JUNE 2013 | L3MAGAZINE.COM
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MICHAEL ‘ASKELLE’ FAIRMAN
THE VISION BEHIND THE MUSIC
CHEDDA
FAILURE TEACHES YOU WISDOM
THE THREE SIDES OF
LEFTSIDE DR. EVIL
JET SET OFF TO ANDALUSIA HELPFUL TIPS ON SELLING MORE MERCHANDISE MUSIC REVIEWS AND MORE!
LIFE
L3MAGAZINE.COM IS NOT JUST A MUSIC MAGAZINE IT’S LIFE, LOVE & LYRICS
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WELCOME
REMEMBERING DONNA SUMMERS
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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J A M A I C A’ S C H A R I T Y G A L A
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L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2013
J A M A I C A’ S C H A R I T Y G A L A
JAMAICA’S CHARITY GALA IN FLORIDA HEIKE DEMPSTER
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he Jamaica Charity Gala 2013 was a truly wonderful and elegant evening that guests will marvel about until it is time again for the event next year. The American Friends of Jamaica, Inc., and the Jamaica Committee joined forces to create this unique and joyfilled fund raising gala to connect the Jamaican Diaspora with Jamaica; to celebrate accomplishments, network, mingle and be part of creating a better Jamaica for the generations to come. Fundraising is the main focus for the two dedicated charitable organizations as they continue to team up to raise money for healthcare, education and economic development in Jamaica. Founded in 1982, the American Friends of Jamaica is an organization built on the principles of service and philanthropy which works with a broad coalition of Jamaican organizations and stakeholders to bring about change in the lives of Jamaicans in need. Amongst other initiatives, the organization and its partners provide shelter to the homeless, education to inner-city youth and offer healthcare to those in need. The Jamaica Committee, Inc. is a U.S. based charitable organization formed in 2000 by Jamaicans and lovers of Jamaica intent on helping the less advantaged in Jamaica while also promoting the island.
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J A M A I C A’ S C H A R I T Y G A L A
Above: Amb Glenn Holden, Mrs. Holden, Amb Sue Cobb, Amb Brenda Johnson, Dr. Laura Tanna, Mrs. Wendy Hart, Jm Cada Below: Neki Mohan and DJ Richie D
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J A M A I C A’ S C H A R I T Y G A L A
The Jamaica Charity Gala 2013 was attended by 250 invited guests, honorees, charity supporters and prominent members of the Jamaican Diaspora in Florida. In addition to the 2013 honorees, Island Grill CEO Thalia Lyn and coach Glenn Mills were in attendance as well as ex US Ambassadors Johnson, Cobb, Cooper and Holden, Florida State Representative Hazel Rogers, Jamaican Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths and Ray Chang, brother of Thalia Lyn and founder of Canada’s CI Financial with his wife Donnette Chin Loy. The chair of Canada‘s AIC ltd and Jamaica‘s National Commercial Bank Michael Lee Chin also enjoyed a great evening as did Lorna Myers, UWI business fellow Minna Israel and Sarah Levy. The spirit of Jamaica brought the ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel to life on the night of the event. Attendees were treated to some amazing culinary delights after a ceremony honoring 2013 award recipients, followed by an auction and live entertainment by DJ Richie D and the Fab 5 Band. The ceremonies to honor Executive and Philanthropist Thalia Lyn and Coach Extraordinaire Glen Mills were first on the agenda. Lyn was presented with the International Humanitarian Award for her outstanding corporate achievements and her unwavering philanthropic support of Jamaica. Lyn developed the Island Grill concept and remains the “face” and driving force behind this successful Jamaican chain. She initially formulated the Company’s recipes, operational techniques and systems in 1991, and has continually updated and refined the concept. The standards Island Grill established and maintains are a credit to Ms. Lyn’s leadership and business acumen. The second award of the night went to Glen Mills. The recipient of the 2013 International Achievement Award is the coach and adviser to World Record holder and six time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt and the 100 meter World Champion Yohan Blake. In his 22 years as Jamaica’s Olympic athletics coach he oversaw athletes to 71 world championship titles and 33 Olympic medals. Coach Mills’ role in the branding of Jamaica as the world’s sprint factory is unparalleled. After a fantastic dinner the auction was yet another treat for the gala guests as they outbid each other to raise money for this year’s donation recipients, the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay and the St Andrew’s Youth Center. Up for grabs was some amazing art by some of Jamaica’s finest painters such as Ainsley Martin, Royan Grey, Sonia Kahn, Mark Cameron and Philip Mark Anthony Thomas. Other auction items included travel packages from Sandals Resorts, Beaches and Jet Blue as well as Miami Heat tickets and a basketball signed by the players. The highlight and most coveted item of the night though were running shoes signed by Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake respectively, which went for a staggering $15.000,00.
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J A M A I C A’ S C H A R I T Y G A L A
Michael lee-Chin and Thalia Lyn Left: Silent Auction
After the auction it was time for the real party to begin. DJ Richie D’s selection of some of Jamaica’s finest music got everyone moving and singing along. The main entertainment act for the night was a very special treat to all music lovers. The Fab 5 took the stage to deliver an outstanding live performance, infusing the night with their ska and reggae beats. The band, which was formed in Jamaica in 1970, had more than 40 years of award winning music to treat guests with hit song after hit song, bringing down the house and everyone onto the dance floor . The Jamaica Charity Gala 2013 was a great success as attendees enjoyed every minute and important donations could be made to the Cornwall Regional Hospital and the St Andrew’s Care Center. The hard work, dedication and support of many sponsors, businesses and individuals keeps making this event possible and keeps the organizations going in their quest for a better Jamaica. The American Friends of Jamaica and the Jamaica Committee are back to work, planning events and organizing fundraisers. For further info please go to http://www.theafj.org/
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J A M A I C A’ S C H A R I T Y G A L A
L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2013
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JUNE 2013 | NO. 022 CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VP & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER PUBLISHER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
NATASHA VON CASTLE DOMINIQUE RAPHAEL L3 GROUP OF COMPANIES - KEVIN SMALLS PAIGE HARRIS
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR & LIFESTYLE EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR & CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR & MUSIC EDITOR TRAVEL EDITOR MUSIC REVIEW EDITOR BEAUTY EDITOR COPY EDITOR SENIOR WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
ALLIE MASON TRICIA SPENCE TRE CARN STACIA VON CASTLE JILL MAHONEY LONDYN NIKOLE XAVIER RAPHAEL STARLEETAH BROWN HEIKE DEMPSTER, MARCUS WELLER, NIYAH MYC, KARLA ASHLEY, ANASTASIA SARADOC, AEYOLA GEORGE, MIMI MAMICHULA, MARCO, ZAKADA MILTON, LANRE DAVIES, KERRY K. TAYLOR, KENDON POLAK, JENNIFER MENSTER SHENEA ‘PIA’ JORDINE INTERNS EDWARD BISHOP, ALICIA KEMP, JONATHAN NEWTON ART
ART DIRECTOR SENIOR DESIGNER ART ASSISTANT RETOUCHER INTERACTIVE WEB DEVELOPER
SANDRA HERNANDEZ SANCHA DESIGNS JAMALL THOMPSON JEROME MABINI TENIKA JONES
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“L3” (ISSIN 1020-2000) is published monthly (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec) by L3 Group of Companies, 123 blank street, Scarborough, ON L1R2H2. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Copyright © 2011. Title “L3” registered CAN Patent and Trademark Office. Printed in Canada. MANUSCRIPTS AND ART: The Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES (CAN) 1-289-217-2800 or l3magazine@hotmail.com. SUBSCRIPTION RATES and Possessions: 14.95 CAD/Year plus applicable taxes. SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS call 1-289-217-2800 or email l3magazine@hotmail.com.
WELCOME
REMEMBERING DONNA SUMMERS
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Greetings! Jack is back! My favorite CTU (Counter Terrorism Unit) Field Op from the hit television series 24 is back and I can’t be happier! For 8 seasons the cast, crew and writers gave us week after week of nail biting drama in such a way that we spent the week pondering what would happen next. We became so close to the characters that we felt like we know them. The new Season begins March, 2014! Focusing on the character Jack Bauer, what makes him so appealing, and memorable is the fact that he was always focused on the mission, and focused on the goal. In season 3, Erin Driscoll was not running the mission of rescuing Secretary of Defense Keller properly, and Jack stepped in. He stepped in, made the right decisions rescued the Secretary and got additional information necessary for the mission. Jack knows his thing and here’s where I’m going…. When it comes to your life, your life is a mission. You are placed here on this earth for a reason and that reason is your mission. Your mission can be Motherhood / Fatherhood. It could be Marketing executive or Tactician. No matter what it is, it’s what you’re here for; not me, but you. Be focused. Understand your terrain, plan accordingly and execute. As always you can connect with me on Twitter >>> @NatashaVonC
Natasha Von Castle
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L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2013
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LIFE
OUTLOOK MUSIC FESTIVAL
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L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2013
OUTLOOK MUSIC FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL FOCUS:
OUTLOOK MUSIC FESTIVAL IN CROATIA CONTRIBUTED
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he Outlook Music Festival held in Croatia is broadening its’ musical exploration for 2013! The festival is thrilled to announce an exclusive warm up concert confirmed to take place in the incredible location of a Roman amphitheatre in the historic city of Pula, Croatia. Around 2000 years old and one of the six largest Roman amphitheatres in the world, the remarkable venue will showcase a performance from The Original Wailers plus more artists to be announced in what is guaranteed to be an exceptional evening of entertainment. Bringing together a selection of artists they felt would fit seamlessly within the ancient walls of this unique and beautiful setting, Outlook Festival continues to explore the breadth of sound system culture by inviting reggae pioneers The Original Wailers to perform music from their legendary record ‘Exodus’ as well as some of their other best loved hits. The festival has always shown great respect to the heritage of sound system music having previously showcased musical heroes such as Horace Andy, Max Romeo, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and many more over the years. The Original Wailers, the band who supported reggae innovator Bob Marley are the perfect fit for a venue of this magnitude. With a selection of the festival’s DJs confirmed to provide the soundtrack between live acts and further additions still to be made, Outlook Festival is excited to share what will be a memorable evening of music in a truly remarkable setting. Outlook has worked in partnership with the city of Pula to present the evening of musical exploration and the event will be open to festival goers and the general public alike, priced at the very reasonably. Information on transport between the festival campsite and the arena will be coming soon or immediate updates can be seen at www.outlookfestival.com Connect with Outlook on Twitter >>> @OutlookFestival L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2013
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LOST IN CINEMA
LOST IN CINEMA AT NAC GALLERY HEIKE DEMPSTER
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L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2013
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he NacGroup has announced the presentation of the exhibition “Lost in Cinema” by Ivan Roque! Ivan Roque’s “Lost in Cinema” is a series of 16 works based on the artist’s characters “Lost” and “Found.” Using collage and painting, Roque pays tribute to 20th century cinema greats such as Al Pacino’s “Scarface,” Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky,” series and the cult classics “King Kong” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Born on December 27th, 1991 Ivan Jorge Roque, also known as “The Lost Artist,” is a Cuban-American urban artist hailing from the inner city community of Carol City, Florida. Currently a student at the Miami International University of Art & Design, Roque is an emerging urban pop artists to watch. He has been working steadily and has accomplished quite a repertoire at an early age. Roque has participated in a number of group shows, has had a public installation commissioned by the town of Surfside and was chosen for the Pop Up Piano Series during Art Basel Miami Beach 2012. Roque’s collages present his interpretation of the world. The artist explores morality and questions definitions of right and wrong within the context of contemporary American society. He created the characters “Lost” and “Found” as a representation of the two halves that make up every individual, good and evil, mischief and innocence, rebellious and loyal.
LOST IN CINEMA
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LOST IN CINEMA
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LOST IN CINEMA
The new works present a move towards a new direction for Roque as he pushes his limits in “Lost in Cinema.” Movies are a source inspiration for the artist and he appreciates the medium’s ability to convey messages. Roque sees film as moving paintings with endless possibilities for interpretation. This association started the idea to merge cinema and fine art into this new series, which will be accompanied by a surprise site specific installation at Nac Gallery. NacGroup is a global entity that consists of a group of like minded individuals with a shared passion and purpose, who have rejected today’s accepted conventional wisdom as it relates to how a gallery should operate. NacGroup offers consulting services, brokering and collection as well as estate representation. Nac Gallery, a division of NacGroup, provides a vehicle for emerging and mid-level career artists to reach their respective audiences in a targeted and effective way. Nac Gallery is a fine art gallery located in the North Beach Arts District of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “Lost in Cinema” runs from May 18th, 2013 through June 13th, 2013 at Nac Gallery, 3325 NE 32nd Street, Fort Lauderdale 33308
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INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
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MARKETING
M A R K E T I N G
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MARKETING
SELLING MORE MERCH
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MERCHANDISE HELPFUL TIPS FOR SELLING MORE MERCH!
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elling merchandise is one of the best ways for generating income for your band, and as a matter of fact, it may be the only source of income that you as an artist can make that you can easily control. If you are a touring act, selling merch is often times your livelihood, providing money for food, and gas to get to the next gig. Following these easy tips will help you sell more items at your shows, and will help you get off the road-dog diet of gas station hot dogs and beef jerky. The most important thing when selling your band’s merchandise is the location of the merch booth/table and also having a trusted friends run the booth during the show. Visibility is crucial at whatever venue you are playing. Hopefully, if the venue has a designated area, it is in a well-lit and easily accessible area of the club. Ideally, you want to be set near the door or near the stage. If the venue doesn’t have a good spot, see if you can work with them, or come up with a creative idea to draw attention. Make sure you always bring a few small lamps, in case the area needs more light.
CONTRIBUTED FROM MUSICCLOUT.COM
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SELLING MORE MERCH
Being organized and smart with the quantity of merchandise is also key. Make sure you sure you count all your items with your trusted friends before and after the show. Make sure you have adequate change, and keep the prices at well rounded numbers like $5 and/or $10. Keep all t-shirts with t-shirts, all hats with the hats, etc. Try to do your best to organize the items by size and by male/female apparel. The last thing you want is your music contact to be fumbling around looking for a specific size of shirt, especially when the show is over, the venue is closing, and time is of the essence. Be realistic about what you expect to sell. If you are planning on doing a small tour of only 15-20 shows, there is no need to print 10,000 cds or t-shirts. There would be nothing worse than having a garage full of 5,000 extra t-shirts that say “2006 US Tour Dates” on the back, so make sure not to over order. Stay updated on current fashion trends. Have your music contacts do research on popular designs or styles of clothing people are currently wearing. When the booty-shorts craze was in, I noticed how smart it was to sell a product with your bands name in a spot where most people are looking anyway. Mind as well capitalize the prime real estate! Also, trends in hats change often, so make sure staying up to date on those especially. Try to create as much buzz around your merch booth as possible. It is always helpful if you can find a motivated friend that doesn’t play in the band to help out. Think outside the box in order to draw more people over. Hold raffles, give away small items for free like stickers, key chains etc. Offer deals like buy a t-shirt, get a cd, etc. Really try to push the limits on this one. There is a lot you could get away with in a club, but just to be safe, double check with the venue before you try anything too outlandish. Lastly, fans love items that are tour or album specific. Try selling a previously unreleased track from the album your promoting, and sell it exclusively at your live shows. T-shirts with the name of the city and venue on the back are great because people love to prove they were actually there (but as mentioned don’t over order these). It’s a bit tacky to sell your set list, but coupling your set list with a purchase is appealing to consumers. A lot of these tips can be applied to selling merch online as well, just make sure your music contacts are heavily promoting the fact that you sell online too. The most important thing to remember with this is to be sure to punctual in sending out orders. No one likes to wait, and if you don’t send the item promptly, you may lose a fan.
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Available Exclusively in Canada
Buy You YOLO Rasta Bracelets Now! 2-Lined Music Hut - Malvern Town Centre TreaJah Isle Records & Tapes - 1514 Eglinton Ave. W. Twitter: @2LINEDMUSIC | @TreajahIsle 26
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TRAVEL
ANDALUSIA
THE ROYAL CAVE SETTINGS OF ANDALUSIA STACIA VON CASTLE
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he travel destination of Andalusia is not one that North Americans readily think to visit when they’re planning a vacation and that is understandable. When the subject changes to a place to visit for historic, architecture and a little religion arises, Andalusia goes to the top of the list as a place to visit. The White Villages; 25 villages in the region are recognized as white villages. In essence, when the Spanish conquered Andalusia from the Moors, they kept many of the basic structures in place. In each white village you will see the Moorish tower and a cathedral not too far away. In one of the villages we visited, there were homes built into the rock. They’re actually “cave homes” and many people still live in them.
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ANDALUSIA
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ANDALUSIA
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ANDALUSIA
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ANDALUSIA
The Real Alcazar in Seville (The Royal Palace) is now Catholic but was built by the Moors. It’s filled with beautiful mosaics and the design & architecture are breathtaking. Even in the quest to dominate and take over the region, the Spanish recognized how majestic the building is and kept it pretty much intact. They simply added a few Christian symbols here and there. The building speaks to the mathematical genius of the Moors. 30% of the world’s olive oil production comes from the region of Andalusia. The olive oil produced is extra, extra, extra virgin, and the products derived are not expensive. 2 Euros / 2.50 USD will buy you a good sized jar. The landscape and weather is perfect. Not too hot (between 20 and 25 degrees), full sunshine. April to June is a good time to visit, however, when the designated summer season hits, the temperatures can be quite high. Take a look at photos from this beautiful and magnificent city. You can also let me know your thoughts on Twitter @L3Travel
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FOOD
C R A N B E R RY OAT M E A L C O O K I E S
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C R A N B E R RY OAT M E A L C O O K I E S
CRANBERRY OATMEAL COOKIES JIMMY TAMBOU
Serves: 24
INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • •
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour (3.25 oz) 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 cup light brown sugar (3 ½ oz) 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1/4 cup applesauce, drained on a paper towel 1/4 cup coconut oil 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup dried cranberry lightly chopped
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with Silpats. 2. Mix together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside. 3. Mix both sugars, maple syrup, apple sauce, oil and vanilla together in a medium bowl. Add the flour mixture and stir until blended. Stir in the oats, followed by cranberries. 4. Let sit for 10 minutes. 5. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto the cookie sheets. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Let cool for about 5-8 minutes on cookie sheets then carefully scoop up onto a wire rack. L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2013
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BEAUTY
MOISTURIZER TIPS
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T E C H N O L O G Y
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TECHNOLOGY
SMS AUDIO
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L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2013
SMS AUDIO
SMS AUDIO
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re you already a fan of 50 Cent and even a bigger admirer of his music creations?! Now there’s one more reason for you to embrace the rapper’s audio intelligence but in a slightly more subtle manner. SMS Audio, founded by the rap superstar, recently rolled out a pair of earbuds that would make the Beats and Bose loyalists doubt their faith. The earbuds version of 50’s signature ‘Street by 50’ wired headphones has kept both style and sound quality but in a more portable package. The rapper and entrepreneur said his mission was to roll out all products that would fit and enhance all different lifestyles. ‘The in-ear headphones are just the beginning,’ 50 Cent said in a statement. The original Street by 50 over-ear headphones were built to deliver crisp, clean sound, enhanced bass and passive noisecanceling, while the new earbuds are designed for portability. With the stylish cord that’s equipped with a microphone, the Street by 50 earbuds gives the users control (from volume to fast-forward, from rewind to track skip) on any Apple devices. Available in both black and white, a pair of the Street by 50 earbuds is priced at $119.95 at www.SMSaudio.com JOSEPH LEE
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TECHNOLOGY
SONY WALKMAN
THE SONY WALKMAN IS BACK!
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L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2013
SONY WALKMAN
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he Walkman is back and this time, it’s wire-free and waterproof. That is, Sony’s W Series Walkman ($89.99) is an MP3 player that looks like a pair of earbuds, but there’s actually 4-gigabytes of memory inside to store more than 1,000 tunes.
Wear them to the beach, in the pool or at cottage because they’re waterproof, up to 6 feet, or wear them while jogging in the rain. The IPX8-rated Walkman is available in multiple colours and lasts up to 8 hours on a single charge. On a related note, if you can pardon the pun, it also supports “rapid charging” that gives you 60 minutes of play after only three minutes of charging via USB cable. If you’re looking to save some cash, you can pick up a 2GB version for $69.99, which can hold about 500 songs. For more info visit sony.ca
MARC SALTZMAN
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AVAILABLE NOW ON ITUNES! Grab your copy here today!
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L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | J U LY 2 0 1 2
MARCIA GRIFFITHS
&
TANYA STEPHENS
WANT LOVE KIRKLEDOVE RECORDS
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
AVAILABLE NOW ON ITUNES! Grab your copy here today!
L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | J U LY 2 0 1 2
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ON THE SCENE
JESSIE JAMES “ROLL IT UP” VIDEO SHOOT
LOVE ADVICE
MISS JUNE 2013
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LOVE
I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F FA I R S
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DJs WE LOVE TO HEAR SPIN AND YOUR EARDRUMS WILL FALL IN LOVE TOO! OLIVA LEWIS
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F FA I R S
DJ KIKI Her family knows her as Francesca Baldelli, but music circles know her as DJ Kiki! Ripping up turntables wherever and whenever she plays, Kiki’s expression is a reflection of her long standing passion for music, especially the genres of Dancehall, Hip Hop and Afro Beat. This passion has caused her to rise to the top in her hometown of Rome. Some of the artists and DJ’s Kiki has performed with include Baby Cham, Young Lion (from BBC 1Xtra), Waxfiend and Max Glazer just to name a few. Her DJ residence is Caprice Night Club in Holland (where she now lives), and has performed in Spain Belize and New York. Taking her turntable skills to the next level, DJ Kiki has attended and completed a program in Turntabalism and Trick Mixing, this Lady is ready to perform for you! Connect with DJ Kiki on Twitter >>> @djkikibeat
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LOVE
D I G I TA L D OW N L OA D S
DOWNLOAD
L3’S
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8 9 10
“Wifey”
11
“The Girl is Mine”
12
“Baby It’s You”
DELLY RANX
“Got It Forever”
CBLOCK MORGAN HERITAGE
AMMOYE
RANDY VALENTINE 13 “Bring Back The Love”
1 2 3 4
BUSY SIGNAL
“Come Shock Out”
CALI P
5
KONSHENS
6
BUGLE
7
“Sweetest Thing” “Ah So Mih Tan” “Don’t Give Up”
CHRONIXX
“Judgement”
DEMARCO
14
“Dem Ah Chat”
15
“Bad Gyal Bubble”
16
“My Old Lady”
17
“Stripper Pose”
18
“Lawless”
19
MAVADO
“Always On My Mind”
MIRIAM SIMONE MICHIE MEE OMI
CHAM CHAM
GAPPY RANKS FT. EXCO LEVI
“Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”
“Love For Mama”
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Charts are based on the most active DJ downloads via the L3 Music Distribution service.
L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2013
KONSHENS
“Ah So Mih Tan”
ANTHONY QUE
“Rastaman House”
D I G I TA L D OW N L OA D S
RICO VIBE’S TOP 10 VIDEO PICKS
TOP 10 CHARTS
FOR JUNE
Compiled by Rico Vibes
1
KONSHENS FT, DARRIO
2
LADY SAW
3
KONSHENS FT, DARRIO
4
JAH CURE
5
TIFA FT. SPICE
“GYAL SIDDUNG” “HEELS ON” “COUPLE UP” “THAT GIRL” “WHY YOU MAD”
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AMMOYE
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OMI
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PROTOJE
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BUSY SIGNAL
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“RADIO” “CHEERLEADER” “KINGSTON BE WISE” “REGGAE MUSIC AGAIN”
O “MONEY PULL UP”
OMI “CHEERLEADER”
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M I X TA P E F E AT U R E S
MIXTAPE FEATURES
MUSIC STILL ALIVE
KEEP IT PLAYING
MADE IN AFRICA
BRING BACK THE LOVE
http://www.mediafire.com/?ar5t4nj255jd738
http://www.mixtapepage.com/index.php?order=mix&mix_
KOOL AND DEADLY
www.mediafire.com/?j5qj05aj9966bgtid=30854
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http://hu.lk/8jxzb8vplzw9
http://straightsound.ch/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ Randy-Valentine-Bring-Back-The-Love-Mixtape-.zip
NEW RELEASES
BETTER HAVE TO COME RIDDIM
PUSH COME TO SHOVE RELOADED
KINGS OF REGGAE RIDDIM
PA CHECHE SAV RIDDIM
RE-ENTRY RIDDIM
TRUE LOVERS RIDDIM
BOUNCE & WAVE RIDDIM
MILK & HONEY RIDDIM
LOVE
MUSIC REVIEW
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MUSIC REVIEW
COUNTRY BUSS RIDDIM!
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ho’s ready to take a ride on the Country Buss?! We are! The latest release from Nicko Rebel Music is the Country Buss Riddim which features a roster of artists who have interesting stories to tell. What we like about the riddim is the fact that finally, no one is talking about the ‘haters!’ With the Country Buss riddim we’re back to the topics of “Sexy Bubble” thanks to Delly Ranx, “Special Girl” thanks to Voicemail and “Jamaican Obama” thanks to Bugle. Known for writing and performing prolific lyrics, Bugle delivers a solid performance by highlighting the fact that we don’t ‘suss’ on people, and in fact, our operation is so (((LOUD))) we’re rolling Presidential like ‘Jamaican Obama.’ Yes! Sonically, Nicko Rebel has produced a riddim that will have long life on radio thanks to his pulsive bass line and his right selection of artists to make the music come to life! L3’s rating is 3.9 out of 5 stars.
CONTRIBUTED
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MUSIC REVIEW
HEARTWARMING RIDDIM!
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f you’re a Reggae fan who has missed the absence of Chezidek and Turbulence, this is a riddim for you. The two artists as well as several others come together on this ‘heartwarming’ riddim (literally) syncing their lyrics of love. Produced by Dub Akom Records from France, the riddim features an active bass guitar and a sweet riff that echoes the punch line of the lead lyric delivered by Chezidek on his song “New Love.” Designed for Lovers, songs like “Krazie Love” by Jah Marnayh and “My Love” by Jahnett Tafari express deep love held in a mans’ heart which can only be expressed when looking in the eyes of his Queen! We have to shout out Million Stylez for his song “Spiritual Journey.” The artist gives great insights about life, especially when he says “just let your spirit guide you.” Those words are simple, but the best advice we can receive. L3’s rating is 3.9 out of 5
CONTRIBUTED
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MUSIC REVIEW
SELECTION RIDDIM CONTRIBUTED
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nother reminder of just how great a musical foundation we have comes through when we listen to the Selection Riddim! It’s hard to believe that the original chune “Hypocrite” by Bob Marley and the Wailers was recorded for Sir Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One label some 40 years ago. Today, the riddim has been revived by Troy McLean and the team at First Name Music who call it the Selection Riddim. Showcasing artists such as Alborosie, Romain Virgo, Capleton and Sizzla, the production team leave no stone unturned as they give us diversity for our listening pleasure. What we didn’t expect, and welcomed as a great surprise, is to hear the sweet sound of Exco Levi’s song “Sunshine.” With precision timing, Exco sings “Girl you are my sunshine, my one and only baby girl you are so fine: and with those lyrics, melts the hearts of female fans around the world who no doubt will pressure radio jocks to play the song. This is a very good thing! L3’s rating is 4.0 out of 5
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MUSIC REVIEW
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MUSIC REVIEW
MACKA DIAMOND’S DYE DYE!
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ancehall veteran Macka Diamond, who is now also referred to as Her Highness (check her Twitter handle @mackadiamond1) teams with Truckback Records where the duo concoct a wicked story of sexual prowess under the guise of two simple words: “dye – dye!” Macka, sounding and looking like she does not age, slows down the tempo we have grown accustomed to hearing, so every word can be articulated clearly so as not to have any illusions as to what is happening in the bedroom. With a dash of Latin flair, we hear Her Highness sing “I’m in the mood for some sweet sex … you ready for me baby?!” And there the story begins! Within 1 week of the release of her song, Macka had a combined 60,000 plus views on YouTube, and multiple requests for radio play in all major territories including the Caribbean, North America and Europe. All of this is indication that fans feel Macka has hit the sweet spot. Dye-dye! L3’s rating is 4.2 out of 5
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LOVE ADVICE
2-Lined Music Hut Malvern Town Centre 31 Tapscott Road 416-264-3999
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LOVE ADVICE
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SHE IS
TANYA CARTER
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hree-time ‘Best Female Vocalist of the Year’ (Belize Music Awards), Tanya Joanne Carter, is a rare gem. She writes, performs and records original music and is currently hard at work on her second studio album. With her new album (being produced by V-Tis Records) she is aiming for appeal among an international audience and a greater commercial appeal, as she stamps her class as Belize’s premier musical talent. Tanya, who was born in Belize City, has recently collaborated with Jamaican Christopher Birch of Birchill Records who co-wrote and produced her latest single “Ex-boyfriend.” The songstress will be working closely with Birch as she seeks to diversify her range. Her music is influenced by exceptional international recording artistes, including: Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Earth, Wind and Fire, Bob Marley, Tina Marie and Roberta Flack, who she has been listening to since she was a toddler. Her early appreciation of music allows her to appreciate, replicate and meld disparate genres. 2010 – 2011 was a good period for the Belizean vocalist; she wrote, produced and sang one of Belize’s biggest hits to date, “I Am Belize,” which became a country-wide slogan and anthem with the support of the Belizean Government. In 2011 she released her debut album “Daydreaming” with 13 tracks all produced by the multi-talented Central American national. The album quickly became one of the best-selling albums in Belize. Her hit single ‘LOW’ featuring Melonie Gillett is a fusion masterpiece and the recently released music video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly6HSEOAhRs) was well-received at home and abroad. Songs from the album received regular rotation on the radio in Belize, Los Angeles, Africa, Mexico, Jamaica and “Vincas” peaked at number 3 in Lithuania. The critically acclaimed album also featured the song “Belizean Pride” which was the 2010-2011 Soca Song of the Year. She has been the recipient of the ‘Best Female Vocalist of the Year’ at the Belize Music Awards three years in a row (2010 – 2012). Having established herself as a producer, song writer and singer, Tanya collaborated with Def Jam recording artist, Shyne, on his track “Over the Sun.” The First Lady of Belize then requested that she craft an inspirational song for children with special needs that was aptly titled ‘The Inspiration Song.’ She has headlined Mexican Music Festivals in Veracruz, Chiapas, Tabasco and other provinces while on tour with BMA. She also toured on the Lord Rhaburn Jazz Festival throughout Belize and received the Lord Rhaburn award for Outstanding Artist. She was later selected as a lead in Frankie Reneau’s “We are Belize” project (2006) where she impressed with “Welcome to Belize.” At the same time she was teaching vocal courses to high school students and to under-privileged children. Showcasing her versatility once more, Tanya guest starred in Belize’s popular local series “No Matta Wat” and stunned audiences with her acting prowess. Tanya revels in the opportunity to showcase her talent to the world. She epitomizes hard work and dedication and will not stop until she is a household name. Connect with Tanya on Twitter >>> @IAmTanyaCarter CONTRIBUTED
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TALKING ABOUT THE MIGHTY IN
MIGHTY MYSTIC
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CONTRIBUTED
onsidered one of the leaders in the East Coast Reggae Movement, Reggae artist Mighty Mystic’s fresh sound and musical diversity has proved to be a magnet for music lovers in search of something refreshing and new. His music has attracted listeners of all ages, and from all walks of life. A charismatic man on a mission, Mighty Mystic has gone from being a fan of Reggae to being a contributor to the art. In November 2010 Mighty Mystic released his debut album “Wake up the World” to an overwhelming response. The 17 track album produced several highly acclaimed songs such as “Revolution,” “Riding on the Clouds,” and “Better Times.” Nearly three years later a more mature, seasoned Mystic has appeared with music that’s best summed up as timeless. Mystic says “I’ve learned a lot over the last 3 years not only about myself but about people, and I think that has been an extremely important part in the development and growth of my music.” Mystic and his team are gearing up for a mid to late 2013 release of his sophomore album tentatively titled “Concrete World.” In 2006 after several years of working on his craft and developing several smaller scale releases, Mighty Mystic teamed up with producers Mike Cip & Stephen Thunder to record Mystic’s first national / international venture. The team wasted little time, and scored a hit with their first release, “Riding on the Clouds” which was followed by “Revolution.” Both tracks took the grass roots market by storm and put the radar on the developing Mighty Mystic. His early successes landed him on his first major tour which started in FL and ended in Vermont stopping on just about every state in between. By the time his official “Wake up the World” album (2010) hit the streets Mystic had gathered 4 more successful releases i.e. “Better Times,” “Here I Am” ft Shaggy, “Slipped Away” (Relationships Riddim), and “Hero” (18 & Ova Riddim). The young Mystic finally began to see his childhood dream coming true. Mighty Mystic has turned himself into one of the more highly sought after U.S based Reggae artist on today’s scene. His brand of “HARD ROOTS” Reggae mixed with elements of Rock and Hip Hop has proven to be a magnet to young music lovers all over and continues to grow rapidly. He has toured and shared the stage with some of Reggae’s biggest names such as Steel Pulse, Damian Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Lee Scratch Perry, Barrington Levy, Buju Banton, The Wailers, Shaggy, Collie Buddz, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Badfish, Dirty Heads, SOJA, John Brownʼs Body, Luciano, Capleton and Beenie Man to name a few. Mystic has headlined several popular Festivals and sold out some of the more prestigious venues across the U.S., i.e. the Paradise Rock Club - MA, Middle East - MA, Port City Music Hall - ME, Nectars – VT. It’s a common occurrence to see his devoted fans travel from state to state concert to concert to see him live and partake in the vibes of the mystic aura. Be on the lookout for his 2013 sophomore album release titled “Concrete World” which Mystic says “I’m truly proud of this project and can’t wait for the world to hear it.” Connect with Mighty Mystic on Twitter >>> @mightymystic
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KRANIUM
THE ARTIST TO TOUCH!
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very so often, the rebirth of Reggae music converges on the masses like a volt of electricity; it awakens, rejuvenates and inspires real music. In this period, time-defying sounds are produced and great artists are plateaued to the world reiterating why Reggae is the father of all genres. Kemar Donaldson more popularly known as “Kranium” is one such artist who has patiently honed his vocal skill and is now carving out his career in an industry where the best is never good enough, you have to be great and that is exactly what he is. Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Kranium spent most of his childhood days immersed in the islands signature music. He was raised on a staple of Roots Reggae, love, and a belief that determination and talent would enable him to achieve beyond the norm. This belief has remained cognizant and he now focuses everything on his first love; music. Blessed with vocal talent and the ability to pen lyrics in intricate verses and catchy hooks, Kranium migrated to Florida, to further his education. It was there in Florida that he got his first taste of the studio and this new found addiction consumed him. In September 2006 he moved to New York to attend Jamaica High School and took part in a after school Performing Arts class. Here, Kranium distinguished his talent with the coaching assistance of his tutors and teachers and he began to perform on stage to his peers to an outstanding ovation. It wasn’t long before the buzz on the streets, intrigued many and thus he began to make a name for himself as a gifted vocalist, lyricist and brilliant stage performer, he began to win countless street battles and was booked to open for numerous artist like Gyptian, Serani, Jadakiss, IOctane and Tarrus Riley just to name a few. Steadily building his catalog, 2013 marks the official launch of Kranium and his hard-edged music to capture hearts and add to his solid fan-base. He is confident and ready to let the world know the real Kranium. Banging tracks such as “Different Love,” “This Morning” and “Another Saturday” have become fan favorites as well as his recently released “Nobody Has to Know” which is bubbling on playlists and charts in New York, and put him on the stage at the recently held Irie Fashion Rave. Ambition has been his driving force and self-belief his motivation, he will succeed. His sweet smooth melodic vocals entwine vividly with the dramatically rich beats custom-produced for him but his versatility will see him jump on any track and blow it away. The underground love him and his commercial viability is ensuring industry agents are keen to see what more he can offer. 2013 will prove he is just getting started, there is certainly so much more to come. Connect with Kranium on Twitter >>> @therealkranium
CONTRIBUTED
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META AND THE CORNERSTONES
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hey say that the stone that the builder refused will be the head cornerstone. In the case of Meta and the Cornerstones, there is no refusal, and we can’t deny them being the head. Power’ Lead singer Meta Dia was born in Senegal, West Africa, and is a self-taught musician who by age 14 was performing on the streets and stages of his hometown Dakar, Senegal. Years later, Meta has been proclaimed the next African ReggaeVoice. Meta’s unforgettable vocals are complemented by the incomparable sounds of his band. Fusing Reggae, AfroPop, Hip-Hop, Rock, and Soul music with passionate lyrics in English, French, Wolof and Fulani, Meta and The Cornerstones music is warm and embodying, immensely addictive and destined to Add to the dynamics of Reggae music. Inspired by icons Alpha Blondy, Lucky Dubee and Bob Marley, they have shared the stage with Reggae stars Morgan Heritage, Luciano, Steel Pulse, Clinton Fearon, Israel Vibration, and Tanya Stephens among others. They were also personally invited to open for Senegalese-born international superstar, Youssou N’Dour at his annual African Ball concert at the Nokia Theater in New York. They are the first African band to be signed to VPAL (with distribution to Fontana / Universal Worldwide). Their sophomore album, Ancient Power, debuted at #15 on the Billboard Music Charts and makes the link between Africa and Jamaica. The 14 track album was recorded in Kingston, Jamaica at Tuff Gong Studios and features appearances by U-Roy, Capleton, and Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley.
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THE ROOTS QUEEN
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hen she was a teenager in Grevenbroich, a town in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, Birgit Pydde discovered the Reggae beat of Bob Marley and Inner Circle. Now known as singer Roots Queen, she credits the music’s positive tones for seeing her through difficult times. “When I was about 20, I didn’t know what life was worth. I moved around, never felt too comfortable and was never really settled. I worked in a lot of places and didn’t know what I could do for a career,” she said. 15 years ago that changed when she attended the Summer Jam Festival in Cologne and saw Jamaican artistes performing. “I knew that this is what I needed to do! This is my mission,” she said. Roots Queen, who is in her early 30s, first visited Jamaica in 2004. She returned in 2007 and stayed for three years. Currently in Jamaica promoting her debut album, Powerful Energy which was recorded locally with top session musicians including percussionist Denver Smith, bass player Dale Haslam and vocalist Niki Burt. She is pushing “Feeling Free,” the first single from her album. “The song describes a situation when I was living in Ocho Rios in a little cottage in 2008. I had no money and I could not pay my landlord,” she recalled. “The yard was very fruitful, so I could eat whole heap of mangoes and inspiration was so high I wrote Feeling Free!” Roots Queen is following the path of Gentleman, a popular singer among lovers of contemporary roots-Reggae. She says the Reggae scene in Germany remains vibrant as 30-odd years ago when the music first broke there. “The nicest time is in summer, a lot of festivals are kept including Summer Jam, Reggae Jam, Chiemsee Reggae,” she said. Roots Queen describes her music as very authentic and says her writing is inspired by her time in Jamaica. “A lot of lyrics were written while I was living in Jamaica. My music is honest, the reggae music was played by real Jamaican musicians and even the dancehall songs are recorded with live horns,” she said. “This music is very warm, catchy and spiritual. It represents my lifestyle.”
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L Y R I C S
LDE THE THREE SIDES OF
LEFTSIDE DR. EVIL NATASHA VON CASTLE
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eftside Dr. Evil is one of the most entertaining artists of our time. His musical antics help to lighten the load of stress that sometimes overwhelms us in daily life. Songs like “Tuck in Yuh Belly” and “More Pun&ny” make us rush the dance floor, forgetting for a moment that we even had a problem. This interview will take your feelings for Leftside to another level. He is one of the most calm and grounded people you will ever meet. He doesn’t brag or boast and he is not arrogant. He is blessed with the gift of music; a gift that he is honest with and true to. He is focused on the task at hand, and doesn’t take for granted the success of the project before. No, this artist is here to work. Considering how hard he works for us, his fans, it’s no wonder we work so hard for him….
NVC: Leftside, we literally think you have 2 personalities! How different is Leftside the artist from Craig Parks the man? LS: Well, it’s actually 3 sides! It’s Leftside the artist and the producer, the fun loving person who enjoys creating and performing music, then you have Dr. Evil who is the wild and crazy side of me. I think we all have that side but some of us are afraid to let that side show. Evil takes care of the craziness on my behalf, and then there’s Craig Park who is the laid back family man who loves to look after his daughter, and is on a chill vibe. Fans who are just getting to know you now, may not know that beyond being an artist, you are an accomplished musician, a drummer of exceptional talent, and you set a new trend in Dancehall. Why are you not more vocal about your accomplishments? I let my music do the talking for me, and I let the artists that I work with do the talking for me. I won’t ever go around telling people ‘did you know I worked on this or did you know I worked on that?’ I feel my work should and does speak for itself. When people do research on me and find out I’ve done this and that and they bring it to me, we can talk about it, but outside of that, I don’t talk about my accomplishments. Music you made 13 years ago; music such as the Chiney Gal Riddim, Martial Arts Riddim and more recently the Throwback Gigi Riddim which still receive play on radio, throwback mixtapes and in Clubs. How do you feel when you’re out at a party and a selector puts on one of those riddims? Do you think about the recording process, where you were when you made the riddim as in the physical location? What thoughts come to you?! Every single time I’m in a club, or I see a mixtape, or friends call me and tell me ‘Yo Leftside your chune such and such shell the party or whatever,’ every time I hear it, I still say wow. There have been times that I’ve been in a party and the DJ doesn’t know that I’m there and he or she plays my song and I see the crowds reaction and I’d be like ‘wow.’ I’m seeing it for myself. The DJ doesn’t have to play my music because they don’t know I’m there, but they do and that’s a really good feeling. I can never get comfortable or take for granted a DJ selecting my music. When they do, I still say ‘wow!’ To explore your musical greatness a little more! It was your keyboard talents that laid the foundation with Don Corleon for Elephant Man’s monster hits “Pon the River” and “Signal Di Plane.” Those chunes changed Dancehall to the ‘dancing class era.’ Did you feel you were about to make history? No I didn’t feel like I was going to make history. You see, you have to understand that I was there to work. I wasn’t thinking about history and either was Ele or Don Corleon. We were there to make music, and good music at that. Ele called me and asked me to come in and play the keyboards for those chunes and that’s what I did. I also did the harmonies, but the only thing on my mind was work. What’s funny about that experience is that working on those 2 songs led to so much more work for which I’m thankful. I was able to work with a lot of people after that project, but we were not thinking about making history at the time we made those recordings.
Music is not far from you; your Father, Lloyd Parks from We the People Band is a legend in his own right. Of all the instruments you could play, you chose the drums. Did you and your Father ever have ‘drum and bass’ sessions at home? Yes we did (Leftside laughs)! How it happened is that when we went to the grocery store, we would get our groceries packed in a box. I would take the boxes and make drums out of them. I would also find sticks to make the drum sticks. When we got home, my Dad would play the bass, and I would be on the drums. Those were great days. When I got a little older, he would take me to the studio where I would warm up the instruments before a studio session, and I would finish with the drums. He would come in and play bass, and right there we would have drum and bass sessions. I truly had a blessed childhood! You played drums for legends Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs and John Holt, just to name 3 names. Was there anything about each of those artists that influenced you that you implement in the music you make today? Yes (Leftside reflects a little on the names called). You see I am a fan and a lover of Reggae music. I am a fan of the roots and they were a part of the roots. The tree can’t grow without the roots so I use what I learned with them in the music I make today. If you listen to my music, you hear a lot of reference to the old school Reggae and it’s because of them. One thing to remember is that I was there. I was there in the recording sessions and playing live with Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs and John Holt. I was very young, and I was there. I heard what was said while we were practicing, and I remember what worked from what didn’t work. All of those things stayed with me and never left me and comes through in the music I make today; absolutely. Seeing that Dennis and Gregory have children who are also in the music industry, have you considered working with them on projects, or have you done so? Well I have worked on special projects. I have worked with Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley and I’ve worked with the McGregors just to name 2 names. But I think there should be more projects with the children of the legends. It doesn’t have to be albums per say, but I think we should have more projects together for sure. You’re not afraid to slow down the pace of your productions by performing to chunes such as “Hold Me Tight” which features Syon. What was the inspiration for that record? Was it to show off that side of you, was it a challenge you felt to embrace? What was it? Well when I get into a mood to do something musically I just do it, so this song was based on a hook and I built the beat and the bass around the hook. There wasn’t really an inspiration except the hook, and it wasn’t a challenge because I just decided I was going to do it and it turned out pretty good!
There is one song you made years ago that haunts me and excites personally! It’s “Coffee in My Cup” featuring Gina Savage. I have to tell you that I played that chune on the radio and received crazy forwards. My question (which speaks to what haunts me) is was that a single, or did you make it a riddim and if you made it a riddim, what is the riddim name? Laughs! Yes that song is actually a single, it is not a riddim so you don’t have to be haunted anymore (laughs again)! The funny thing with that record is that it was not a hit in Jamaica and didn’t receive wide radio play but it was a HUGE hit in Europe and other places! I went there to perform and couldn’t believe that the people knew every word to the song. It was crazy! I didn’t think I was going to be performing that song and didn’t even walk with it, I had to get the riddim from my Serato so I could perform it. That experience really opened my eyes to the fact that a song may not be a hit in your home market, but it can be a big hit in other markets and that will give you a chance to travel and explore and perform in other countries. As you mention that, you recorded a song with Ricardo Dru, a remix called “No Boring Gyal!” How did that work for you in the Trinidad and cross-Caribbean market? It gave me the chance to go to Trinidad quite often, as much as 5 times per year and I got to record with Bunji Garlin and Dru and Skinny Fabulous and all those people. Recording with other people in other markets keeps the growth. One other prime example is Beenie Man. That’s what he does, no holds barred. He records and he works. That’s what it is. Your productions, whether riddims from past to present, or singles make stars out of DJ’s (turntabalists). All they have to do is select your music in the right sequence and the party is a hit. Do you create your music with that in mind … as in to make the DJ’s playing your music look good?! For sure! I 100% do that and you know what I do also?! When I create a track, I create it where it’s easy for the DJ to mix. When an artist does that, DJ’s will play their music all the time so that’s what I do. I create a track so it’s easy for the DJ to mix. When I’m doing a song like Coffee, I’m creating it to have a certain kind of commercial appeal. It has a Dancehall feel, but it can easily be mixed with Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” It shows that DJ’s who are not paying attention will not play it because it can’t mix with the Konshens or the Elephant Man or Tommy Lee or whatever. DJ’s who understand music when they hear it understand that they can mix it with anything. Then you have yourself a good DJ!
Your current hit record, “Gorilla Foot!” Was that inspired by a real life experience?! It was actually a real life experience just like the track ‘Tuck in Yuh Belly.” That track was something real that happened in the studio. Esco and I were in the studio and we had the track which was a part of a compilation with Vybz Kartel, Ele etc. There was a girl in the studio who was chubby, and she was troubling and teasing a dude saying ‘you’re skinny, you need some food you need to eat.’ The dude was like ‘oh really?! Tuck in yuh side.’ I started laughing and I went in the studio and recorded the track just to make up the number because we needed 15 tracks on the project and we had 14. We weren’t expecting a hit; we did that out of raw fun. Same thing with Gorilla Foot! You have girls out there who are ashamed of their size 11 foot, and their forcing their foot into a size 6 shoe. So we had to touch that topic to be real with the thing. Be real! If your foot is a size 11, it’s a size 11. If yuh big, yuh big, just wear your size; don’t squeeze into a small shoe and then when you go into the party you can’t have fun because your shoes are squeezing your foot! No! Gorilla Foot is a fun topic and no one needs to take it that seriously! Today happens to be Mother’s Day, and in time for this special day, you released “My Mummy.” What is your fondest childhood memory of your Mom?! Wow. This is something I don’t like to say because I don’t like people knowing my Mom called me this nickname, but she called me Pops. The way she said it, with so much love and so much sweetness because I was her baby and her one son. She made a song that she would sing when she came home from work where she sang ‘Papa dee, Papa da.’ It’s corny, but that’s one of my memories from childhood with my Mom! Albums! You have contributed to several albums for other artists. When will we hear one from you?! Well I’m signed to a label from New York called Ultra Music. They’re a House Music based label and they do a lot with Electronic music. Based on the sound of my Dancehall, they were really interested to work with me. I’ve been on the label for a while, so not to long ago they flew me to LA where I recorded 15 songs in 3 days. It’s all House sounding records. I worked with DJ Skrillex, Major Lazor; all those people. The songs are being mixed and the album should be released soon. Outside of that, my thing is mixtapes so I’m working on my Mixtape right now with my sound and my stuff, things that Leftside would do. I’m using my Mixtape to promote that sound. The label is House music which is what they do and what they’re good at so that’s why the two projects are coming soon.
The mixtape is called the Rebirth and it will be available worldwide, and this is me singing! When people hear it they’re going to say ‘really? This dude right here really went and did that?!’ But we still have the Jamaican dialect, but there is a lot of singing! Earlier in our conversation, you talked about working with Damian Marley, the McGregors, Skrillex, Major Lazor etc. You’ve worked with Sean Paul, and these are people who have sold millions of records and have platinum plaques. Are you ever filled with awe that this is the company that you keep? I mean what happens is when you have that level of respect for self, and you have respect for the simpler things in life, that’s what helps you to remain grounded. Sean Paul and I were actually friends before the success, and he’s a grounded dude. I’ve met so many international celebrities but I and we remain grounded because we have to be. I rolled with Akon in Atlanta and went to his house for a meeting. I can tell you Akon is so humble. We didn’t have on any jewelry; just jeans, t-shirt and humble. It’s nice to know that you can see that side to superstars. At the end of the day, we don’t think about our status like that. We are people like everyone else. The name of our magazine is L3 and each L has a meaning. The first is for Life, the second for Love and the third for Lyrics. What general advice can you give our readers on Life, on Love and on Lyrics?! One thing to life, live it and do what you love. Remember that there is a higher being and we need his guidance. If ever there is a touch of doubt, he will give you what you need to keep going. Leave things in his hands and the outcome will be what’s best. It may not be what you want, but it will be what’s best. Sometimes we want this and we want that and get discouraged when we don’t get it but the other way to look at it is you got what you need, or you got what you didn’t need such as you didn’t need such and such in your life. God will bless you with what you need; just open your eyes and pay attention. One more thing, can you handle what you’re asking for? An artist wants to become a superstar, but can they handle so many people pulling them in so many different directions? Can they handle people trying to influence them in a bad way or controlling their every move? It’s one thing to want it but can they handle it? Is their meditation strong enough to keep them balanced and grounded in those environments? Sometimes not getting what you want is a blessing. As for Love, just Love! Love is a tricky thing but once you understand it, you understand and respect it. Some people deal with love like a bank where they say ‘oh I’m taking my love to the bank today and I want to see some interest.’ Nah! Love is unconditional and don’t care what the return is. And Lyrics; open up your inner spirit because lyrics is a form of expression and a reflection of what’s within. People may not agree with what you’re saying, but because you’re open and honest about that you’re saying, they’ll respect it… Connect with Leftside Dr. Evil via Twitter >>> @Leftsidedrevil
M A F
MICHAEL ‘ASKELLE’ FAIRMAN THE VISION BEHIND THE MUSIC
TRICIA ‘ZJ SPARKS’ SPENCE
Recently, I had the privilege of sitting in studio with Askelle Nee Michael Fairman. Askelle?! Who the heck is that you might be asking yourself. You might even hiss at the unfamiliar name, but this unassuming character is the genius behind a lot of riddims. I have to tell you after conducting the interview, I felt wide awake like Katy Perry.
TS: No, Askelle, how did you get that name, it sound like a gun name? ASK: When I was a student of Jamaica College (J.C.) I used to be a Dj and I used to enter a lot of clashes and sing a lot of gun tunes; so that is how I got that name. How did you make the transition from artiste to musician because not a lot of Jamaican artistes know how to or can actually play an instrument? In 1994 I was playing keyboards, so I was deejaying and playing keyboards since then. Do you play other instruments besides the keyboard? The recorder and the mouth organ Earlier on, you were telling me that you were taught by some experts in the business. Who were they and who are some of the people that you look up to? Steelie (from the duo Steelie and Clevie) and Chris Meredith were the ones who teach me how to organize sounds and build good riddims. What are some of the riddims that you have worked on that persons might not be familiar with? Mood Swing Riddim with G Whizz’s Life, Candle in the Wind by Tazz (that went number 1 in France), Alter Ego Riddim with that popular tunes Real Friends and Octane’s Push Man Aside, Split Personality Riddim produced by Seanizzle, DNA Riddim Kartel has a song on it called Turn on Wine, Contagious Riddim, a new riddim with Mavado, Octane, Take it the Karian Sang and Mavado combination, just to name a few. Many persons wouldn’t even believe that you can’t see, yet you have vision. How difficult was it for you to learn how to play instruments given the fact that you cannot see? Well, when I was just learning the keyboards, I would just listen to music and try to imitate it on the keyboards. Basically, I play by ear. That answer probably accounts for why you play riddims so well. Alot of “producers” look at the waves like djs and end up using their eyes more than their ears. Another thing that I do is that I can go into a lot of musicians that I look up to personally. For example, I would be playing something and I would say probably this is what Steelie would play or this is what Birch (Chistopher Birch) would play; based on that I can play it. What ends up happening is you have many ideas coming together at one time. Birch and Steelie are some of the musicians that you look up to, who are some of the others? Nigel Staff, Cripple Blacks, Wrong Move and Lenky.
You are working on some projects though, what are those projects? Troyton (from Troyton Music) and I are working on a single with Mavado and Beres Hammond which will be coming out on my label and his label. What is the name of your label? My label is called Vision House. When can we expect that single? Well Mavado is actually working on his part now. It has a nowadays International feel, so it’s a different sound that you are doing to get from Beres. Who are the members on your team that help to get your music out there? I am working with The Beatz right now. Earlier on you were telling me that you get a lot of requests from persons overseas for your beat building services. Which countries, and how do they find you? From all over. I have a lot of stuff on You Tube that they will check out, or if they read about me they hit me up. What are some of the challenges you find as a musician / producer in the business? Alot of the persons that you work with in the business don’t like to pay and I am a youth that like to stand up for my rights and when I stand up for my rights, it’s a problem. I get death threats and people try to intimidate me which I don’t take kindly to. How can we make this Industry better, a lot of artistes and producers complain about the lack of unity? (He says without thought and reservation) Contracts! I find that a lot of Jamaicans don’t like to sign contracts and they don’t like to give to Caesar what is due to Caesar. They just like to grab. What do you have to tell the readers of L3 Magazine? The world is round and whatever we do will come back to us. So, if you do good, you will get a lot of blessings so do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.
C CHEDDA
FAILURE TEACHES YOU WISDOM
I
TRICIA ‘ZJ SPARKS’ SPENCE
t had been a while since I had last seen this lanky Dj, he was always bright eyed and bubbly. A new song of his happened upon my email and when I bounced the track in my iTunes player, I thought to myself, the kid is back on track and so decided to give him a ding to find out what was going on with his career. We were scheduled to meet at The University of The West Indies, Mona, in Jamaica we call it UWI. When he emerged from his vehicle, I could see that he had grown; maturity was showing in the way he carried himself and the intensity in his eyes. We sat in my car in the parking lot of the Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts and caught up.
I could assume, but I am not going to, I am going to allow you to tell people how you got that moniker? I use to rap while I was at School (Xcelsior High) and this transfer student who used to rap just started calling me Chedda. So I said to him that Chedda means cheese and he said to me, no, in America it means money. He said to me that when I rapped all he could see and hear is money and so the name stuck with me. How did you get involved in music, was it through your dad, who is Daddy Screw? Not because one’s parent is or was in music, it’s not always a natural progression because some parents dissuade their children from getting involved in the music business because it can be such a nasty business and a high risk one. My dad was an influence, he used to take me everywhere when I was young and my mom used to go to a lot of dances with me while I was in her belly. As you know the scientists say that once children brains are developing they soak in what they are exposed to. When I was growing up, while other kids were into cartoons, I was more into music and music videos. So I would say it was an interest and personal desire that was always within me to always do this; not to say that my dad didn’t have an influence because he did, as a matter of fact, he helped to mold me into the man that I am today. My mom, who lived overseas, was not too 100% with it, but when she saw the response I got to Fake Jeans which I did with Trevor Off Key and Cleanest which I did with QQ, she saw that I was progressive; I actually grew with my grandparents. I was able to balance my school work and the deejaying, so she came around. I was also around Coppershot almost every day by the studio and they made me a promise that if I finished school and passed my subjects then they would voice me and they did; they kept their promise. So big up Copper Shaun and Coppershot for their help. So to answer you, it was really the influence, it was more like a calling. Music was what kept my company, what put me to bed, what entertained me. The Jamaican musical pot is very hot, bubbling with a lot of young and emerging artistes, stalwarts and a lot of persons from overseas who are trying to get a toe hold into our kind of music, how difficult is it as a young artiste to make a difference or to make your brand stand out? Anything that you are going to involve yourself with is going to have difficulties; everything in life will come with challenges, so we don’t see it as something that you cannot surmount. You have to tell yourself that I can do this and look at what steps you need to take to accomplish your goals. While you’re looking at these steps you have to study things. Music is an art and like a subject, you have to study it: how to perform, how to deal with people and develop your sound and so on. You also have to look at, ‘what else can I bring to the table that no one else is doing’. It can be easy. Once you study and see what the world and dancehall is taking to and align yourself with something that is booming and put your twist on it, you can become someone.
You sound so mature, how old are you? I am 22 Last year was not that busy for you, was it during that time that you did a lot of introspection? Yes actually. So many things was going on with friends and music, I was totally lost. I was with everybody else and not with myself. I had to take myself away. I had to find myself. Alot of persons would not know that I had lost my grandma last year. She had a stroke and I had to take care of her because when my mom was away for so long, my grandma was the one who took care of me; so I could not focus on music. In retrospect, all of these things that happened to me was Gods way of teaching me about people and about losing. I took the good and the bad. I learned that no matter how you feel, even if you are down on your face, just by changing how you look at things and how you think about things, you can change your world your atmosphere. Are these some of the things that will come out in your music because I know you have been in the studio working? Soon, because as you know we are messengers. In my past year, I was singing all sorts of music. I came to realize that, different from the party and rae-rae, people need encouragement and positivity to feed them, because we live in such a negative world. Alot of the things I am saying will come out, but at this age I just want to enjoy being a young adult. A lot of my friends say I don’t flex like them because when they are thinking of partying I am thinking how to be better and where will I be in 5 years or so. It can’t be all work and no play, even though I am forward thinking. But, you are having fun though, I heard a song that you did recently with Wizard and Nyanda called “Like a Pro” and when I heard it I thought, this is a sure shot hit. All of this was taking place last year. I was going through a depression and through that I found elevation. All of this was through River Nile, J Twist and Bambino. We were going to form a team call MMZ. The chemistry was just there with me and Wizard though. She brought me on ER because she just believed in me as an artiste. One day she called me and said ‘Chedda mi have a bad, gyal ting, mi nah say nutten more, just come ah di studio’. I went, she pressed play and I was there for 2 hours just bouncing. When the riddim was bouncing I was just moving. When she started the hook, I was hooked; I just thought to myself I had to find something crazy for this. She hit me up couple weeks later and said she got Nyanda on the track. When I heard the song, it blew my mind and that was so unexpected. The feedback that we are getting for the song is amazing. Aya, a dance teacher from France, who won Carib Vibes World Dancer 2011, took up that song and did a piece of choreography for it and now (at the time of writing) it has over 200,000 views on You Tube. Alot of persons in Europe and Canada are going crazy for the song. I have never seen anything like this before. Amazing! You came out of a depression, changed your thought patterns and it seems like Bounty Killer recognized that because you are now aligned with ANG. How did that come about?
I was always linking with Payday and have respect for Bounty Killer. I don’t exalt myself. One day I went to Escape (a party spot) and Bounty hailed me (I had never spoken to him before) and he said ‘ yow Chedda what’s the weather, youth get your thing to together; yow you bad enuh yute’. I saw him at a couple more parties and he and I just sat and held a reasoning; he told me I had potential and when he found out that my dad was Daddy Screw, he told me that he and my dad had good vibes. It was just God’s work. Bounty showed me (and shows me) a lot of support. Bounty Killer is not an easy man to please, so that is good. You have been working on a mixtape; when is it coming out. I am thinking about releasing my mixtape in May. That should have some of my known songs, some new stuff and some remixes, just to remind people of who Chedda was, who he is now and what he is bringing. I am thinking about an album, but I am observing first and build some momentum. What advice do you have for the readers of L3 Magazine? Life can be anything that you want it to be. Believe in yourself. Have confidence in yourself. Even when ‘bad’ things happen, it doesn’t mean that they are negative, they are there to teach you. Don’t waste time worrying about tomorrow. Now determines your future. In order for you to become who you want to be you have to go through certain things. Rich people don’t think like poor people; they experience failures too, but it’s how they deal with the failures. Failure teaches you wisdom.