Deep Dive #1: Mighty OAK SOUNDSYSTEM
As we approach our first ‘Sunday Dub Club’ session on Sunday 26th July 2026 with Mighty Oak Soundsystem - we wanted to find out more about our local soundsystem so we asked Ben & Jofis some questions ahead of the session.
Come with us as we deep dive with Mighty Oak…
Who is behind Mighty Oak?
Mighty oak has two main aspects,
Mighty oak sound system - built and run by Ben (pictured right)
Mighty Oak records - run by Joseph, AKA jofis (pictured left)
Ben and Joe are the original founders but many people have been involved over the years. Box lifters, promoters, MCs, selectors, dancers etc.
We salute all of them.
Where are you based?
We are based in the Scottish Borders. The sound system is based near Jedburgh and the studio is in Hawick.
For someone who’s never heard of you, what is Mighty Oak soundsystem, selections and events all about?
It's about education through music. Reggae music has many aspects. It can teach you about history, spirituality, empowerment and dignity, equality, politics, current affairs, relationships, love, what's happening on the street and more. Its also about bringing people together, dancing and having a good time at the same time as absorbing the serious messages in the music.
What led you to start Mighty Oak? Why do you do it?
We have been selectors since the late 90s, we always had a dream of having our own sound system and a record label one day. We attended some sessions early on that inspired us to start searching for music. This was before the internet so finding music was much harder back then.
We do it out of love for the music and seeing the joy that it brings to people. We have met so many amazing people and made so many friends through the sound system. We really love it.
Tell us about the rig
So the sound system started as just a few random boxs and amps. At first we would do some little parties for our friend's. We didn't have any knowledge really but over time we built it up and learned more about how to run a sound properly. Gradually it became a little bit more organised and we started doing some proper sessions. We played in a very simple way with one deck, a preamp and a echo box but people would always respond positively to the selection and that gave us a lot of encouragement to keep it going. Slowly slowly with lots of trial and error it became what it is now. We have been on some fantastic adventures with the sound system, all over the UK and beyond.
The sound system is still being developed and we are still learning, it's never finished really.
What are you most excited about for the Sunday Dub Club session?
We are really looking forward to playing the sound on our home turf. We've always struggled to find places to play in the borders. It's great to find a supportive environment to showcase our music to the good people of the borders.
Can you give us a flavour of the sort of sounds to expect at the The Old Mill Yard on Sunday?
We were thinking of playing some real foundation music for you. Here's a few of our staple tunes that you could hear at yard:
The Righteous Flames - Solid Foundation
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Burning & Looting
Junior Murvin - Crossover
Twinkle Brothers - One head
Junior Hibbert - Really for a Reason
Freddie Mckay - Picture on the Wall
Jah Shaka - Revelation 18
Sound Dimension - Baby face
Macka Bees - Nation fiddler
Cedric im Brooks - Rebirth
The Chantells - Path i have taken
Augustus pablo - Java
SUNDAY DUB CLUB - 26th July 2026
The Old Mill Yard
Newtown St Boswells
Scottish Borders
Music All Day
Street Food
Local Drinks
Family Friendly Venue
12-10pm
£5 OTD
Tickets and info:
https://www.citizenticket.com/organiser/naughty-corner-events/