Showing posts with label ska. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ska. Show all posts

Monday, June 7, 2010

Jahmings Maccow - Free The Pain


Jahmings Maccow - Free The Pain:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGqNUEy8VOI

Anguillan born singer-songwriter Jahmings Maccow is presenting his new music video for 'Free The Pain'. The song is available on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/man-redemption/id319093101

Maccow grew up in New York City, where he hooked up and played with various New York bands in The Big Apple. Now based in L.A., one of the the projects that he's planning to embark upon is a world tour that will bring him and his band to Asia by the end of 2010.

His standing against commercialization of the music began in the '80s and it has since then developed into a pure vintage reggae sound, very similar to the music of the Jamaican superstar, Bob Marley. His stories, the way he sings about social issues, love, and pain, are all coming deeply from the heart of a man. His songwriting is not something built to impress; it touches you because of its simplicity and its authenticity.

To listen to more of his repertoire go to http://www.myspace.com/jahmings

Friday, March 26, 2010

Kaya - Rat Race


Kaya - Rat Race

by Jon Peritz

"The new music video for Rat Race, from the UK based soul/hip-hop outfit Kaya is an in your face no nonsense dance party with a message. Shot in a single small room blanketed in old posters and graffiti, the video shows the band in their natural element. Rappers Aina and Natty rhyme about the inequities of the tax structure and the importance of working for the love and not for the money. This song has a sticky hook tied together with catchy horn lines and a number of clever verses that the band performs as they act out their words. Aina sings about working a 10-6 job as she sits, clearly frustrated, behind a desk crowded with papers and a fax machine. She vows there to turn over a new leaf. Kaya released the video for Rat Race to warm us up for their new record due to drop in August 2010."

Website: http://www.myspace.com/officialkaya

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Tax Reeaaally Doesn't Need To Be Taxing!


Website: http://www.myspace.com/officialkaya
Music: http://www.officialkaya.com/music/Rat_Race_128kbps.mp3

Kaya's new music video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6Clwvw_EUo

Live Urban Pop specialists Kaya have uploaded their new music video for forthcoming single Rat Race with an amazing initial response..

The video has a comical feel with a unique approach, shot by young Japanese director Taichi Kimura entirely in 1 day and in 1 small room; the infamous backstage area of the Tunbridge Well's Forum. Its a fine example that a video doesn't need a big budget to be entertaining; the ideas are creative, the vibe is fun and upbeat, an all-round suitable accompaniment for the song itself.

Taken from the groups forthcoming album 'Look Beneath The Surface' due out mid-summer, Rat Race is an up-tempo Ska Pop song slightly reminiscent of early Madness but with a modern urban slant. Lyrically it takes a satirical look at the financial responsibilities we all face in modern day life; cheekily poking fun at a frustrating subject to which most of us can relate, and aiming to bring a smile to the face of those who hear it.. It certainly coins a new meaning to the phrase Tax Doesn't Need To Be Taxing, very true when spoken about in this context!

The 5-piece live group consist of Guitarist Matt, Bassist Tom Y, Drummer Tom H, songstress Aina and rapper Natty, an Ambassador Of The Prince's Trust. Most of them had already worked together in a previous band which was voted BBC Radio 1's Unsigned Band Of The Year. They know each other well, and it shows..

Together they blend infectious instrumental hooks, catchy vocal melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. The band fuse and perform a mix of genres including Hip Hop, Soul, Ska, Dubstep, Jazz and Reggae resulting in a new live Urban Pop sound that is gaining popularity.

Kaya have remained quietly focused on developing their sound and are now putting the finishing touches to their debut album, due for release in summer this year. Though despite their under-the-radar status they have been booked for performances all over Europe and shared the stage with chart-topping acts such as Sugababes and Ne-Yo. Kaya's live exploits have seen them perform at the Sony Radio Academy Awards, a BBC 1Xtra University tour and international events such as Berlin Fashion Week on multiple occasions.

With Rat Race due out in June this year and with such a strong buzz building around the group already, the early signs are indicating that Kaya and their unique sound are most definitely ones to watch for 2010.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Rocker-T with Joan Baez on 'The Way Life Should Be'

Get this player from Fairtilizer!

"One good thing about music, when it hits you - you feel no pain." I would argue that the validity of this quote depends on what you're listening too. However, when Bob Marley uttered this phrase, it certainly applied to his music, and I would also argue it applies the "The Way Life Should Be," by reggae recording artist Rocker-T, featuring Joan Baez on lead and back-up vocals. It has that feel-good atmosphere of reggae while also incorporating strong musicianship, especially from trumpeter Bill Ortiz. He fills in the empty space with tasty lines, and utilizes the mute when playing along with the melody, adding a complementary layer to the simple, yet effective production.

The lyrics are optimistic and hopeful, with the message that "brotherly and sisterly love is the foundation of a peaceful nation." Rocker-T's voice isn't anything special, but it works well for this song, especially when he harmonizes with Joan Baez. With effective vocals, strong musicianship, good production, and a message of peace and love, "The Way Life Should Be" is an easy listening experience that may not cure you of all your physical ailments, but will certainly lift your spirits.
-- Will Cohn, MusicDish

www.rocker-t.com
www.epiphyterecords.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Epiphyte Records & Rocker-T Release Limited Edition Remix EP Featuring The Legendary Joan Baez

Rocker-T, the internationally-renowned, ground-breaking, and award-winning Reggae and World Music recording artist, in association with San Francisco's Epiphyte Records, announces the release of his EP, "Luv is the Foundation," featuring five mixes of the duet single, "The Way Life Should Be," with singer and human rights activist, Joan Baez. Legendary trumpeter Bill Ortiz, best known for his work with Santana, Tito Puente, Destiny's Child, and Tony, Toni, Toné, provides the songs captivatingly haunting and impassioned melody.

"Luv is the Foundation", is being released as a limited edition collectable EP on Epiphyte Records in advance of Rocker-T's star-studded, full length studio CD, "Rocker-T - The Hurban Warrior of Peace," scheduled for a Summer 2009 release, which also features; Baez, KRS-One and others.

Rocker-T, who originally hails from Brooklyn, New York and now resides in Oakland, California, was an integral part of the formation of the New York City Ska scene in the 1980's and is one of the founding talents in the creation of the New York City Dancehall/Ragga Hip Hop scene in the early 1990's. He is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, DJ, performer, producer, MC, and his innovative and dynamic musical style of singing and chanting Ska, Reggae, and Hip-Hop is a musical amalgamation term that has come to be known as ‘sing-jay.'

Rocker-T and Baez first met, and had discussed the idea of recording together one day, after his rousing and legendary Reggae on the River Festival performance, in Humboldt, California in the summer of 2000.

Rocker-T, who cites Joan Baez as the most influential musical artist on his own career, says, "I am deeply honored to have Joan share her voice on a project that I believe will help lead to a more peaceful world."

Continuing, Rocker-T states, "Conflict knows no discrimination in the impact it makes on all generations. Therefore, there should be no age discrimination on the call for World Peace. Through the single ‘The Way Life Should Be,' I have issued a universal and multi-generational call for World Peace to combat the rising tide of indiscriminate international conflict." "Luv is the Foundation" will appeal to all ages and musical tastes, as it features a main radio mix and four remixes of "The Way Life Should Be," in Dance, Down-Tempo, Dubstep, and, Binghipella styles. "Luv is the Foundation" was recorded in San Francisco's Pyramind Studios, both a production and training facility, which supports Bay Area independent music through its label, Epiphyte Records. "Luv is the Foundation" was engineered by Pyramind founder Gregory J. Gordon (aka: G.2), and mixed and co-produced by G.2 and Rocker-T with final mastering handled by Michael Romanowski. The Dance remix was created by G.2, the Dubstep remix was created by Rocker-T and the Down-Tempo remix was created by FROST-Raven.

Rocker-T's forthcoming full-length CD, "Rocker-T - The Hurban Warrior of Peace," will be released later this year featuring a star-studded line-up of guest performers, including, but not limited to, Joan Baez, KRS-One, Cutty Ranks, Terry Ganzie, King Django, Soul Medic, MC Seasunz, and Adrian Xavier.

Another guest artist appearing on Rocker-T's forthcoming studio CD is KRS-One, who is the 2008 BET Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for his efforts on behalf of the Stop the Violence Movement, as well as his overall pioneering contributions to hip-hop music and culture.

For more info about Rocker T - please visit: http://www.rocker-t.com or http://www.myspace.com/rockertee Info about Epiphyte Records can be found at http://www.epiphyterecords.com and more info about the professional recording, production and educational training services of Pyramind Production and Training can be found at http://www.pyramind.com