Musician Steve Chandra Savale [afikra Conversations]
This conversation with Asian Dub Foundation’s longest-standing member, Steve Chandra Savale, covers a lot of ground: ranging from the band’s agenda and core values of an educational-based philosophy to East London in the 90s and re-scoring the movie La Haine. Steve shares what it was like emerging out of the post-punk and acid-house era and how the band developed their unique soundscape while honoring the sounds of their parents’ record collections. He takes us through the origins of the “remix” and explains – for those of us who aren’t yet familiar with these genres – the differences between dub-reggae, jungle and more. Finally, Steve gives us a preview of ADF’s upcoming performance at The NYUAD Arts Center on September 22, 2023 – including their live reinterpretation of La Haine’s music score.
Steve Chandra Savale is a British musician who joined the Asian Dub Foundation in 1994 and is the band’s longest standing member. He co-wrote and co-produced all of the band’s nine official studio albums to date. He also initiated the concept for their live “re-score” of the film La Haine which they will be performing at The NYUAD Arts Center on September 22, 2023.
The Asian Dub Foundation are said to be a “genre unto themselves”. Their music offers a unique combination of “tough jungle rhythms, dub basslines, wild guitar and forceful high-speed raps, overlaid by references and homages to their South Asian roots.” Since the early 90s, they have been pioneers in many senses, not least in confronting racial stereotypes through their work. The band formed out of a music workshop at Community Music in East London aimed at getting young Asians into music. Steve teaches Music History there to this day.
About Conversations
afikra Conversations is our flagship program featuring long-form interviews with experts from academia, art, and media who are helping document and/or shape the histories and cultures of the Arab world through their work. Our hope is that by having the guest share their expertise and story, the community still walks away with new found curiosity - and maybe some good recommendations about new nerdy rabbit holes to dive into head first.
