Sound System by Dave Randall, Paperback, 9780745351339 | Buy online at The Nile
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Sound System

The Political Power of Music

Author: Dave Randall  

Sound System
Paperback

In the studio and on the streets, music is the backbeat to raves, riots and revolutions.

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Pre order release date
20th August 2025
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Paperback

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Summary

In the studio and on the streets, music is the backbeat to raves, riots and revolutions.

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Description

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.

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Critic Reviews

'Fascinating ... A deeply intelligent look at music and society and in particular pop's tempestuous relationship with commerce'

-- Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music

'A thrilling trip through the dark corners and secret gardens of the music world'

-- Maxi Jazz, lead vocalist for Faithless

'A terrific, exciting book, weaving together the strands of music, politics and worldwide struggles'

-- Yasmin Alibhai-Brown

'This engaging, hugely readable book should be compulsory reading for anyone interested in the state of the world - and in the essential, life-affirming role music can play in changing it for the better'


'A wide-ranging and punchy book'

-- Dan Hancox, The National

'5 Stars!'

-- Songlines

'Ceaselessly fascinating and incredibly well researched, with a narrative voice that's simultaneously highly educated and humbly inviting'

-- Pop Matters

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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.

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Product Details

Publisher
Pluto Press
Published
20th August 2025
Edition
2nd
Pages
208
ISBN
9780745351339

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