HDD and Friends Favourite Carnival Soundsystems 2012

Last year we asked some of our favourite djs, producers, artists and bloggers to recommend their favourite Notting Hill Carnival soundsystems, food stalls and anthems, and started to compile the HDD Guide to Notting Hill Carnival. This year we have added the following soundsystem recommendations to the list. You can check out last year’s tips here and use Time Out London’s soundsystem map to help you find your way.

Jillionaire (DJ/Mazor Lazer)

Sancho Panza and Good Times and Channel One neck and neck and neck

J.Bo Tapes (Southen Hospitality)

I’ve now been every year since 1999 so have a bit of a routine starting with meeting at Bayswater at lunchtime. I like to roll with a few first timers or even people who have previously said they hate Carnival, to show them the ropes J.Bo style! I head straight to the Nasty Love Soundsystem on Colville Gardens – the vibe is always nice and the music mix just right to get the party started over there.

Alex (Tumbleweave Blog)

For whatever reason I always end up spending most of my time at King Tubbys. The vibe always great, and it has become a kind of base camp for me and my crew over the past few years. I intend to do a bit more walking this year though, especially after reading your article from last year. The advice from Wrongtom in particular is too good to ignore, and the Panorama steel band competition mentioned by Dan Bean (Heatwave) has my name all over it too!

Moroka (Producer/Pollinate)

Don’t really have a favourite soundsystem but I started out more on a Rampage ting though you’re more likely to find me at Good Times (if it’s there) Channel One or even Major Lazer this year.

James Hamlin (Breaking Bread Podcast / North London 40)

Others come and go but for me it’s still Norman Jay (Good Times). Of course it’s not without it’s flaws but for a party there’s simply nothing like it. I’ve had my best carnival memories there and hope to continue doing so.

Poirier (Producer)

I would recommend to go to the Panaroma Steelband competition that’shappening on the Saturday. Very different from a soundsystem, but its worth it and it’s a nice way to start the Carnival!