Last weekend, Fresno reggae crew Reality Sound International was one of four to compete in Club Dread's Sound Clash in San Francisco.

In addition to that, the DJ trio of Daddy Spleece, Papa Roots and Ras I Chant hold down a weekly show at Veni Vidi Vici (Thursdays) and a weekly radio slot 6-9 p.m. Sundays on KFSR, FM 90.7.

We talked to Spleece to learn what's real these days with Reality Sound.

How did Sound Clash go? Jah Warrior Shelter Hi Fi from San Francisco won the clash, and they deserved to. We were the only sound to not play off of a computer. It was a great experience, and we gained a lot of respect from a crowd that didn't know us before. Most were shocked by the originality and rarity of the tunes we played but weren't there to cheer for us.

How did Reality Sound earn a spot in the event? To earn a place in any sound clash, you have to first have a lot of big-dub plates. A dub plate is an exclusive version of a song re-recorded by a singer with the lyrics changed to include the name of the sound and sometimes naming and dissing other sounds. Then you have to have a fan base, and you need to know other promoters.

Was it a big deal for a group from Fresno to be involved? It was a huge honor to be included. This clash was against the three top Bay Area sound systems. Only four sounds were included, so our inclusion actually prevented other willing Bay Area sounds from competing.

Your Reggae Thursdays event is still going strong at Veni Vidi Vici after, what, almost eight years now. What do you attribute that to? It's been going strong several years at VVV, but originally started at Avalon Club before they closed. I attribute it to doing something that we love consistently.

Aside from the standing Thursday nights, you guys bring touring reggae shows to town. Anything coming up people should look out for? For now, we'll probably rest for a minute from this clash while planning a few short summer tours for ourselves, but there are live acts lined up for late spring. Hint: a Fresno favorite.

A question for the DJ in you: What's the hottest reggae record of the moment? In Fresno, Ward 21 & Timberlee's "Bubble Like Soup." In Jamaica, Serani & Bugle's "Doh."

For music and more: Go to myspace.com/realitysoundinternational.

Know a local musician that more people should be familiar with? Send the who and why to Mike Osegueda, mosegueda@fresnobee.com.