Sound System

'Fascinating' Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 'A thrilling trip' Maxi Jazz, Faithless Musicians have often wanted to change the world. From underground innovators to pop icons, many believe in the political power of music. Rulers recognise it too. Music challenges the political order—and props up the status quo. Now updated in a new edition, 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 to Gaza, the attention economy to AI, Randall asks: how can we make music serve the interests of the many, rather than the few? Dave Randall is a musician, producer and activist. He has toured the world playing guitar with Faithless, Dido, Sinéad O'Connor and many others.

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.

Acknowledgements Preface to the Second Edition 1. Roots 2. Culture 3. Partying For Your Right to Fight 4. Getting Political 5. Unity Lost 6. A Short Musical History of Neoliberalism 7. Star Gazing 8. Their Music 9. My Turn 10. Music of the Arab Revolutions 11. Spotify Spooks and Artificial Intelligence 12. Rebel Music Manifesto Conclusion