PRIZES to win! PROMOTIONS

Close Notification

Your cart does not contain any items

Sound System

The Political Power of Music

Dave Randall

$34.95

Paperback

Not in-store but you can order this
How long will it take?

QTY:

English
Pluto Press
01 December 2025
Musicians have often wanted to change the world. From underground innovators to pop icons, many have believed in the political power of music. Rulers recognise it too. Music has been used to challenge the political and social order-and to prop up the status quo.

Sound System is the story of one musician's journey to discover what makes music so powerful. Dave Randall uses his insider's knowledge of the industry to shed light on the secrets of celebrity, commodification and culture.

This is a book of raves, riots and revolution. From Glastonbury Festival to Palestine, The X Factor to Trinidadian Carnival, Randall finds political inspiration across the musical spectrum and poses the question: how can we make music serve the interests of the many, rather than the few?

This new edition is updated throughout, including an exploration of the relationship between music and protest against the invasion of Gaza. Randall also dives into new creator trends and considers the potential impact of AI on both artists and industry.
By:  
Imprint:   Pluto Press
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Edition:   2nd edition
Dimensions:   Height: 198mm,  Width: 129mm,  Spine: 15mm
ISBN:   9780745351339
ISBN 10:   0745351336
Pages:   208
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Dave Randall is a musician, producer and activist. He has toured the world playing guitar with Faithless, Dido, Sinead O'Connor and many others. He also teaches courses on guitar and the creative industries at BIMM University Bristol.

Reviews for Sound System: The Political Power of Music

'Fascinating ... A deeply intelligent look at music and society and in particular pop's tempestuous relationship with commerce' -- Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music 'A thrilling trip through the dark corners and secret gardens of the music world' -- Maxi Jazz, lead vocalist for Faithless 'A terrific, exciting book, weaving together the strands of music, politics and worldwide struggles' -- Yasmin Alibhai-Brown 'This engaging, hugely readable book should be compulsory reading for anyone interested in the state of the world - and in the essential, life-affirming role music can play in changing it for the better' 'A wide-ranging and punchy book' -- Dan Hancox, <i>The National</i> '5 Stars!' -- <i>Songlines</i> 'Ceaselessly fascinating and incredibly well researched, with a narrative voice that's simultaneously highly educated and humbly inviting' -- <i>Pop Matters</i>


See Also