- Thu, 2010-08-05 16:33
Formed in 2004, Trojan Sound System represent the legendary label Trojan Records - world leaders in the field of vintage Jamaican sounds. The Sound System is comprised of selectors Earl Gateshead and Daddy Ad and vocalists Superfour and Chucky Banton. Having performed across the globe, I Like Music caught up with Daddy Ad to chat about performing live, how they came together, their approach to the huge back-catalogue of Trojan Records and more...
ILM: How did Trojan Sound System come to be?
Daddy Ad: We started as a sound called 'Roots and Reality which gradually metamorphosed into Trojan due to the sound's crossover potential; Trojan and Chris Blackwell's mission was to export reggae and it's message to the world and we fly that flag with pride.
ILM: What's the ethos behind Trojan Sound System? What message do you hope to spread?
Daddy Ad: We believe in a positive future for the world. We disagree with negativity expressed by performers, who call it reality. Reality is what you make true.
ILM: For those yet to experience Trojan Sound System live, what can they expect?
Daddy Ad: Hopefully, to be inspired and entertained at the same time.
ILM: Out of all the Trojan Sound System shows you've played, which have been the most memorable?
Daddy Ad: Rome is a huge reggae town, the first time we played there was a legendary night. Closing Rottotom festival to 90,000 reggae fans from across Europe was pretty amazing and the Koko shows over the last year with Rob Waller from Soundcrash have been off the hook.
ILM: What do you look forward to the most about playing live?
Daddy Ad: Making a real connection with the audience
ILM: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Daddy Ad: It's a bit corny but we love Bob Marley for his positivity, no-one currently in music stands up for peoples rights the way Bob did.
ILM: What's your music collection like? Any hidden gems? Anything we wouldn't expect?
Daddy Ad: Big would be one way to describe our musical collection. Currently we love playing reggae singer Luciano's version of Bob Dylan's Knocking On Heaven's Door.
ILM: What's your current approach to the Trojan catalogue?
Daddy Ad: The Trojan catalog gets priority play, all other things being equal.
ILM: What are the future plans for the Trojan Sound System?
Daddy Ad: We're very busy making an album, which will be released in the Autumn. The first single with Toddla T guest producing is rough!
ILM: What have you been listening to recently?
Daddy Ad: Willie Nelson, he's the Country+Western Bob Marley
ILM: Out of all the live gigs you've seen, which have been some of the most memorable?
Daddy Ad: Loved The Abyssinians at The Hootennany Brixton...
