Sound System: The Political Power of Music

‘Fascinating’ Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2

‘A thrilling trip’ Maxi Jazz, Faithless

Musicians have often wanted to change the world. From underground innovators to pop icons, many believe in the political power of music. Rulers recognise it too. Music challenges the political order—and props up the status quo.

Now updated in a new edition, Sound System is the story of one musician’s journey to discover what makes music so powerful. Dave Randall uses his insider’s knowledge of the industry to shed light on the secrets of celebrity, commodification and culture.

This is a book of raves, riots and revolution. From Glastonbury to Gaza, the attention economy to AI, Randall asks: how can we make music serve the interests of the many, rather than the few?

Dave Randall is a musician, producer and activist. He has toured the world playing guitar with Faithless, Dido, Sinéad O’Connor and many others.

© 2025 Pluto Press (Ebook): 9780745351346

Release date

Ebook: 20 August 2025