Events

Dub Club Melbourne Presents Basement Sessions
Basement Sessions is a monthly event with a difference, being Melbourne’s only regular club night 100% dedicated to dubwise and rootical reggae. Hosted by Heartical HiFi, Basement Sessions focuses on soundsystem culture rather than DJ sets or live bands.
Held at the Night Owl Bar- an old underground bank vault in the city now converted into a music venue, the dance usually happens every third Friday of the month (next session 15/5/09), where people from all backgrounds enjoy great music with a positive vibe. Basement Sessions is absolutely essential for all lovers of dub, reggae and serious bass.

Soundsystem culture
‘Soundsystem’ is the traditional medium through which reggae, dub and dancehall is presented. The term refers to not only the machine itself with its speaker stacks and equipment, but also to the crew where each member plays a part. Often these soundsystems are custom built, giving each individual ‘sound’ its own unique character. The concept dates back to the 1950’s in the ghettos of Kingston, Jamaica, from where it was brought to the UK and other countries by Caribbean migrants. Communities developed around their local soundsystems and each had its own loyal following rather like a football club. The dances were crucial in lifting the spirits of the Caribbean exiles, helping them to forget their hardships - something that reggae and soundsystem culture now does worldwide, regardless of nationality. As music constantly evolves, soundsystem is the foundation that resonates through many sub genres of modern progressive music we know today.

Heartical HiFi Outernational
The project started in 2002 when Derek Heartical began to draw up the plans for what was to be Victoria’s first ever custom built dub/reggae soundsystem. It was self funded on a shoestring budget taking many years to build until it was finally ready for play in 2006.
Consisting of custom built audio equipment, a number of speaker boxes and amps, Heartical HiFi boasts the ability to deliver the music like no other. At the heart of the system a special type of pre-amp is used, built by the UK’s legendary soundman Jah Tubbys. This enables the sound system to be played live, and by using extended EQ control, echo, reverb and special effects, all this gives Heartical HiFi its original and unique character. Since its first unveiling, the set has now doubled in size, placing it in the premier league of ultra heavyweight soundsystems.
Heartical HiFi Outernational’s live shows feature the full sound crew in action with Derek at the controls, DJ Cassawarrior and MC Boover Banton. Delivering the music in fine style, they play only high grade quality selections in conscious reggae and dub music. From vintage classics to latest releases and exclusive dubplate specials, all are forwarded with the anticipation of the mightiest bass line drop! And where their mission is to promote Dub and Reggae music, Heartical HiFi also actively supports the dubstep, DnB and Jungle scenes down under.