Beginning this summer, a new monthly dance party gets underway in Northeast Ohio. It combines . In this week鈥檚 鈥淪huffle,鈥� Cleveland Scene Managing Editor Eric Sandy tells WKSU's Kabir Bhatia about what could be the new "Cleveland Sound."
To understand the sound, it鈥檚 helpful to understand what 鈥淒ub鈥� is. Sandy calls it a loose musical term incorporating reggae and the early stylings of hip-hop. It鈥檚 very bass heavy. It can also be a cultural term or a communion among like-minded people who just want to cut loose and dance, enjoy some good food and catch up with neighbors.
Dub and reggae sprang from the movement of Africans going from Jamaica to London to New York City. So where does Cleveland fit into music with roots in Africa, Jamaica, London and New York City?
Sandy says, 鈥渙n the edges,鈥� a least right now.
He says the vibrant DJ scene in Northeast Ohio 鈥� at places like Touch Supper Club, B-Side, The Beachland Tavern and The Grog Shop -- can be incorporated very easily into the 鈥渟ound system鈥� culture that involves warehouse parties with a massive sound system at the center (sometimes called a 鈥淗ouse of Joy鈥�).
In Cleveland, Sandy says young people can set up their own rigs rather cheaply, and there are also benefits from having the space for the parties.
Another similarity 鈥� although he鈥檚 not comparing Cleveland鈥檚 West Side to Jamaica 鈥� is that the sound system culture evolved out of the ghettos of Kingston: whether selling food at a street party or spinning tunes or being an MC, it was a way to make money.
To do the same thing here, all one needs is the right equipment, and some gumption.
Starting June 17, will begin its monthly events. At a recent preview, Sandy says the sound system and lighting was in fine form.
So could this be the new Cleveland Sound? And would it be called 鈥淪teel Yard鈥�? Sandy says any name would likely incorporate Rust Belt imagery. And his main argument for the success of Steel Yard Sound System, as a passive observer, is, 鈥渢his is something new. It's not a cover band. It's not a tribute band. It's pretty genuine and heartfelt -- which I like.鈥�
That鈥檚 Cleveland Scene鈥檚 Eric Sandy talking with WKSU's Kabir Bhatia. More information on Steel Yard Sound System .
鈥淪huffle鈥� is our weekly look at Northeast Ohio鈥檚 music scene. You can hear it Thursdays during 鈥淢orning Edition.鈥�
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