It seems hard to believe, but Independence Day is just around the corner. For some of us who can’t deal with traffic and tourist congestion, that means it’s time to get our party on out of town. If there was ever a time to take a vacation in Quincy, this is the weekend.
The High Sierra Music Festival is back for its 23rd year with features music for all ages, from Robert Plant to Primus, from the genre-bending dub reggae of Thievery Corporation to the roots reggae of Steel Pulse.
I caught up with High Sierra first-timer and reggae legend David Hinds of Steel Pulse over the phone from his home in Martinique in the Caribbean.
Moonshine Ink: How has a band like Steel Pulse withstood the test of time?
David Hinds: It’s a bit of what the climate has been politically and what the taste in music has been worldwide over the past 10 years. Combine that with our relentless habit and the way we go about the things we do, and you have Steel Pulse today.
MI: How has your sound and content evolved over the years?
DH: It has evolved to an extent. The issues are somewhat different than they were 20 to 30 years ago; however, the principles are the same. Someone is getting conned out of something, someone is getting surprised in their own land, someone’s idea of justice is not being met. Today we are talking about Trayvon Martin; 30 years ago we were talking about George Jackson. We like to discuss our mistrust in the system and the unlevel playing field that is on display.
MI: What can High Sierra expect from you?
DH: Obviously, Steel Pulse, with all the classics people have come to love. At a festival most people want to hear the classics. They may hear us just that one time as opposed to the club scene where people expect something new every time. We will throw a few new songs into the mix as well. The band members live so far apart from one another that it can be hard to get together before a tour.
MI: Is there anything special about playing live music in California?
DH: America is one of our stronger and devoted audiences. We play more shows in Cali then anywhere. America is the voice of the world in many ways. Once you can make a voice there you are half way along with communicating with the world. Any voice in America reverberates to so many other places.
When it comes to California, it’s like a country on its own. It’s the most liberated state when it comes to speaking about the spirit of the people. [Californians] have liberated spirits and there is less conservatism and embedded racism. The way I see it is that it is along the Pacific Ocean and is almost like an island in that it almost has the tendencies of an island. All the islands of the world have one thing in common, they all love reggae music.
MI: Is it your opinion that a musician should have a voice in the political state of the world?
DH: It depends on what kind of music you are playing. Some music is just about having a good time. Reggae music has become the forerunner in discussing what the system perpetuates.
Having a good time while playing depends on what part of the world you are in. In the past we have been caught between a rock and a hard place and felt that our presence had been used as some sort of political move to gain favors with a leader.
MI: What is your opinion of the current state of reggae music?
DH: If you really take stock, there is no state in the world that has more reggae festivals than California. There’s always some [show] like Bob Marley Day, Reggae on the River, etc. I thank California for keeping roots reggae alive. I love that California has kept the roots artists like myself going all these years.
