1Relation are launching a new, grass roots, community dub soundsyestem event: Roots Therapy. At The Pickle Factory, in Easton.

The idea for the night, which has been conceptualised organically over time, is to create a space that is welcoming, diverse, healing & uplifting, for everyone in attendance.

In these perilous times, where fear is used as currency, it can be hard to keep our heads above water and maintain balance over mind, body & soul. Roots Therapy provides a place of respite, reconnection and restoration, through dance, community & word sound, to encourage introspection and keep us topped up with love & courage required to grow and face life's challenges.

Through the powerful medium of Jamaican roots, reggae & dub soundsystem culture, we intend to cultivate an intergenerational and intercultural experience that showcases and honours the heritage and vibration of this amazing music in a way that feels both in keeping with tradition & familiar to the elders, as well as innovative & universal in a way that invites new people to discover their own authentic healing connection with the sound. This liberating genre is rooted in the fight for equal rights & justice for oppressed people, and carries within it the power to change the world and contribute to the collective evolution of human consciousness, like no other genre that we have come across. A true testament to the strength, heart & resilience of the Rastafarians and diasporic Africans who pioneered it.

1Relation themselves are known for producing their own music and lyrics as well as artwork, without cutting corners or compromising the heart and quality of what they create. Sticking to the traditions of mixing desks, outboard equipment and lugging vinyl around, whilst creating a sound that feels authentic and unique, with a good dose of Bristolian spirit. 

Wilfy Rootikal & King Fisha Sound selecting and keeping the levels right, with the beautifully soothing live vocals of 1Relation's Queen and conductor of ceremonies, Sista Ina (Rosina), regularly featuring over the dubs, with spirit and intention.  

As for the sound system itself, those who have heard it will know that it combines significant warmth & character with clarity & power. The perfect conduit to deliver the music therapeutically, where quality is not sacrificed for the pursuit of power for powers sake, but the power is there to be utilised in a responsible way.

For this first edition, we welcome 2 highly valued guest artists to play on the soundsystem:

SPIRITUAL ROCKERS

He’s one of the best dub producers from Sao Paulo, Brazil. A huge city where Jamaican soundsystem culture has thrived in the last 10-20 years.  

He produces a heavy and mystical style of dub, and has had releases on Steppas Records, as well as a recent hit release called East to West on Dubatriation Records, which has been getting a lot of plays on soundsystems around the globe! 

He’s a dear friend of 1Relation and has become an extended member of the 1R family, having produced music with us, in addition to doing a lot of artwork for us.

Wilfy met him during his stint living in Brazil and this will be the 3rd time that Spiritual Rockers has played in Bristol, albeit the first time in a good few years, having previously played at The Kuumba Centre and The Plough.

We cannot wait to hear him play his music on our own soundsystem for the first time. We ask you to come and give this talented & humble artist the warm welcome he deserves! 

RAS ADDIS

Addis needs little introduction around Bristol, a humble & kind rastaman with the spirit of a warrior who has been involved in roots and culture music as long as we can remember!  

Previously the mic man for Negus Melody Sound System, he’s also voiced classic anthems produced by Dubkasm & Ishan Sound, as well as a soon to be released track with 1Relation.

A rootikal selector himself, Addis has been mashing up dances in recent years, from Shambala or Love Saves The Day festivals, to The Plough or Cosies, he delivers great sets, strong, spiritual and authentic.  

He has been a regular and supportive presence at 1Relation dances, and we feel honoured to have him play on our sound!

There will be stalls and food! In celebration of community and holistic medicine, we have invited local artisans to share their offerings, and we will also be serving food cooked from the heart by Wilfy Rootikal who is known to be as great a selector of flavours, as he is with sounds.

We are delighted to be collaborating with The Pickle Factory for the launch of Roots Therapy. This is a homely grassroots venue run by a conscious team who share the same principles as us. This event is wheelchair accessible, with a courtyard, garden, bar, indoor dining area and dance floor with plenty of space for skanking.

Tell your friends & we hope to see you there!

1R