Writing is an art form, music is an art form, there is the power of art and the power of music to bring people together and the power of writing to document culture, and specifically in Caspar Melville’s substantial book '‘It’s a London Thing’, we are treated to an in depth look at the significance of music and most importantly to the history of where most UK music comes from, referencing reggae and jazz, to the roots of Rare Groove, Acid House and Jungle, to their impact on London, to how music has been culturally appropriated and to how the true history of music and culture needs to be highlighted, learnt, respected, and that the communities that have created music we can feel, dance to, as well as which, expresses any personal or socio-political elements, be given the full credit.
Thank you to all who joined the Soas Alumni Book Club on Wednesday 29th June 2022, where a discussion and talk with Dr. Melville and his book 'It's a London Thing, how Rare Groove, Acid House and Jungle' remapped the city, took place.
The evening started with a presentation by Dr Melville, placing his book in its historical framework, discussing migration, the Windrush scandal, the political scene and atmosphere in 1980's Britain, the communities who brought music to Britain, and the positive impact of reggae and jazz music on the UK, as well as the difficulties and prejudices communities faced.
The talk then ensued with a conversation between SOAS Alumna Nour Saleh and Dr. Caspar Melville SOAS Senior Lecturer in Global Creative and Cultural Industries, where their discussion covered Caspar Melville's path into music, growing up in multicultural Britain and the effects music had on him, his work as a music journalist, learning from the musicians and Dj's that Dr Caspar Melville had interviewed which feature in his book, travelling to the USA and back again to Britain, the histories, influences, and essence of Rare Groove, Acid House and Jungle.
Their conversation also spoke about Dr Melville's research as written in his book, about how music and the industry it propelled was often culturally appropriated, the need there was to document what really happened throughout the history of music in the UK, to academically document and talk about the music and communities who brought the music to Britain, and rightfully credit the musicians who created the music and their wonderful musical art forms and sub cultures they brought about.
There was discussion on Dr Melville's writings about London, the club doors and the city being racially divided, and how at a later stage, warehouse parties brought people together, where music and the dance floor could unite all. Their conversation covered the alternative history of Acid House, which is a chapter in Dr Melville's Book, and part of his research in sharing and documenting the history of music that came in or emerged from London. They spoke about the value of culture and importance of music in the UK for the country's economy, as well as the importance of giving musicians a platform to voice their creativity and room for subcultures to take shape in a city which as was relayed in conversation as well as the book, has recently become submerged by developments. On the music scene coming up today such as drill music, Dr Melville expressed that it should be understood and given a space, and also spoke about women in jazz and the creative and powerful music that is currently being played, bringing in a variety of musical influences into jazz.
With technology opening up the realm of the music industry, such as providing creatives with a platform to share their music, it also brings about or heightens issues such as if musicians are being treated ethically and paid properly, as well as their rights, something Dr Caspar Melville is researching and working on.
Below are some images and videos of the night. Thank you to everyone who joined in person, we look forward to seeing you all again for the next SOAS Alumni Book Club
Thank you Marina Mennella, Harris Laspas, Korede Bolade, SOAS Alumni, SOAS University.
Thank you to all the musicians and communities for their wonderful music, referenced in Caspar Melville's book published by Manchester University Press.
Thank you to all who joined the Soas Alumni Book Club on Wednesday 29th June 2022, where a discussion and talk with Dr. Melville and his book 'It's a London Thing, how Rare Groove, Acid House and Jungle' remapped the city, took place.
The evening started with a presentation by Dr Melville, placing his book in its historical framework, discussing migration, the Windrush scandal, the political scene and atmosphere in 1980's Britain, the communities who brought music to Britain, and the positive impact of reggae and jazz music on the UK, as well as the difficulties and prejudices communities faced.
The talk then ensued with a conversation between SOAS Alumna Nour Saleh and Dr. Caspar Melville SOAS Senior Lecturer in Global Creative and Cultural Industries, where their discussion covered Caspar Melville's path into music, growing up in multicultural Britain and the effects music had on him, his work as a music journalist, learning from the musicians and Dj's that Dr Caspar Melville had interviewed which feature in his book, travelling to the USA and back again to Britain, the histories, influences, and essence of Rare Groove, Acid House and Jungle.
Their conversation also spoke about Dr Melville's research as written in his book, about how music and the industry it propelled was often culturally appropriated, the need there was to document what really happened throughout the history of music in the UK, to academically document and talk about the music and communities who brought the music to Britain, and rightfully credit the musicians who created the music and their wonderful musical art forms and sub cultures they brought about.
There was discussion on Dr Melville's writings about London, the club doors and the city being racially divided, and how at a later stage, warehouse parties brought people together, where music and the dance floor could unite all. Their conversation covered the alternative history of Acid House, which is a chapter in Dr Melville's Book, and part of his research in sharing and documenting the history of music that came in or emerged from London. They spoke about the value of culture and importance of music in the UK for the country's economy, as well as the importance of giving musicians a platform to voice their creativity and room for subcultures to take shape in a city which as was relayed in conversation as well as the book, has recently become submerged by developments. On the music scene coming up today such as drill music, Dr Melville expressed that it should be understood and given a space, and also spoke about women in jazz and the creative and powerful music that is currently being played, bringing in a variety of musical influences into jazz.
With technology opening up the realm of the music industry, such as providing creatives with a platform to share their music, it also brings about or heightens issues such as if musicians are being treated ethically and paid properly, as well as their rights, something Dr Caspar Melville is researching and working on.
Below are some images and videos of the night. Thank you to everyone who joined in person, we look forward to seeing you all again for the next SOAS Alumni Book Club
Thank you Marina Mennella, Harris Laspas, Korede Bolade, SOAS Alumni, SOAS University.
Thank you to all the musicians and communities for their wonderful music, referenced in Caspar Melville's book published by Manchester University Press.
We were treated by Dr Caspar Melville to some great music throughout the evening, including James Brown and Roni Size