Earl Gateshead is the selector and leader of Trojan Sound System, the official sound of Trojan Records. Since its creation in 1968, Trojan Records has led the way in presenting the very best in classic Jamaican sounds. The labels releases have featured the cream of Jamaican talent, with the likes of Bob Marley & The Wailers, Dennis Brown, John Holt, Ken Boothe, Toots & The Maytals and The Inner Circle all included on its illustrious roster.

Earl began DJing in 1979 when he played reggae records between punk bands in Brixton and was heavily influenced by the Trojan releases of the time. In the Spirit of the times, he built his own Sound System and installed it at the world famous Dive Bar in Soho, where he established a respected reputation throughout London. Throughout the later part of his Dive Bar years Earl became the Saturday night resident at clubs such as the internationally acclaimed Blue Note and later Fabric, where he became their resident Roots Reggae specialist.

Earl Gateshead is now regarded as one of the father figures of the UK roots reggae scene, performing at all UK and European reggae events.