The Dualers

The Dualers are a British ska band active since 2004. The group is built around brothers Si and Tyber, who perform a blend of ska, soul and reggae. Their music develops from the sounds they grew up with, including ska and soul, and they are associated with a family background in London’s sound system culture through their father, Bill Cranstoun, who helps introduce ska to London in the 1960s with his Savoy Sound System.

Background and style

The Dualers form in the United Kingdom and build a reputation through street performances, private functions and club appearances, particularly in the south east of England. Their audience spans a wide age range, and they develop a strong following through busking rather than through conventional industry routes. The brothers’ family moves around the south east while they grow up, including Bromley, Canterbury, Croydon, London and Penge, and they regard all of these places as part of their home area.

Tyber lives in Greenwich, London, and Si lives in Caterham, Surrey. Their mother, Jacqueline, is born in Sierra Leone and meets Bill Cranstoun at the Locarno Ballroom in Streatham. Si and Tyber say they grow up listening to artists including The Blues Busters, Lord Creator, Stranger Cole, Bob Marley, The Skatalites, Sam Cooke and Otis Redding.

Early releases and recognition

The Dualers issue their debut single, “Kiss On The Lips”, in 2004. It enters the charts at number 21 and remains in the chart for a second week at number 33. At that point, they do not have a record contract, distributor, agent, manager or promoter, and they rely on a small group of friends for support. They also sell more than 35,000 copies of their first two CDs on the streets alone.

Before establishing themselves as a performing duo, Simon pursues music as a career after leaving school and has some success. Tyber studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before joining his brother in street singing after some television success.

Performance and following

The Dualers are known for a lively, charismatic live style and for performing directly to audiences in public spaces and smaller venues. Their fan base grows to approach 10,000 members, and they are seen by millions through busking and performance across the south east over several years.