High Tone Members, Gear & Sound

High Tone is a French dub collective hailing from Lyon, formed in 1997. The group is co-founded by Lionel "DJ Twelve" Dumas (turntables, samples), Julien "Aku Fen" Oresta (guitar), Fabrice Oresta (bass), Antonin "Antok" Chaplin (keyboards), and Dominique "Selekta Dino" Peter (drums). Known for their innovative approach to dub, ragga, and novo dub, High Tone draws on a wide range of influences, including ambient music and drum'n'bass. This eclectic blend helps them stand out in the dub scene, alongside contemporaries like Le Peuple de l'Herbe and Brain Damage Sound System. High Tone's early releases such as Opus Incertum and Bass Temperature established their reputation, while their live performances have been pivotal in building their dedicated fan base.

High Tone's sound is characterized by heavy grooves and intricate sonic textures, achieved through the use of deep bass lines and rhythmic complexity. Their music often features layered samples and rich, atmospheric effects, creating an immersive listening experience. Their approach typically incorporates analog delay and reverb effects to expand the space within their tracks, while filter sweeps and modulation effects add dynamic movement and depth. The band's use of turntables and live sampling injects a spontaneous and raw element to their performances, making real-time manipulation of sound a key aspect of their musical identity. Guitar and keyboard parts are often processed through effects to enhance the dub aesthetic, contributing to a sound that is both expansive and rhythmically engaging.