Biography
Martin Campbell is a Jamaican-born, UK-raised singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and engineer whose work has been pivotal in preserving the roots reggae tradition from the late 1970s to the present. Born in Germany in 1955 to Jamaican parents, Campbell moved to Jamaica as a young child, where he developed his musical talent early—becoming an accomplished pianist by age seven and attending the renowned Alpha Boys' School. His family later relocated to England in the late 1960s, where he immersed himself in the burgeoning UK reggae scene, drawing inspiration from both Caribbean and British influences.
Campbell's career is marked by a fiercely independent, do-it-yourself ethos. He established his own studio and label, Log On! Records, in the early 1980s, releasing spiritually charged roots tracks like 'Jah is My Light.' He is also the founder of Channel One (UK), a nod to the legendary Jamaican studio that shaped his sonic ideals. Campbell's music is characterized by minimalist, analog-driven grooves, heavy basslines, and a meditative, spiritual lyrical focus. His work bridges the classic message-driven reggae of the 1970s with the modern global dub revival, earning him respect as a quiet legend in UK dub and roots circles.
Throughout his decades-long career, Campbell has collaborated with key figures in the UK and European dub scenes, including projects under the Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics alias and work with Alien Dread. His records are staples for sound systems and selectors across Europe, and his influence is felt among a new generation of dub producers and vocalists. Rather than chasing commercial trends, Campbell has built a legacy rooted in authenticity, spiritual uplift, and the enduring power of roots reggae.
Fun Facts
- Martin Campbell built his own recording studio and presses his own records, maintaining full creative and business control over his music.
- He is a multi-instrumentalist, often playing most or all instruments on his recordings, and is known for his analog, tape-based production techniques.
- Campbell attended the prestigious Alpha Boys' School in Jamaica, which has produced many legendary reggae musicians.
- His music is particularly revered in European dub circles, with tracks like 'Wicked Rule' and 'Ignorance & Poverty' considered underground classics.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jo Jo Hookim - Major influence and mentor; helped inspire Campbell's Channel One (UK) label after meeting in Jamaica. (Channel One (UK) label projects) [Early 1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics - Studio alias and collaborative project for dub explorations. (Various albums and singles under Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics) [1980s–present]
- Alien Dread - Collaborated on dub releases, notably 'Don’t Cry Dub.' ('Don’t Cry Dub') [2000s]
Artists Influenced
- Alpha & Omega - Inspired by Campbell’s roots production style and independent ethos. (General influence on UK dub releases) [1990s–present]
- Disciples - Cited Campbell as a key influence in maintaining UK roots dub traditions. (General influence on dub productions) [1990s–present]
- Aba Shanti-I - Campbell’s records are staples in sound system sets, influencing selection and production. (Sound system performances) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Take a Look | 2020-04-24 | Album |
| Historical Tracks 1978-1981 | 2020-04-24 | Album |
| Rootsman | 2020-04-24 | Album |
| Various Classics | 2020-04-24 | Album |
| Alien Dread in DUB with Martin Campbell & The Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics Vol. 2 | 2012-11-26 | Album |
| Alien Dread in DUB with Martin Campbell & The Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics Vol.3 | 2012-11-26 | Album |
| Can Better Really Come | 2020-04-24 | Album |
| Alien Dread in Dub with Martin Campbell & The Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics Vol. 1 | 2012-11-26 | Album |
| Cosmic Dub Clash | 2011-11-22 | Album |
| Channel 1 Uk in Dub | 2020-04-24 | Album |
| Another Night in the Ghetto | 2020-04-24 | Album |
| San Diego Foundational Roots | 2020-04-24 | Album |
| San Diego Vibes | 2020-04-16 | Album |
| From the Vaults | 2020-04-24 | Album |
| Roots Vibrations | 2020-04-24 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Give the Poor Man a Try (Take a Look)
- Richman (Historical Tracks 1978-1981)
- Jah Love (Rootsman)
- Ignorance & Poverty (Various Classics)
- Hard Living (Take a Look)
- Tears Form (Take a Look)
- Babylon Come (Historical Tracks 1978-1981)
- Crazy Circus (Various Classics)
- Ignorance & Poverty Dub (Alien Dread in DUB with Martin Campbell & The Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics Vol. 2)
- Got to Pray (Various Classics)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Martin Campbell has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 26, 2025 | 21:35 | Bad Propagandafrom Historical Tracks 1978-1981 | Spirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno |