Red-I’s Word Sound Power 2LP is out on Japan’s Oto Records

Red-I’s Word Sound Power 2LP is out on Japan’s Oto Records

By Rick Olivares

Filipino dub artist Red-I’s second full length album, Word Sound Power, is now out on vinyl via Japan-based label, Oto Records.

Word Sound Power is a double album and follows the extended plays releases Kings Music, Natty Dread I Beat, and Mystic Revelation. And easily, this is his best effort to date.

Many artists -- especially those not from Jamaica where dub music originated as an offshoot of reggae – add to their interpretation of the genre. In Red-I’s case, his use of the kubing (on the first rack “Highest Region”) adds a Filipino touch to the music. it isn’t only homegrown ingredients that he adds to the eclectic brew. There are traces of jazz, Middle Eastern, and Asian rhythms as well; no doubt the sum of Red-I’s influences and his many travels. They all add to the underlying beauty of Word Sound Power. 

Word Sound Power is Red-I’s first full length record since his self-released 2012 debut, Jahdgement Day, and the two-record set features guest performances by Mc Brother Culture, Ras Taro, King Spade, Lady I, and Camoi among others. All of Red-I’s releases have been on vinyl. As the saying goes – what’s good for turntables are good for soundsystems (and vice versa).

The album was launched at Irie Manila Sunday, February 16, at Casa Bambu, Poblacion, Makati. 

A late-night crowd of party goers as well as reggae and dub fans filled the roof deck watering hole and gyrated to the music provided by DJs Don P, Soulsteppa, Masta T, T Cash, Norris King, and Digital Dan Boi. 

British dub artist and DJ, Steve Vibronics, a frequent Manila visitor himself, was also on hand as part of his Asian tour to promote his new releases, Vibronics Meets Weeding Dub and Culture Dub not to mention recordings with fellow Briton, Sandra Cross.

According to Red-I, Word Sound Power has a limited pressing of 400 copies that are available through Oto Records’ website as well as regional vinyl and reggae/dub sites.

Red-I has broken out in the international dub music scene of late having performed at the One Love Festival in England last year and a recent show in Thailand. This 2020, he will participate in the International Dub Gathering from April 2-5 in Spain. “I am happy about all these developments,” said Red-I during the Irie Sunday show. “After 2012, I have seen a lot of my music released on vinyl by a Japanese label. I have been getting invites to perform abroad. Spain this coming April will be four nights of live performances from the best international dub artists. I am excited to participate and represent the Philippines in this gathering.”

Added Steve Vibronics, “The international dub scene is growing especially in Asia. I am on a mini-Asian tour playing music and meeting all these familiar faces and making new friends as well. I just played in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City and now am in Manila. I am supposed to have some tour dates in China, but I am backing out of it because of the Corona virus. However, it is good to be in Manila and share this night with Red-I.”