Interview: Teachings In Dub

Though DJ, producer and event organiser Sam Howard has seen some incredible parties over the past ten years of his event series, Teachings in Dub (TiD), his favourite part of running the incredibly well-attended nights is when he can see TiD living up to its name.

“What’s been most amazing has been seeing young people coming in and getting inspired by Teachings in Dub before going on to do their own things – often very successfully as well,” says Sam, more often known as DJ Stryda. “For example, Gorgon Sound, who travel all over the world now, were some of those younger people that came along and enjoyed the vibes. I think that’s what’s most enjoyable – handing on those vibrations.”

Teachings in Dub is a bona fide Bristol production, first started a decade ago by Sam with friend Pinch and members of the Bristol University Reggae Society, who wanted to bring soundsystem culture to the student community.

After a wildly successful start at the late, lamented club Clockwork, alongside Pinch’s night Subloaded, the events have achieved even more. Snatching a ticket to one of Teachings in Dub’s trademark murky nights continues to get harder, and Sam has become a key player in bringing the sounds of traditional reggae soundsystems to Bristol.

“When I was younger it was very grassroots and not so popular – I would go to a lot of poorly attended sessions,” remembers Sam. “Nowadays it’s quite amazing to see packed-out venues enjoying roots, reggae and dub. Particularly in Bristol, people are supporting their local record shops, like Idle Hands, and young crews are coming up and building their own soundsystems. It’s really positive to see.”

At the end of this month, Sam will be collaborating again with dub label DEEP MEDi on the annual weekender at Trinity Centre. Sam has a strong bond with the venue – it’s where he saw his first reggae show at 14, after getting into dub through pirate radio, and it’s where his grandparents were married.

These weekenders originally emerged as a result of mutual musical respect, and, as usual, Sam can’t wait. “These annual links I do with DEEP MEDi bridge the gaps between genres and communities even more,” he says.

However, he warns, if you’re looking for confetti cannons or inflatable props to disco with, you’ve come to the wrong place. “Some events pride themselves on a lot of decor and lighting – and that really suits them – but with our events it’s about feeling that vibration and having a deep meditative vibe in the place,” explains Sam.

“We dim the lights so you’re not just watching each other, it’s about listening and feeling the vibe. These soundsystems are heavy – you’re listening to the music in a way you can’t elsewhere, and it’s the way this music is designed to be played. You can only fully feel it at this kind of event. It’s quite simple – you’re fully focused on the sound.”

DEEP MEDi & Teachings in Dub Weekender takes place at the Trinity Centre on Friday, November 27.

Tickets are available through: www.3ca.org.uk