'Our Yard': New podcast series explores the roots of UK sound system culture

The first episode includes an interview with Lloyd Coxsone...

A new podcast series has begun delving into the history of sound system culture in the UK.

Launched earlier this month to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Windrush celebrations, Our Yard will document the genres of rocksteady, reggae and dub to acid house, jungle, garage and dubstep chronologically across 20 episodes.

Founded by Nottingham's Mimm Studios, there is also music events, film screenings and clothing collections based off the podcast around the corner.

The first episode includes an interview with Lloyd Coxsone, the legendary sound system operator behind Coxsone Sound System. The likes of Mad Professor, Mikey Dread, Dubplate Pearl, Don Letts and Valerie V Rocket will feature in future episodes.

Listen to episode one below.

Elsewhere, a new mentorship programme has been curated by Notting Hill Carnival pioneer Linett Kamala, encouraging more women to get involved in sound system culture.

Titled Original Sounds Collective, the campaign includes tailored training, experiences, and access to equipment, aiming to to bring more women into the scene ahead of the next annual carnival event.

Linett Kamala, the programme leader, was one of the first women to perform at Notting Hill Carnival at the age of 14.

"Women have always been around and part of soundsystem culture. It’s just not always been as visible,” she told The Guardian.

“So me stepping into the fore as a young woman back then was bringing more visibility to the females who were around, but not as prominent and taking on some of those roles like DJ or MC.”

Find out more about Original Sounds Collective here.

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