Basque Dub Foundation

The Basque Dub Foundation started in the early 90s as studio project by Iñaki Yarritu, a London based reggae musician originally from the Basque Country (northern Spain). Iñaki moved into music production in the late 80's having being previously involved in Reggae since the late 70s as a radio DJ, journalist and promoter. In their early days BDF toured (as a sound system) supporting Mad Professor in the first ever Dub sessions to take place in Spain. Another first came in 1997 when BDF released their debut album "Sustraidun Roots Dub" (Massive Sounds - 1997) ("Sustraidun" is Basque for "Rootical") the first Dub album ever to come out of Spain. Recorded in Bilbao and London and produced by Iñaki Yarritu "Sustraidun Roots Dub" included some of the productions previously available only as dubplates that had been played exclusively by Sound Systems. This album gave BDF an underground reputation for its blend of original 70's style Dub with 90's digital influences.

After this release BDF, evolved into a live band specialising in Roots Reggae and Dub. Incorporating a full line-up of musicians in the tradition of the legendary 70's and 80's studio bands such as Roots Radics and the Revolutionaries, BDF's live shows capture the unique feel of the golden era of the 70's and 80's sound, the era before the digital technology took Reggae music into a different phase. BDF supported international tours by major artists such as The Wailers, Culture, Burning Spear and Lee Perry. Their live performances have been enthusiastically reviewed, drawing praise for being one of the few bands that play original 70's dub with live (real) instruments.

In 2002 BDF released their second album "BDF meets Loud & Lone" (Brixton Records). BDF provided the ultra heavy riddims and Loud & Lone are in charge of the vocals "inna Showcase Style" (vocal plus dub). "BDF Meets Loud & Lone" recreated with amazing precision the genuine and atmospheric sounds of Roots Reggae's golden era. Using only live instruments and analogue recording methods with the only intention of playing the music they love in the same style as the artists that have influence them so much. This second album increased BDF's international following between the more discerning Roots Reggae audience.

In recent years BDF has been touring live in France and Spain and playing as a backing band for international Reggae artists such as Alton Ellis, Earl Sixteen, Anthony Johnson, U Brown, Kenny Knots, Dub Judah, Tena