RedMeansRecording breaks down the ubiquitous sample

Blu Mar Ten Jungle Jungle 1989 to 1999 Sample Pack

Join RedMeansRecording as he unravels the mystery behind a sample that’s been echoing through UK garage and jungle tracks for decades. With a mix of cheeky humor and unmatched insight, he delves into the history of the ‘Wheel Up Signal’ and its roots in dub culture.

The Accidental Journey into UK Garage

In the latest RedMeansRecording video, we get a taste of how a casual trip to Ferality, a VR furry convention, opened the door to a world of UK garage and two-step for our guide. The enthusiasm for these genres isn’t just a fleeting affair; it was solidified after witnessing live DJ sets that rekindled his appreciation for the rich, layered sounds of UK music culture. His encounter with the genre wasn’t just about passive listening, as it spurred him to dedicate mix sessions, hinting at how these sounds can slap you harder than a Chicago winter breeze.

Discovering the 'Wheel Up Signal'

As RedMeansRecording immerses himself deeper into the UK music scene, a persistent sound effect begins to catch his attention. Known as the ‘Wheel Up Signal,’ this sonic piece of history is abundant across various tracks. Like stumbling upon a box of mixtapes in the attic, this discovery leads him on a journey to trace its origins, uncovering it in the ‘Jungle Jungle 1989 to 1999’ sample pack from Blu Mar Ten. Using his detective skills with just a dash of humorous curiosity, he finds the sample and confirms its widespread use in seminal tracks. He highlights DJ Gunshot’s ‘Wheel Up’ as a cornerstone, igniting its popularity across the scene.

"One more time."

Spreading Like Wildfire in UK Music

After first being used in DJ Gunshot’s track in 1994, the ‘Wheel Up Signal’ quickly became a must-have element in the jungle and garage tracks of the era. The video explains how this sound proliferated in the musical underground, becoming a hallmark of the sound systems blasting across the UK. Tracks like Double 99’s ‘Rip Groove’ feature this sample, painting it as part of the essential color palette for producers of the time. It’s like finding the perfect slice of street pizza; once you taste it, you know it’s part of the city’s sonic fabric.

A Deep Dive into Dub Culture

"The wheels up signal comes directly from one of the tools that was used when blasting music from these insane sound systems."

To understand the power behind the ‘Wheel Up Signal,’ RedMeansRecording dives into the reggae and dub roots it sprung from, painting a vivid picture of sound system culture. These monstrous setups would blast music into the atmosphere, creating the kind of shared experience that would make any bass-loving heart thump with joy. It’s in this bustling landscape that the dub siren was born—a simple device originally based on basic electronic components like the 555 oscillator. RedMeansRecording lays bare the significance of these tools in shaping the grooves and atmosphere that have carried over into electronic music, like a well-loved mixtape passing through generations.

The Nuts and Bolts of the Dub Siren

Exploring the components that make up a dub siren, the video introduces viewers to the technical side of this intriguing sound. The NJDSE-1, a piece born from necessity, found its home in creating the diverse effects essential to dub. He paints a picture of how these sirens are more than just noise makers—they represent a legacy of sound experimentation. RedMeansRecording’s deep dive might just be the kind of rare find you’d come across at a garage sale, full of character and simplicity, yet indispensable in crafting the right vibe.

Building Your Own Sound Legacy

As the video wraps up, RedMeansRecording doesn’t just leave viewers with a history lesson. Instead, he sparks inspiration, encouraging experimentation and personal projects, similar to how the dub pioneers manipulated their sirens. He shares ideas on how to create your own dub siren using software or DIY kits, marking a true homage to the hands-on approach of music making. It might not cost more than a night out in Chicago, offering a high return on creative fun. This closing encouragement is like a musical taste test, offering creative souls a chance to add a touch of legacy to their own beats, ensuring the ‘Wheel Up Signal’ remains as timeless as ever.