Sound System (Paperback)

Dave Randall

ISBN 10: 0745351336 / ISBN 13: 9780745351339

Published by Pluto Press, London, 2025

About this Item

Paperback. 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 Glastonbury Festival to Palestine, The X Factor 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? This new edition is updated throughout, including an exploration of the relationship between music and protest against the invasion of Gaza. Randall also dives into new creator trends and considers the potential impact of AI on both artists and industry. In the studio and on the streets, music is the backbeat to raves, riots and revolutions. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780745351339

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Sound System (Paperback)
• Publisher: Pluto Press, London
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0745351336
• ISBN 13: 9780745351339
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

‘Fascinating’ Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2

‘A thrilling trip’ Maxi Jazz, Faithless

Musicians have often wanted to change the world. From underground innovators to pop icons, many believe in the political power of music. Rulers recognise it too. Music challenges the political order—and props up the status quo.

Now updated in a new edition, 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 Glastonbury to Gaza, the attention economy to AI, Randall asks: how can we make music serve the interests of the many, rather than the few?

Dave Randall is a musician, producer and activist. He has toured the world playing guitar with Faithless, Dido, Sinéad O’Connor and many others.

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.