Ital stats

Mossman unveils the latest manifestation of Dub Lounge

by SCOTT C

If you've lived in this city long enough, and happen to have a sweet spot for the deep and soulful sounds of roots, rock steady and dub reggae, then you're probably familiar with at least one incarnation of Moss Raxlen's Dub Lounge. Since 1988, Mossman has been showcasing his love of reggae music, as well as his exceptional record collection, with many moves for Dub Lounge in the process. "We started at Isart," he explains, "took it to Blizzarts, then the Jupiter Room, Mile End Bar, le Swimming, and now El Salon."

The difference between this new chapter in the Dub Lounge story and previous ones involves the bass-friendly confines of El Salon, where Mossman plans to set up shop once a month to do his thing. With the help of other selectors like Bunny, Dan Beats and Andy Williams, and planned appearances by Black Redemption Sound, this may be the most focused version of Dub Lounge yet. "People can expect to eat real ital food while they enjoy the music as well," he says excitedly. "We'll have all kinds of vegetarian goods for sale, as well as natural juice."

Apart from playing records, Moss can generally be found in the studio, working diligently on upcoming releases for his label Dispensation Records, which already has a growing catalogue under its belt.

Different way

Now, some of us know that Moss is a mystery wrapped up in an enigma, and that he's often referred to as not the most approachable of characters. But with a projected four records set for release this year on Dispensation, everything seems to be falling into place for the hardworking Mossman.

"A lot of people's lives centre around themselves. I try to be altruistic in everything I do, but you have to know when you're giving enough or too much. Some people think I'm rude, and I've been accused of running through people from time to time, but life's all about learning, and I want to deal with people who are progressing. You're either moving forward, or backwards, or you're stagnant and not moving at all. Errol Dunkley has a track called ‘A Little Way Different,' and that's how I do things.

"I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone, and the truth is that you either understand what the music is saying or you don't. It's not something I can explain in an interview, or would try to explain in an interview. You just have to listen."

with Vander Dub Experience at Quai des Brumes on Sunday, April 25, 9pm, free. At Dub Lounge with Mossman, Bunny, Dan Beats and Andy Williams at El Salon on Saturday, May 15, $7