Sound System

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?

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' -- Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music '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

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.