Steppin Out Sound Presents: Channel One Sound System

Steppin Out Sound Presents: Channel One Sound System with Dub-Stuy, DJ Universal, and Basha at Buffalo Iron Works on November 13th!

Channel One Sound System

Established in the late 1970s by siblings Michael and Trevor Bailey, Channel One Sound System originated when they were passed control of their father’s Admiral Bailey sound. They introduced the sound to nearby blues parties and dance events. The choice of the name Channel One was a tribute to the iconic Channel One studio in Jamaica, a place from which the brothers procured many of their records. During this era, accessing new reggae music proved challenging for Jamaicans, as it was not featured on radio or in local nightclubs. Instead, the communities organized blues parties and shabeens, where sound systems played the latest and most popular reggae tracks.

In 1982, Channel One started performing at Notting Hill Carnival. Set up by London’s Caribbean community, Notting Hill is one of the largest street festivals in the world. They have performed here every year since (except for the covid years). Channel One Sound System has been a prominent and integral part of the Notting Hill Carnival, an annual event held in London that celebrates Caribbean culture, particularly the Afro-Caribbean communities. The sound system has played a significant role in shaping the musical landscape of the carnival and contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.

Channel One is led by Mikey Dread, original selector, who plays a strictly vinyl selection from his one turn table. Alongside Mikey Dread are various vocalists and MCs who compliment the music with Rastafarian song and chanting. Current MCs are Macky Banton and Ras Sherby. Channel One play a unique selection of conscious reggae, exclusive dubplates and uplifting steppas. Channel One’s hand built sound system provides a rich heavyweight bass sound, which compliments their tight selection of old and new roots music.

Channel One’s mission is “to break down barriers via reggae music”, they have achieved this by traveling and playing to new audiences and venues all over the world. .

Channel One’s profile has gone from strength to strength, holding a residency in one of London’s coolest warehouse venues – Village Underground. Channel One have taken their sound system to festivals all over Europe, as well as performing DJs sets all over the world, including Colombia, Mexico, India, Nepal, Thailand, Dubai and many more.

Channel One never fail to provide upliftment with their positive music and message.

Dub-Stuy

Founded in 2012, Dub-Stuy is a Brooklyn-based collective, record label, and sound system pushing the boundaries of dub music and sound system culture across North America. With over 30 vinyl releases and collaborations spanning reggae legends to cutting-edge producers, Dub-Stuy’s output bridges roots and future. At the heart of it all is their custom-built sound system, a hand-crafted, earth-shaking rig designed for modern dancefloor pressure.

The crew’s core lineup features founder and selector Q-Mastah and 187 Sound, DJ/producer EDICA+, and MC JonnyGo Figure, whose toasting brings a classic rub-a-dub flair to the live experience. Together, they deliver high-energy sets that traverse reggae, dub, dancehall, steppers, and contemporary bass music, guiding crowds through the full spectrum of sound system culture.

From warehouses and street corners to major festivals and European tours, Dub-Stuy is building a uniquely American chapter in global sound system history, one session at a time.