Sound System

'Fascinating ... A deeply intelligent look at music and society and in particular pop's tempestuous relationship with commerce. Thought provoking, readable and clever'
Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music

'A thrilling trip through the dark corners and secret gardens of the music world! Dave Randall leaves no stone unturned and has produced a work of rare insight'
Maxi Jazz, lead vocalist for Faithless

'What a terrific, exciting book, weaving together the strands of music, politics and worldwide struggles'
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, writer and journalist

Musicians have often wanted to change the world. From underground innovators to pop icons many have believed in the political power of music. Rulers recognise it too. Music has been used to challenge the political and social order - and to prop up the status quo.

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 the Glastonbury Festival to the Arab Spring, Pop Idol to Trinidadian Carnival, Randall finds political inspiration across the musical spectrum and poses the question: how can we make music serve the interests of the many, rather than the few? 

Dave Randall is a musician and activist. He has toured the world playing guitar with Faithless, Dido, Sinead O'Connor and many others.