Ska
Everything published on Viyolens under Ska — reviews, buying advice and how-tos written for players and producers in the UK.
Ska Music for Newcomers: Where to Start
No theory required. Three records, two things to listen for, and a genuinely practical way into ska for anyone starting from zero.
A Beginner's Guide to Rocksteady
Slow bass, offbeat chords and close harmony singing: here's what rocksteady actually is, broken down step by step for anyone hearing the word for the first time.
The History of Rocksteady
Two years, two rival studios and one massive shift in Jamaican music. Here's the no-nonsense history of how rocksteady took ska's crown and handed it straight to reggae.
Rocksteady Subgenres, Explained
Two years wasn't long enough for an official family tree, but real rocksteady subgenres still emerge once you know what to listen for. Here's the honest map.
The History of Reggae Music
A decade-by-decade timeline of how Jamaican music went from mento and ska to reggae, dub and dancehall — and how it ended up everywhere.
A Beginner's Guide to Ska Music
Faster than reggae, older than punk's version of it, and horn-led from the start. Here's what this genre actually is and where its revivals came from.
Ska is filed under
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Reggae Music
Reggae music is built on groove, bass and spacious rhythm. Shop gear for warm low end, echo-rich production and live per...
Rocksteady
Rocksteady is a smooth Jamaican style linking ska to reggae with bass-led grooves and vocal harmony.
Ska Music
Upbeat offbeat genre with brass, skanking guitars and energetic grooves built for lively live performance.
