars

• Notable Collaborations:

  • Contributed keyboards and arrangements to Amy Winehouse's Back to Black album.

  • Worked with artists like Lily Allen, Robbie Williams, and Nas.

---

---

Production Highlights

• Dub Side of the Moon:

  • Co-produced and mixed this reggae reinterpretation of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon with Easy Star All-Stars.

• Ticklah vs. Axelrod (2007):

  • A solo album blending reggae, dub, and Latin influences.

  • Features collaborations with Mikey General, Rob Symeonn, Tamar-kali, Vinia Mojica, and Mayra Vega.

  • Includes the track "Nine Years," featured in the TV series Breaking Bad.

• The Frightnrs:

  • Produced their debut album Nothing More to Say (2016), which was acclaimed for its authentic rocksteady sound.

Style & Influence

• Musical Style:

  • Combines elements of reggae, dub, Afrobeat, and Latin music.

  • Known for rich soundscapes featuring horns, keyboards, and deep basslines.

• Influence:

  • Respected for his ability to blend traditional sounds with modern production techniques.

  • Has contributed to the resurgence of interest in classic reggae and dub styles

---

Recommended Tracks

A few tracks to showcase his depth while maintaining a distinct sound.