Who am I speaking with and what do you do in New Dub City?
Ali MC, frontman and producer of New Dub City.
You combine reggae, dub and punk with many different musical styles you’ve encountered while travelling. What has been your most profound musical experience abroad?
Attending an all night Voodoo ceremony in Haiti. Intense drumming and dance, combined with chanting, and a lot of drinking. The whole experience ends up as part of a ‘punk rock travel book’ I’ve written called The Eyeball End.
You’re launching your latest short documentary Mane Djung Karrira on Saturday. Can you tell us a little about it?
Mane Djang Karirra means ‘the place where the Dreaming changed shape’ in local Kunibidji language. It’s a short documentary following New Dub City as they tour to the remote community of Maningrida, West Arnhem Land. The doco provides a glimpse into gigging in a remote community and explores the landscape and culture of the area, and features a bass-heavy dub soundtrack.
How would you describe the energy of an average New Dub City gig?
Between Shabba dancing and drumming his heart out on the Djembe, and myself putting 100 per cent into vocals and performance, we always make sure we put on a high energy show. We involve the audience as much as possible – everyone can become part of the show.
Check out NEW DUB CITY’s launch of Mane Djung Karrira at Bar 303 on Saturday March 28.
