Fearful for the future of his people, King Tubby sent his most trusted advisor to recruit the Knights of the DUB Table…who would honour and protect his way of life, and the way of the DUB (Dedication, Unity, Brotherhood).
‘So reads The Greater Story of the Knights; which we’ll unfold slowly through our releases,’ claim the Knights. ‘The legend places the focus on the music and stories we want to tell rather than us, as individuals.’
Hailing from Hamilton, Mr Samy’samson (vocals, guitar), Sir Cypher (bass), Sax’imus (MC, sax) and Synth’silion (keys, beats), Tootz (trumpet) and drummer Dr. Umm (subsequently replaced by Ridim’ix), met at the Waikato Institute of Technology in ’07, whilst completing Bachelor of Media Arts degrees, music stream. It was there they joined forces to craft a unique sound combining elements of reggae, drum‘n’bass, hip hop and rock.
“We kinda mash them all up, which helps to keep it fun.”
However, behind the techno façade the Knights are essentially a live crew, with real live guitars, bass, horns, drums and vocals. “On stage we also use two laptops and Akai MPK midi controllers for our synths, but essentially we’re live.”
When writing they build their tracks – in the traditional sense – around guitars and vocals.With the core of the song established they take it into the Mac, using Logic to work on the arrangements.
Since inception the Knights have gone from strength to strength; supporting Katchafire, dDub, Cornerstone Roots and Optimus Gryme and Australian dub outfit The Versionaries. Last November they self-released ‘Sing It To Me Remix EP’ through amplifier.co.nz, containing remixes from Optimus Gryme and Tiki Taane.
“We’ve been stoked with how helpful Tiki and Charlie B (Optimus Gryme) have been aye. It’s awesome when people at the top of their fields are willing to help new acts. That’s what’s so good about NZ!”
With fresh horses in the stable The Knights are currently preparing the February release of ‘Tronic EP’ and further studio time is planned for the completion of their debut album later this year. With sponsor Converse now on board 2010 is shaping up to be a big year. All part of the plan they claim – after all it is written: ‘Wherever they go, the Knights of the DUB Table continue to enlighten and inspire the masses.’
