Riding the Waves of Ska | The Ska Podcast Mini Series Episode 4
Sep 11, 2023
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Exploring the different waves of ska, from its roots in 1940's Jamaica to the current scene. Topics include: the origins and influences of ska music, the transition from ska to reggae, the distinctions between rocksteady and reggae, the influence of punk music on ska, the origins and commercialization of punk music, the impact of school bands on third wave ska musicians, the unique sound and international appeal of ska music, and the formation of ska waves through influences from different eras.
01:30:41
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Quick takeaways
The first wave of ska emerged in Jamaica after World War II, influenced by American rhythm and blues music.
The second wave of ska originated in the late '70s and early '80s in England, combining ska with the raw energy of punk and addressing social and political issues.
The third wave of ska had a global reach, with bands from various countries infusing ska with their own cultural influences and captivating audiences worldwide.
Deep dives
First Wave of Ska: A Fusion of American R&B and Jamaican Music
The first wave of ska emerged in Jamaica after World War II, influenced by American rhythm and blues music. Sound systems, street parties with DJs playing popular American music, became popular in Jamaica. The Skatalites and Derek Morgan are often credited with popularizing ska during this time. Ska covers of popular songs and original ska music blended elements of rhythm and blues, Calypso, and jazz.
Second Wave of Ska: The Influence of Two-Tone in England
The second wave of ska originated in the late '70s and early '80s in England. Jamaican immigrants and their children, facing racial and social tensions, found common ground with the evolving punk movement. The Clash, among other bands, embraced Jamaican culture and ska music, leading to a fusion of ska and punk. Two-Tone bands like The Specials emerged, emphasizing racial unity through their music. The second wave blended the upbeat sound of ska with the raw energy of punk and addressed social and political issues.
Third Wave of Ska: Global Reach and Diverse Styles
The third wave of ska, starting in the '90s, had a global and diverse reach. Bands from various countries embraced ska and infused it with their own cultural influences. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra in Japan and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs in Argentina exemplify the international scope of the third wave. These bands blended ska with local music traditions, creating vibrant sounds and energetic performances that captivated audiences worldwide.
The Influence of Jamaican Ska on Third Wave Ska
The podcast explores the influence of Jamaican ska on third wave ska. The discussion highlights how bands in the third wave incorporated elements of Jamaican ska while adding their own unique twist. Examples are given of bands like The Specials and The English Beat who embraced ska and achieved commercial success. The podcast also discusses how ska music continued to evolve in the late 80s and 90s, with bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones combining ska with punk influences. The idea of a fourth wave of ska is mentioned, indicating that the genre is still evolving and being influenced by different time periods.
The Continued Impact of Ska Music Today
The podcast emphasizes that ska music is still thriving today, despite not receiving as much mainstream attention. It highlights the role of independent record labels like Bad Time Records in promoting contemporary ska bands. Various examples of modern ska artists and bands are mentioned, such as Jeremy Hunter and their project JaiR, who incorporate elements of ska with other genres. The podcast also touches on the diversity and anti-racist nature of ska music, bringing different communities together. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to explore the playlist provided to discover more ska music from across different time periods.
Mike's back on the mic with me and this time he's been doing some research to take us on a journey through the different "waves" of ska, beginning with early roots in 1940's Jamaica all the way through the current scene and everything somewhere in the between.
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