Considering the sound system as a social space, Sound System Culture brings you talks, information, fun facts, and music dedicated to the Jamaican-style mono block sound system from roots reggae to free tekno and beyond.

The radio show aires from Berlin on Refuge Worldwide. Follow their stream to stay updated or check the archive:

#9 Slammy Karugu (10/14/2024)

Back on air and for the first edition after the 4-day conference and festival we have one of Nairobi’s most thriving contemporary artists, Sam aka Slammy Karugu. Exploring experimental electronics and bass heavy music also beyond the local radar, we chat about collaborative work, past and future projects, as well as the intersection of traditional music mixed with hyper pop and the relevance of diy events rather than exclusive clubs. Under the theme “music, noise, chaos, fun, vibes” one can expect nothing else from Slammy Karugu but a wild mix of collected and selected music as well as some hints for the best sound system sessions in Nairobi, funcore in Indonesia and upcoming releases. LINK to show

#8 Dubtron (12/20/2023)

For today’s show, Cate Hops digs into her archive to share moments of her research when she was traveling in India exploring the sound system scene there. On her way from Delhi to Goa, where most dub sound systems from BFR to 10000 lions sound systems are located, she met the producer and DJ Dubtron. Catching up in his studio, they shared tea, some laughs, and a good time with his sampler figuring out how he develops his sound, collaborations, and the mix between Indian traditional sounds with contemporary jungle and breakbeats. LINK to show

#7 Freak Ass E (10/24/2024)

Cate Hops’ upcoming guest is DJ Freak Ass E. also known as Sunra Bullock. With one of the most varied record selections one can find in town, they’ll be spinning tunes, chat about live radio shows, his band projects X.A.Cute and Stumpf, and explore the punk vaults in global bass and dub. LINK to show

#6 Aporia Barrage (09/21/2023)

This month’s Sound System Culture edition focusses on ‘kuduro’ and sound systems of the Black Atlantic. Just returned from a research trip to London where she followed FLINTA run sound system initiatives before, during and after Notting Hill Carnival 2023, our guest Stefanie Alisch alias Aporia Barrage will talk about her curiosity with sound system epistemologies, her focus on kuduro and how to conduct participatory and qualitative research within electronic music and DiY cultures. LINK to show

#5 Boogoo Yagga Dub Disco (08/18/2023)

Ready for the festival season, Cate Hops heats up the studio with some heavy bass and sound system tunes. Boogoo Yagga Dub Disco will present some exclusive tunes of the vaults of buyreggae.com you won’t find on the online shop’s front page, share some laughs about proper manners in the record store and test the hottest tunes for the upcoming festival stage.

No matter how wet the Berlin summer might be this year, just as Lee Perry did back in the day, put on your rubber boots, turn on your subs and enjoy the show. LINK to show

#4 David Riley (06/21/2023)

For her upcoming show, Cate Hops invites no one else but her great friend, music connoisseur, and dedicated sound system aficionado David Riley. Look forward to a surprise selection with tunes one wouldn’t necessarily refer to as sound system music. Cate and David talk about his journeys back and forth around the globe, considering the different scenes from the origins of sound systems in Jamaica, throughout the UK, and their local sound crews. Tune in for a cool summer breeze and some acoustic treats soundtracking the summer solstice. LINK to show

#3 Cate Hops (05/04/2023)

For the revolutionary May edition of the Sound System Culture show, Cate Hops is going to dig deep in her record bag and pull out some of her all-time favourites, as well as her beloved curiosities. A pinch of punky On-U Sounds, some heavy roots, and low frequencies will provide you with the necessary bass massage for your Thursday afternoon. LINK to show

#2 Shannon Soundquist (03/08/2023)

In the second edition of Sound System Culture: On the Radical Roots of Rave, Cate Hops is live from the studio with special guest Shannon Soundquist. Artist, sound system activist, radio host of her own show ‘Zerrspiegel’ on Coloradio Dresden and badass DJ Shannon Soundquist joins for a chat about feminist structures in the free tekno scene, passion for radio and experimental sounds. Join us on International Feminist Day, for an hour of intimate talk and great music, from footwork to noise and tekno – all FLINTA* productions of course. LINK to show

#1 Dakta Dub & Solidarity Networks in Techno Communities (06/01/2023)

For the pilot episode, Cate Hops introduces you to Dakta Dub, who’s one of India’s busy sound system activists, DJ and radio host in the field of dub and global bass. The second half of the show will focus on “Solidarity Networks in Te(k)no Communities,” with a live recording from one of their free open-air events that explored the social networks within Berlin’s rave scenes and beyond. LINK to show