Sound Systember 25

Unit 137 

 

 

 

Unit 137 is a Sound System, recording studio, & record label. They are a Dub & reggae institution that got their start in South East London (Hither Green, Lewisham) around 2012.

137 DJ, producer, soundman, & engineer Hylu sez:
     "Appreciating diversity has helped us give space for each artist in the collective to bring their own style to the mix. The dance is where that positivity comes together."

Diversification is a natural evolution of music. Unit 137 understand that there are different reasons why Dub, reggae, roots, dancehall, & jungle are important to each individual in the crew, the artists they collaborate with as well as for their audience. The reasons may be spiritual, political, religious, cultural, social, emotional, &/or physical. Unit 137 tries to be all-inclusive, unifying with music, pushing creativity, while remaining respectful & knowledgeable about the culture's roots. At the same time, they draw inspiration from the rich musical history of Sound System culture.

Let's start off with a mix made for the United Nations of Dub Weekender London Launch Party held at the Bussey Building Saturday March 8, 2014. Trinity Music meets up with Dubwise to promote Sound System culture with over 24 Systems rockin' the foundations. The mix is courtesy of Young Warrior, Hylu, & Sleepy Time Ghost recorded at Unit 137. Near the end the crew explain the State of Sound System culture in the UK & their plan for a growing future. 

 

Unit 137 - Trinity Music London meets Dubwise, Lionbeat INI-35, 2014.
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Track -
Rebel Foundation Session

 

 

 

Next is a sampling of artists, deejays, selectors, & their music that are part of Unit 137... 

 

Various - Unit 137 Makes Some Noise, NØ Comp., 2024.

Ghost Train Riddim - Sleepy Time Ghost
Muhammad Ali Dub - Deemas J
Afi Get a Beating (Adam Prescott remix) - Hylu & Jago meet R. Kent & Adam Prescoyy
Wicked Land (Russ Disciples remix) - onlyjoe & Russ D
Rumours (rework) - Ghost Writerz & Gregory Isaacs
Babylon (Hylu & Jago’s Unit 137 remix) - Sleepy Time Ghost
No Diamonds - Ed West, Galak Spiritual, & A. P. Grimshaw
Nuthin but a ‘G’ Thang - Sleepy Time Ghost & ReDub
Vibe - Hylu & Jago, Zico, & ReDub
Play with Fire (Dubkasm remix) - onlyjoe & Dubkasm
Youthman Dub - Sleepy Time Ghost & Joe Ariwa
Anansi Dub - Hylu & Jago & Sleepy Time Ghost

 

 

 

 

2022 marked the tenth anniversary of Unit 137 Sound System & record label. To celebrate the anniversary three of the founding producers, Ed West, Hylu, & Sleepy Time Ghost, created a three track EP, The 10 Years EP.

The EP starts with a heavy dancehall inspired track from Ed West titled "Daddy, What Are Dreams For?" that fires off surreal sci-fi-esque samples & heavy synth lines between driving kicks & bass. Hylu steps in for the second track with a percussive led, dark, dance floor roller. "BUr5elf!" featuring samples of vocalist / Unit 137 crew member, Deemas J recorded at Lewisham Sound System Trail in May 2022 alongside djembe rifts & synth melodies. Sleepy Time Ghost closes the EP with a rolling Steppas tune "Decade Riddim" with a warm bass-line that washes through the track, transporting the listener between catchy melodies, percussion, & vocal samples. I've added a bonus track, Ghost Writerz remix of Hylu & Jago's "Pressure" recorded live at Don Letts BB6 Music January 17, 2016.

 

 

Unit 137 - The 10 Year EP, Unit 137 UNIT017-EP, 2022.

Daddy, What are Dreams For? - Ed West
BUr5elf - Hylu featuring Deemas J
Decade Riddim - Sleepy Time Ghost
bonus track -
Pressure (Ghost Writer remix) - Hylu & Jago featuring Kosher 

 

 

 

Bass culture,
NØ