How Technology, Politics, and Perception Transformed the Role of Music in Black Life
Malcolm James examines the genres of reggae, jungle music, and grime in his new book, “Sonic Intimacy.”
By Tom Morris
January 2, 2021
2 minute read
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Malcolm James, a senior lecturer in media and cultural studies at England’s University of Sussex, examines the relationship between sound and sociality in his new book, Sonic Intimacy: Reggae Sound Systems, Jungle Pirate Radio, and Grime YouTube Music Videos (Bloomsbury). It’s a thoughtful, scrupulous study, demonstrating how technology, politics, and perception have influenced the role of music in Black life. We recently spoke with James about what “sonic intimacy” means, and what we stand to lose if it disappears.
