Machel Montano – Mr. Fete

28 January, 2012 Leave a comment

Machel Montano Mr. Fete
dir: Peter C. Lewis
cam: Declan Leeloo & Gabriel Ti. Nagee
Cowin Dori Thorpe Leroy “Gotti” Thomas
edit: Cowin Dori. Thorpe
©Dori Productions

Kimba Sorzano – Over You

26 January, 2012 Leave a comment

 

Kimba Sorzano – Over You (Official Music Video)

Directed By Kern Rose
KernRoseFilms

Stylist: Keisha Als

Chutney in yuh Soca

20 January, 2012 Leave a comment
Chutney in yuh Soca

An arts documentary examining the phenomenon of “chutney soca“, a musical hybrid from Trinidad & Tobago which blends the traditions of the islands’ two biggest ethnic groupsIndian and African. As much political as musical, “chutney soca” seems to offer a way for the two cultures, often perceived as being mutally antagonistic, to come together in a new exciting fusion of sounds.

Directed by Karen Martinez
21 mins
made for the Arts Council of Great Britain & Channel 4 TV (UK)

Farmer Nappy – YOU MAKE ME / SURRENDER

19 January, 2012 Leave a comment

TEXT CODE FOR GROOVY IS FARM 4678

Farmer Nappy – You Make Me
Edit: Cowin Thorpe
Cam: Gabriel Ti. Nagee/Declan Leeloo
Dir: Peter C. Lewis

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Coca Cola Rhythm 2012

19 January, 2012 Leave a comment
Coca Cola Rhythm 2012

Coca Cola Rhythm 2012

COCA-COLA LAUNCHES THE 2012 COCA-COLA RHYTHM Coca-Cola has released the second official Coca-Cola Rhythm in time for Carnival 2012. The rhythm features an all star line up on a groovy soca beat developed by Kernal Roberts. Coca-Cola has always been a refreshing delight to people all across the globe since 1886. The 2012 Coca-Cola Rhythm builds on the optimistic refreshment platform which embodies Coke’s Open Happiness mantra. This new rhythm features an amazing group of artistes including: Benjai, Lil Bitts, Umi Marcano, Screws and Devon Matthews. Their talent brought to life the Rhythm objective – to share happiness, build excitement and really enjoy Carnival as Trinbangonians do with Soca Music. According to Franchise Brand Manager, Mr. Roberto Lapeira, “Coca-Cola is pleased to have to opportunity to share its second Carnival Rhythm with Trinidad and Tobago. We are always trying to find innovative ways to really connect with the public and with the success of the last rhythm, we knew we had to bring something even more amazing this year. Kernal Roberts took the challenge and brought a fantastic, new groovy soca sound that includes our trademark Coca-Cola five tones and makes you want to dance in the street this Carnival.” The Carnival 2012 Coca-Cola Rhythm Music will be available for download at www.coca-cola.com.tt

SOCA POP DUNG

18 January, 2012 Leave a comment

to be read as SOCA gone POP… SOCA POP DOWN… or SOCA as POP is DUNG! i wasnt sure what ti title this one as… off we go…

 

was prompted to write this after a status update on facebook led me to answer that SOCA has always been POPular to us and the Caribbean Diaspora at large… i immediately went to the best resource known to mankind… wikipedia… and searched for POP music… guess what i found… ok i’ll share it… We’ve been singing POP all these years

 

 

The terms popular music and pop music are often used interchangeably, even though the former is a description of any form of music which is popular (and can include any genre), whilst the latter is a specific genre of music which has qualities which would make it appealing to a large audience.[1] Pop music, as a genre, is very eclectic, often borrowing elements from other styles throughout its course such as urbandancerockLatin and country,[1] yet there are core elements which define it. Such include generally short-to-medium length songs, written in a basic format which is often the verse-chorus structure, which generally make usage of repeated choruses, have a melodic sound, and have catchy hooks.[1] So-called “pure pop” music, such as power pop, features all these elements, and for instrumentation uses electric guitarsdrums and a bass;[1] in the case of such music, the main goal is usually that of being pleasurable to listen to, rather than having much artistic depth.[1] Pop music is generally thought of as a genre which is commercially recorded and desires to appeal to a mass audience.[1]

wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_music

 

 

looking at this through my myopic view… its spot on… now what folk really want to say isnt about the musical structure but how it sounds… it sounds different… different to what we were accustomed to… it is no longer the Pla-Ka-Tikki Pla-Ka-Tikki of decades ago… decades ago when DISCO was in and a seven minute song was normal and somewhat POPular…

 

i’m no researcher or scientist so i just rant off the top of my head… most of the complainers of the new sound are the same folk who would readily jump to a Rihanna instead of give Denise Belfon the benefit of the doubt, when she performs her decade old routine, at one of the first fetes of the season… why… coz RiRi does mix it up… i think the people dem frighten of what could happen if SOCA becomes POPular to more than a Caribbean Diaspora…

 

is it that they fear losing their stars and idols for Carnival… the single most important thing for many a Trini.. so some say…

 

so until next time take no offence when i say islandPOOP… i only refer to the real mess choonz in that manner… not everything from any one studio/producer/artiste falls into that category… hopefully… allyuh enjoy the music and stop trying to create divisions when at this point in time UNiTY is what is needed… its an industry allyuh trying to build… i may assist from time to time… coz i see opportunity within it for what i like to do…

COSMIC SHIFT

17 January, 2012 Leave a comment
Cosmic Riddim - J-Rod Records

Cosmic Riddim - J-Rod Records

 

 

i am impatiently waiting for it to appear in my inbox so i could make my lil riddiMIX…

 

on that note i am pleased to see one of the minds behind the Cosmic Riddim get a lil write up in the papers… go Jarrod… no not the Subway dude… this is the man behind JRod Records…  yeah the 2nd Chances, Life Lessons and the BarCode Riddims… i glad he say it and that it in print… i eh no producer so my rants are usually limited to the 50 folk who subscribe to this blog… thanks to you all… here is what J-Rod had to say…

 

“If you look on the Internet right now, you will see soca listed under world music. That has to change. We need to see soca standing on its own.” Touching on the current rift in the local industry with some artistes complaining of unfair airplay, Faria says “there is no real proof” that a “soca mafia” exists. “It’s such a saturated market that it really just boils down to the work you put in and the relationships you build,” he reasoned. And in an industry where an artiste can be “in today and out tomorrow,” the QRC graduate believes that it’s also necessary for aspiring soca stars to take advantage of all avenues available in this technological era. “When you look at it, all the big acts have a Facebook and Twitter page. New artistes need to put in the ground-work and market themselves,” he advised. “It’s a very competitive industry and I don’t think anybody can deny that.”
Jarrod’s taking soca to the world One beat at a time
Published: Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Cherisse Moe

 

some say that it is Cosmic Shift… like you eh listen to Garlin intro… i do say islandPOOP at times… only coz i doh like the genre separation… music is music… strength and powers to you and all associated bredren…

 

 

SOCA Monarch SemiFinalists 2012

16 January, 2012 Leave a comment

With over 400 submissions, the Soca Monarch judging panel have declared that the names listed below are to move on the Semi final round of the International Soca Monarch competition.

The Semi finals will be held at the Arima Velodrome on Sunday January 29th 2012…. same day as PREStige

Play Whe Groovy Soca Monarch Semi-finalists:

  • Anthony Hendrickson (All Rounder)
  • Darryl Henry (Farmer Nappy)
  • Destra Garcia
  • Dexter Stweart (Blaxx)
  • Dwayne Arthur (Skhi)
  • Erphan Alves
  • Gamal Doyle (Skinny Fabulous)
  • Jardine Legere (Jadel)
  • Jason Williams & Ancil Isaac (JW & Blaze)
  • Kenneth Richards (K Rich)
  • Kerwin Du Bois
  • Khori Francis (Ziggy Rankin)
  • Kimba Sorzano (Kimba)
  • Kris Persad (KI)
  • Laurence Gonzales (Mr. Renzo)
  • Lima Calbio
  • Machel Montano
  • Nadia Batson
  • Patrice Roberts
  • Roderick Gordon (Chucky)
  • Rodney Le Blanc (Benjai)
  • Shivonne Churche (Lil Bitts)
  • Shurwayne Winchester
  • Shal Marshall
  • Terri Lyons
  • Terrin Callender (Super Jigga TC)
  • Winston Henry (Explainer)

Digicel International Power Soca Monarch Semi-finalists:

  • Adrian Hackshaw (Third Bass)
  • Denise Belfon
  • Destra Garcia
  • Devon Samuel (Prophet Benjamin)
  • Dexter Stewart (Blaxx)
  • Erphan Alves
  • Gary Cordner
  • Jason Williams & Ancil Isaac (JW & Blaze)
  • Joel Feveck (Zan)
  • Kerwin Du Bois
  • Laurence Jack (Coyaba / St. Vincent & the Grenadines)
  • Marvin Davis (Swappi)
  • Megan Waldron
  • Michelle Xavier (Michelle X)
  • Nadia Batson
  • Neil ‘Iwer’ George
  • Olatunji Yearwood
  • Patrice Roberts
  • Prestan Andries (Prestan)
  • Problem Child & Talpree
  • Shurwayne Winchester
  • Shal Marshall
  • Tony Prescott (Tony P)
  • Victor St. Louis (Pelf)
  • Wesley Hoyte (C’Donia)
  • Winston Bailey (Shadow)
Destra, Blaxx, Erphaan, JW & Blaze, Kerwin Du Bois, Nadia Batson, Patrice Roberts, Shurwayne Winchester and Shal Marshall are all doing double duty as they will be competing in both categories… as i said on twitter this is the new Dimanche Gras… iz nine ah dem…
MM aka Mr. Fete got away from double duty as he is the reining POWER Monarch
about 10 music videos have been produced by this top crop… so far :/

Take a tour of Carnival through song with Ricardo Drue

15 January, 2012 Leave a comment
RICARDO DRUE

RICARDO DRUE

Ricardo Drue promises to make 2012 a memorable year for all his fans, and a stellar year in his career with his songs J.A.M (Jump and Mashup), Throw Me Out featuring Edwin Yearwood, and Shawty featuring Bunji Garlin.

For 2012 Ricardo is stepping out and strutting his talent by entering in this years Power Monarch with his song J.A.M and in the Groovy Monarch with his song Throw Me Out.

This sweet, dimpled, humble, 26-year-old son of the Caribbean has dabbled in music since a juvenile. His mission is to take Soca music to another level. Ricardo delivers his mission with fusing reggae, soca, hip-hop creating euphonic sounds and lyrics for all to relate and enjoy. Ricardo’s collections include Rub Up On It featuring Claudette Peters, Nah Leaving featuring Patrice Roberts, No Boring Gyal (Body Move Riddim), Addicting (Tin Pan Riddim), Like Glue (Panty Droppa Riddim) and many many more.

For 2012 Ricardo is stepping out and strutting his talent by entering in this years Power Monarch with his song J.A.M and in the Groovy Monarch with his song Throw Me Out.

J.A.M written by Kerwin Du Bois and produced by Shawn “Mr. Roots” Mitchell. J.A.M is the true essence of Carnival, J.A.M is a masqueraders anthem “I come out to jump and mash up…..he can’t stop me and she can’t stop me ah jaaaamiinnnnn”. If you ever played mas especially in Trinidad you know it’s a time to wine, jump up and carry on to show people you and your band is the baddest on the road. J.A.M promises to be your Duracell for carnival, it’s destined to mash up Soca Monarch and the road.

Think back to the last fete you went. Sweet music playing, yuh head nice, and yuh wining, the music so sweet yuh eyes close and yuh enjoying yourself. By the time, you open your eyes the lights are on, and the Dj’s asking everyone to leave the fete because the party is over, but you refuse to leave until you’re finally thrown out, if you ever experienced this then you can relate to Throw Me Out. Throw Me Out was written by Ricardo Drue and produced by Shawn “Mr. Roots” Mitchell. Ricardo shows us his versatility with his crafty lyrics. Oh, let’s not forget how sweet and heavenly he and Edwin Yearwood sound together. Everyone who’s ever been in a sweet fete, or experienced a sweet wine can relate to this song and enjoy it to the fullest. Throw me out is sure to make its mark in the Groovy Monarch Competition.

Shawdy featuring Bunji Garlin is a tune for the young at heart. This tune has a ragga soca vibe sweet enough to entice your waist and set the mood for after the club. Shawdy is a very tantalizing song, encompassing the essence of the Caribbean with chutney, reggae, and soca fused together. Lyricist Bunji Garlin gives this track the edge it deserves. The music video shot in Antigua and Trinidad gives a sweet island vibe to soothe your inner urge.

Hope you enjoyed our small tour. Remember for this carnival whether you’re on the road ready to J.A.M, or in a fete waiting for security to Throw you out, or if you’re out limin with your Shawdy remember to give thanks to Ricardo Drue. Ricardo Drue a true cynosure in the soca industry and making his stamp for 2012. Don’t forget to wish Drue luck in the Groovy Monarch and Power Monarch.

Written By Chandy
1/14/2012

 

 

PAYOLA – SOCAlled artistes count lo$$es

15 January, 2012 4 comments

Soca artistes count $$ losses
…hit by lack of airplay and global economic downturn
Published:
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Michelle Loubon

From fete to fete, artistes like Machel Montano, Iwer George, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, Kees Dieffenthaller, Rodney “Benjai” Le Blanc, Destra Garcia and Dexter Stewart (Blaxx) pleased partygoers. For C2k12, they are set to ignite passions with the infectious music known as soca. As the countdown to Carnivalesque celebrations intensifies, other artistes have thrown their hats in the rings. They, too, can lay claim to producing sweet soca songs and thought-provoking calypsoes. However, there is a major setback—the lack of airplay. Wringing their hands in frustration, artistes have complained vehemently that they are not getting airplay. Even if they do, airplay is inadequate.
For C2K12, the situation is even more grave. Popular artistes like Denise Belfon have registered their angst at disc jockeys. In a Guardian interview (January 12) Belfon said: “What happen? Is only Machel Montano it has as an artiste in Trinidad? I am not taking anything away from him. He had done a whole heap of music for the season. But there are other artistes and the songs that can be played between his whole repertoire that they want to push.” While die-hard fans lament the lack of airplay for their beloved soca sons and daughters, artistes have to count their financial losses, too. They have to deal with the loss of dollars and cents on their soca product and battle the buffeting winds of a global economic downturn.

Among those who shed insight into the grave situation affecting artistes was ace arranger Leston Paul. He has been riding a crest of popularity based on “Archbishop of Pan.” It is a collaborative effort between pannist Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and composer Gregory Ballantyne. It has been vocalised by the Lydian Singers. Paul spoke with a great deal of authority since he is inside the core of the industry and has produced mega hits like the late Arrow’s Hot! Hot! Hot! Interviewed on Thursday, Paul said: “The lack of airplay had been a major problem for years.” He was impressed at the proliferation of artistes who had sought the nearest studio.
Paul added: “This year, more artistes recorded. A lot of them got inspiration from last year. The young fellas are recording helter skelter. They are hoping to bombard the airwaves with products just for Carnival.” Paul painted a sobering picture of the reality of demand and supply. He said: “Now the scenario is really and truly, T&T is too small to accommodate a barrage of artistes. There are too many artistes for disc jockeys to play for a two-month period. It is automatic good artistes will fall by the wayside and beautiful tunes will not be heard and enjoyed.”

He felt the problem could be addressed with proper planning and a prolonged playing time that precursed the Carnival season. Paul said: “You cannot expect to have all these CDs and artistes to be played in a two-month period unless they make it mandatory for it to be played.” At the same time, Paul said they are vying for top honours in the coveted competitions like the Soca Monarch, Dimanche Gras and Road March titles. He said: “While the focus is on these competitions, they are not looking at the holistic survival of the  industry. They are using the music industry as a springboard to be heard and to promote and advertise themselves.”

$$ to record
Zeroing on the dollars and cents, Paul said: “A novice might spend about $5,000 to $6,000 to record a song. It depends upon who is producing it and what company they are going to. They might gravitate to a reputable producer: ie, one  who has produced hits for the last five years or so. No matter if they are new or established, artistes still pay their monies for the works they are producing. Even if they are an established artiste and their career is at the lowest ebb they would still have to pay. “It does not matter if they are in the mix like Kees or Machel. They get a quotation, but it would be a lot more than $6,000.” Paul noted artistes were “taking a gamble” each time they recorded a song. He said: “It’s either you make something or do something and if nothing happens that is the reality for the season. It is back to the drawing board for another year.”

There is the need to create a year-long listening audience. Paul added: “If soca music was playing right through the year and people could make it more sustainable, it would benefit the artistes. The majority of people who are recording would not lose out. They might be assimilated in other ways like videos, jingles, lectures and fetes.” But the grim reality is only a few are getting airplay. “The rotation is airplay only for a few.”
He posed a burning question: “What about the ones who got played last year? What about those who will only get played this year? The lack of airplay only becomes news when a popular person’s career is at an ebb or an all time low. The problem of lack of adequate never exists even when they have a hit.” Paul said it was important for the relevant stakeholders to understand the entertainment industry was “bigger than the individual”. He said: “You have to look at in a holistic manner. If the industry was more unified everybody would gain from it. If you are looking at the business when Carnival time comes again, the majority of people would be crying. It’s only a few people that are benefiting.”

Paul appealed for solidarity and unity among artistes. He said: “Hundreds of CDs come out. A lot of people record stuff and the situation would get worse, if the artistes don’t get together as a unified body.” Comparing artistes to masmen and promoters, Paul said: “The average artiste just makes crumbs compared to other people in the industry. The guy who is singing in the tent just makes crumbs compared to the money other people make. That is the reality of the situation. It is left to the artistes to change it.”

Soca artform must be sustainable
Chairman of Caribbean Prestige Foundation (CPF) William Munro says he had approached radio manager Brian Haynes to ensure a couple of hours per day were allotted to playing the beautiful soca music. Munro said: “I feel the hurt for the young people. The office has pointed out to me the lovely tunes which are not getting airplay. Everybody wants a number one. They want all the hits but they are not giving the younger artistes a chance to be heard. It is easy to see why some of them get frustrated. You go into the studio and people are not hearing your work.” Munro spoke about a more sustainable intervention.
He said: “I am working on a document to make some recommendations in terms of agriculture, sports and entertainment.” Commenting on the judging structure of the Soca Monarch competition, Munro said: “You have to judge by the CDs. You can’t ask everybody to sing. Some of them are frustrated when they don’t make it to the semis.” Meanwhile, Munro vowed to do whatever was within his power to contribute to the development, maintenance and sustainability of the artform. Guardian Media Limited is the official media sponsor of the soca monarch competition.

Ajala hoping for airplay
Another artiste who chose to vent his frustration at not getting airplay for C2k12 was Keith Sutherland (Ajala). In his heyday, he ruled the roost with gems like Tidal Wave, Bring Down the Riddim, White Horse and Jump Up and Get On Bad. To date, he has recorded Hey Pray (a nation building song), Dutty Meh Up (J’Ouvert Jam), Horsey Remix and a pan song Return of the Marsicans (Tribute To the late Lord Kitchener). He said: “I feel the pain of people like Denise Belfon. So many good artistes are not hearing their work. What is happening? How long can it continue? Machel is saying he is going to release a song a week. I find the situation is ridiculous?”

Sutherland felt the authorities should get involved to prevent the situation from escalating into “something unpleasant” or heading for a downward spiral. He said: “Something has to be done. The stakeholders, the media all have to come on board. Why is it only the same artistes are on rotation?” Zeroing on the financial aspect, Sutherland said: “Recording costs have gone up from $9,000 to $12,000. You can’t be spending your hard-owned monies and not getting it back. “You can’t be dropping off your music to the radio stations and it is not being played.”

He felt T&T should take a page from the royal treatment meted out to Jamaican artistes. “T&T should do like Jamaica. It is 90 per cent reggae and ten per cent foreign. You hear a lot of dub. Soca/calypso needs help to grow internationally. The Latin markets are growing. But the soca music is just there. Even the Grenadians are supporting their artistes. You see posters. Other islands are booming it up. Just now the outside world would say T&T is killing the mecca.” Sutherland said: “T&T is the mecca. But it is ridiculous what they are doing to the industry. There are about 12 radio stations. So what is going on?”

He said the long term growth of the industry would be affected if it continues. He added: “The recording rate has increased by 300 per cent. People are tapping into their talents because of the recession. Some people can’t get an 8 am to 4 pm job, so they are picking up a guitar and making music.” He noted Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston Peters had been doing a “great job,” but there was still more work to be done in the calypso arena. On a lighter note, he said people meet him and say, “What happen Ajala you stop singing? I respond: “Does a bird stop flying?”

Internet saves the day
Paul noted the Internet was saving the day for frustrated artistes who were not hearing their work on the radio. He urged them to avail themselves on that site. He said: “There is an emerging medium…Facebook and the social networking sites. A lot of artistes are using it to promote their stuff. A lot of people have computers and cell phones with the social media and they are playing songs they want to hear from their favourite artiste. They are searching for artistes they want to hear.” Paul said it should be used as a spinoff to get work out of the Carnival season.

“After Carnival everybody knows those same stations switch off to play urban popular music from the North. The avalanche of tunes are lost.” He appealed to the conglomerates and the business community to intervene and assist the artistes. Meanwhile, Sutherland has sensibly taken advantage of the Internet and launched his work there. “It was launched on 500 radio stations worldwide. DJs and programme directors have access to it.”

the comments on the Guardian website tell various stories…

The majority of these songs are geared towards the Carnival season so why should they be played throughout the year? Carnival is not the time for an interesting thought provoking song. Soca is not the only genre of local music. Machel may be many things, but he doesn’t have international recognition outside of his genre eg. Barbados’ Rihanna and the handful of Jamaican artistes.

Machel Montano is killing Soca as much as he is helping it. We have now built an industry around 1 person. Beyond the shores of the specific Caribbean islands that play Soca and a diaspora in a few metropolitan cities Soca is virtually unknown and not taken seriously.

Worst yet is the fact that Trinidad Soca performers seem to want to run before they can walk. All of them seem to be hussling based upon their current hit fame, charging silly prices and making unreasonable demands for Limos, Grey goose and massive traveling entourages when they should be focusing on building their careers and getting exposure. As a result, only the non-Trini names have really made it into mainstream and usually for 1 or 2 songs. e.g. Kevin Little, Rupee, Alison Hinds. All of the others including Machel Montano still talk of going mainstream as if it is illusive Vision 2020.

Sadly enough, people who make money in Trinidad in general seem to be extremely narrow minded, usually contented with their small empires usually spanning the Caribbean and that’s it. This mentality is quite prevalant in the Entertainment and Music industry. I don’t see this changing anytime soon. So until then, Soca performers will continue to starve or be happy with thousands and not millions both money and fans, and we will only be wowed at Carnival time with a handful of large shows and call it a Soca music industry.

Its sad that it has come to this I agree that in order for this to change it must be made mandatory.
Its a real spring board and those with the high jump in terms of more money to spend win…once I contacted a station they said 9000 per month for air play think about it that’s 1500 us per month for air play think how many blasted struggling artiste can pay it, after the heavy cost of production.
I have seen first hand how stations refuse to play your songs, one program director told me a week of air play once a day was enough free play for that song lol
These people have made a new meaning to the word Payola it now called compulsory to make it lol….Oh well its up to the youths to come and change that
peace

and the crowning glory

Do like Iwer, start your own station

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