L3 Magazine | Life. Love. Lyrics.| February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens www.L3Magazine.com
L3 M A G A Z I N E
The Keys to Rad-Ness is Radkey Nikki’s Wives (they ARE a Band!)
Music Charts Video Charts Music News New on iTunes Dancehall The New Commodity CA Rumble Winners King Attarney Brexit to the Caribbean
Chronixx Goes For The ‘Likes’ Getting Louder: Stop Violence Against Women
Musical Politician
Tanya Stephens
L3 Magazine | February | 2017 | No. 43 CEO and Editor-in-Chief
Natasha Von Castle – natashavoncastle@gmail.com
Chief Creative Officer
L3 Group of Companies – L3Magazine@hotmail.com
Operations and Distribution Directors Christopher Miller
Publisher
L3 Group of Companies
Director of Caribbean Promotions Keisha Pinnock
Contributing Editor and Caribbean Affairs Editor Tricia ‘ZJ Sparks’ Spence
Contributing Editor and Music Editor Tre Carn
Travel Editor Stacia Von Castle
Music Review Editor Jennifer Menster
Beauty Editor Kay Cunningham
UK Editor Evelyn Germain
Political Editor: Maxine Tomlinson Senior Writers & Photography
Song River | Marcus Weller | Joah Baston | Zakada Milton | Raul Dunkley Fashion Contributor
Lady Ann Contributing Writers Portia Clarke | Mimi Mamichula | Ayeola George | Zakada Milton | Rico Vibes | Andre Gomez | Pia Jordine | Gelina aka Baby G – UK Correspondent | Michelle Parker | April Stanford | David Peters | SteffyT
Editors Heart... I wonder if Toots Hibbert instinctively knew just how far the ‘little’ genre of Reggae would go when he first put that word in a song? I wonder if Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Slim Smith, Jimmy Riley, John Holt and Desmond Dekker fully grasped the impact that their talents would have, and the many lives those talents would touch? I ask these questions thinking that they couldn’t have known how far the genre and sub genres would reach. I also ask these questions hoping there is a part of you that has been provoked to think: will my life touch other peoples in the future? We owe it to our future to be aware that every moment we live we are creating history. Someone in our family tree, in our industry or doing research is going to come across our names and learn our story. Will it inspire them? I don’t expect that every person will become a Dali Lama or a Ghandi, but I do expect that we will make an effort to enrich other people’s lives. Oprah still remembers her elementary school teachers (an they’re not famous), President Obama still remembers the people he saw as Director of the Developing Communities Project in Chicago, and Bruno Mars remembers the first time he sang, and how many people attended his performance. My point is that at the time, we don’t know how we are going to play a role in history. All I’m asking is that you be aware that you are living history, and in that fact, we have a responsibility to always be the best we can be! P.S. Our Reggae elders had one chance, and thank God they all got it right!
Agree or disagree via Twitter @NatashaVonC
February, 2017 Pg. 10 We’ve started trading in a new commodity, and that commodity is called Dancehall. The genre is making many people rich, but those people don’t come from Jamaica or the Caribbean. How does that work? Pg. 12 They can hear us now! More and more men are beginning to stand up for women to denounce violence against women and children. They say where Dancehall goes so too do the fans. Is that what happened? Pg. 20 King Attarney has been in the business of Sound Clash for years even though it looks like they just arrived at the party. We had to say congratulations! Pg. 34 Superstar Spice issues the Sheet challenge making the Manequin challenge so last year! Stores are selling out of sheets! Pg. 40 From Ghana to the world, Sound System Selector King Lagazee brings Reggae and Dancehall to the masses via HITZ 103.9 FM. Pg. 60 February is Reggae month so we share a few candids of some of the movers and shakers in the industry who make your speakers jump! Pg. 76 The key to rad-ness is to the understand of how lucky and how much hard work goes into the Punk Rock band Radkey. Their story will inspire you! Pg. 84 Nikki’s Wives are a real band who came together in the most interesting of ways. Their chemistry is so in sync, they are meant to be ... yes, they are For E-V-E-R!
On the Cover: Tanya Stephens has always been outspoken regarding her views on injustices happening in Jamaica and around the world. This musical politician is calling the house to order with her new single “FOUR20,” and addressing the wave of violence against women. A must read on page 65 L3 Magazine | February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens - Pg. 7
Lif
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Dancehall Commodity By: Marcus Weller
By: Marcus Weller Like Gold, Silver and Copper, Dancehall is a natural commodity. By definition, a commodity means an item or service that is produced to satisfy wants or needs. In the olden days, investors looked to Gold, Silver or Copper as sure stock because most people wanted to adorn their bodies with these precious metals, or used the latter as a conductor. In the new age, gold has become seeds that the masses want grown; those seeds are planted and the budding tree that results is the potential cure to heal inner dis-ease. Images of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Joseph ‘Culture’ Hill show our icons (albeit it associated more with Reggae than Dancehall) smoking a spliff and personifying charisma that women were attracted to, and men wanted to emulate. On a deeper level, those images conveyed the message that herbs should be legalized because it has no harm to people and is not addictive. Weed became associated with Reggae and Dancehall, so where the genre traveled, so too went the weed. In just about every party around the world, and when tuned in to most radio stations, there plays our distinguished syncopated beat. Super Stars such as Drake, Ed Sheeran and Justin Beiber included our addictive riddims in their music, and with that spreads our off-shoots of Dancehall, being clothing (who doesn’t want to look like us), and food (who doesn’t want to eat our delicious food). Of all these subcommodities, herbs, aka ganja, aka weed, has been the genres greatest winner. World governments’ decriminalization of the herbs means we have a new crop of billionaires whose wealth will be elevated in part because of our culture. Trading on the New York, Toronto and Australia stock exchanges are shares in weed dispensaries, grow-ops and biotechnology; from the farm in Jamaica to world stock exchanges…. Damian Marley, in partnership with Ocean Grown Extracts, has announced plans to convert a former 77,000 square foot prison in California, to a grow space that will grow medical marijuana for state dispensaries. Speaking to Billboard magazine, Jr. Gong said “many people have sacrificed so much for the herb over the years who got locked up, if this [venture] helps people and it’s used for medicinal purposes and inspires people, it’s a success.” In the November, 2016 elections, states such as California, Colorado, Arizona and Massachusetts asked voters if they were in favour of the recreational use of cannabis. In 2017, 1 in every 5 Americans live in a state where it’s legal to smoke without a doctors letter. The industry is on track to make $20.1 Billion in sales by 2021. Tanya Stephens track “Four20” summarizes the hypocrisy as we watch our natural commodity consumed worldwide. The artists sings “they used to call we dutty when we roll dih ting / now the same hypocrites ah control dih ting.” As more images of Dancehall and Reggae Superstars holding a sacrament with cannabis emerge, and we embrace what our forefathers have been saying for decades – legalize it – corporations benefit from Dancehalls natural commodity. Thoughts? info@L3Magazine.com L3 Magazine | February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens - Pg. 11
Stop Violence Women By: Jennifer Menster
Collectively we raised our voices, and now the world is responding with increased awareness about the violence happening to women and children across the Caribbean; that awareness has men standing up saying ‘stop violence against women’ which is the support we needed all along. When Dancehall Super stars Demarco, Dexta Daps, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man raised their voices on this topic, fans across the Caribbean took note and began to act accordingly. When Popcaan released his Instagram video, shortly after recording his song calling on men to leave women and children alone, the world solidified its’ stance that this behaviour will not be tolerated. Speaking to the camera, Popcaan asked “if you kill off all the women, who will bring forth life?” In the recording studio with super producer Jay Crazie, Demarco says zero tolerance for any man who kills a woman or hurts a child in his newest release “Mi Don’t Wrong.” The artist, defending his two daughters says in essence, there will be no mercy – a violator will feel it to the fullest extent of the law. Reggae singer Shuga adds her voice to the conversation by encouraging informers to step forward and let us know who is committing these crimes and where we can find them so justice can be served. “We cannot wait on the government” Shuga says in a post, “we have to deal with it [violence against women and children]; Jamaica needs some serious prayer.” In Canada, the UK and the US, fans of Dancehall are tuning in to the message. Although they are not living in Jamaica or the Caribbean, they are participating in the conversation by making it clear that anyone they know who hurts women and or children, they will be turned in to face punishment. Marlon, an active user of social media said “we have to go back to the days of sweet Jamaica; the days when women and children could walk ah night time and not fear someone trying to rape or murder them.” His display picture was changed to the highly recognizable palm print with the message ‘Stop Violence Against Women.’ “This is the difference that is made when Men stand up to protect Women and children” says Dr. Barnwell. The community and the world at large gets the message that there will be justice inside or outside of the courtroom if any harm is done to women or children. Our women are now the most protected people on the planet. We can’t help victims of the past, and we should have spoken sooner, but we’re taking action now.”
Against
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Brexit to the Caribbean By: Marcus Weller
Photo Credit: TechCrunch.com
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By: Maxine Tomlinson The United Kingdom’s prospective withdrawal from the European Union is widely referred to as Brexit, an amalgam of “British” and “exit.” Following a referendum held in June, 2016, 52% of the public voted in favour of leaving the EU. Given the recent controversy in the US with President Donald Trump’s “Muslim travel ban,” Brexit has raised major concerns for some in the UK, particularly those who have not had their status regularised or who intend to sponsor dependants / family members to enter the country. Rachel Okello, British-born Solicitor and local Councillor (she is currently Deputy Leader of a local Town Council) gives an insight on the potential ramifications of Brexit, particularly as they relate to those from African and Caribbean communities. Rachel explains that “contrary to popular belief, the Home Office is not actively seeking to deport people who have been in the UK for a long time. No one really knows what the ramifications of Brexit will be, as the Government has yet to outline its thinking on this. That said, we do know that on the issue of immigration, European Law has traditionally been more favourable than British Law. Once the UK has left the EU, there will be no recourse to European Law.” Noting that several people in the community have serious concerns, Rachel raises some points that will either put a few at ease, or will help clarify what some next steps should be: 1. If you have been in the UK for at least 20 years you can make an application to regularise your status immediately. For anyone under 25, there are different rules so they should seek urgent advice if their immigration paperwork is not regularised. 2. You must have evidence that you have permission to be in the UK either in your passport, on a separate UK Residence Card or on a Home Office letter with your photograph giving you Temporary Admission / Release. 3. Do not travel abroad unless you have Leave to Remain endorsed in your passport or a separate UK Residence Card (which must be valid when you return) otherwise, you will be unable to re-enter the country. 4. If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain and you leave the country for more than two years at one time it will be revoked. You will have to apply afresh to re-enter. 5. Many immigration offences are now criminal offences so you must regularise your status if you wish to stay in the UK or consider other options. 6. Employers, colleges / universities, landlords, Registry Offices, banks, doctors and even DVLA are all required to check immigration status before offering a service so please be aware. Rachel is candid and forthright on the matter of immigration. She asserts: “Immigration law is complex, harsh and leaves little room for discretion so it is important when seeking representation to choose a Solicitor who will be honest about your case. They should be clear as to what Law they are applying under, and the basis for the application. Only use a Solicitor or someone OISC regulated to the appropriate standard.” For legal advice on all matters relating to immigration, please contact Rachel Okello at www.rogols.co.uk
Fly Us to St. V
Welcome to Argyle Interna Contributed
St.Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) will debut its first international airport, the Argyle International Airport (AIA) on February 14th, 2017. This new airport is the largest capital project that has ever been undertaken in the history of the country and will replace the existing ET Joshua Airport which will close simultaneously. To celebrate this long awaited occasion, a charter flight has been organized by the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority in collaboration with GG Tours (www.ggtours.ca) in Toronto. A chartered Sunwing 737-800 aircraft will create history by being the first international flight to land at Argyle International Airport from Canada. The new Argyle International Airport is expected to increase accessibility to this multi island destination and be a key economic driver for the country, attracting direct flights from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, among other countries, and fuelling investments. The AIA boasts a 2,743 metre (9,000 foot) runway, 45 metres (150 feet) wide and is designed to accommodate aircraft as large as the Boeing 747-400s. The 171,000 square foot terminal building is designed to handle 1.5 million passengers per year, more than five times the capacity at ET Joshua. It offers 23 commercial spaces, 3 restaurants and several spots available for kiosks. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a collection of 32 unspoiled islands and cays in the secluded Eastern Caribbean. It’s the epitome for which the authentic Caribbean is renowned. The Grenadine Islands stretch for 45 miles south from the main island of St. Vincent and include eight inhabited islands: Young Island, Bequia, Union, Mayreau, Mustique, Canouan, Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent. Tobago Cays is a horseshoe-shaped reef that shields five deserted islets and is famous as a sailing and snorkeling mecca. For more information on St. Vincent and the Grenadines, please visit www.discoversvg.com.
Vincent!
ational Airport
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Hidden Figures Contributed
s The incredible untold story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson - brilliant AfricanAmerican women working at NASA, who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race, and galvanized the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big. This is a must-see movie! The 2016 American biographical drama film directed by Theodore Melfi and written by Melfi and Allison Schroeder, sees stars Taraji P. Henson as Katherine G. Johnson, a mathematician who calculated flight trajectories for Project Mercury and other missions. The film also features Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan and Janelle Monåe as Mary Jackson, with Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Glen Powell, and Mahershala Ali in supporting roles. Principal photography began in March 2016 in Atlanta and was wrapped up in May 2016. Hidden Figures was released on December 25, 2016, by 20th Century Fox, received positive reviews from critics and has grossed $144 million worldwide. It was chosen by National Board of Review as one of the top ten films of 2016[4] and has been nominated for numerous awards, including three Oscars, for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Spencer, and two Golden Globes, Best Supporting Actress (Spencer) and Best Original Score. It won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
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King Attar
2017 Canada Rumb Winners! It was a night built for a Champion Sound to win, and within 4 hours, King Attarney had the Canada Rumble crown placed on their heads. What started as 5 opposing sounds quickly dwindled to none. One by One, King Attarney picked off their targets with carefully delivered speeches, coordinated with precision cutting dubplates resulting in the forward of fans, and the elimination of opponents. Junior Selector, King Attarney’s front man, established his tone with command drawing for dubplates from Mavado (“Nuh Fraid ah Dem”), Vybz Kartel (“Touch a Button”), Beres Hammond (“What Can You Do To Stop a Man from Trying”), Ken Booth (“Everything I Own”) and the big Joseph ‘Culture’ Hill (“2 Sevens Clash”) song in the chune fih chune round which was too much for competing sounds to handle. Having a deeper understanding of Clash also helped Junior Selector. “I grew up listening to sound clash cassettes ... that’s my era.” After following historic sound clashes and playing sound for 16 years, I’m glad to have the chance to reach certain levels – this is encouragement for Canadian sounds to keep fighting for it!” “We are achieving what we set out to do with the ‘The Rumble Series’,” says Garfield “Chin” Bourne of Irish and Chin. “Namely, with Canada’s active sound clash environment, it’s only fair to offer their shining stars an international platform via the ‘Canada Rumble.’ Big up to King Attarney!” Edge and history are the ingredients that will be needed as King Attarney and King Turbo head to New York’s famed venue, Amazura, to face competing sounds vying for the title in US Rumble on April 22nd.
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Produced by Irish and Chin, the worlds leading promoters in Sound Clash and Caribbean entertainment, US Rumble sees sounds from Japan, the UK, Jamaica and Canada compete. What makes US Rumble unique this year is for the first time ever, 2 Canadian sounds will be on the stage. This plot twist can be a decided advantage for both King Attarney and King Turbo if they play their ‘dubs’ right. Congrat King Attarney on your well deserved CA Rumble win! Fans can watch the Clash online via YouTube
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Music We Lov / Single / Chronixx ‘Likes’
Moving through 2017 like the swift current in the River Nile, Chronixx has dropped a new single for the listening pleasure of his consuming public. Not mincing his words, Chronixx makes it clear that he’s dropped this new single for the Love and not for the ‘Likes.” Singing his melody pure and true, Chronixx shares that too many entertainers are hype and are dropping music or posts on social media for ‘Likes,’ while their bank accounts stay empty, they have no positive influence on the masses and they can’t fill an arena. The artist sings “we dweet fih dih love we nuh dweet fih dih likes / success don’t come over night / mek dem know success over hype / how mih neva buck dem up pon no flight / and mih nuh see dem in nuh tour life….” Well aware of the fact that some people will not like him for singing the truth, Chronixx shames artists who share false news of being in the recording studio when they’re not. He also questions how these artists have so many likes, yet still Bib Marley is still ruling the charts. Good questions. Fan feedback to the song takes shape on the Chronixx’s SoundCloud page where user Kudzanai calls the song ‘pure consciousness,’ Medhiman calls it ‘real talk’ and Papa Cool says ‘let me express my love through a like! The fans are getting behind this song on Twitter as well. Many are calling Chronixx a young legend; some even going as far as to call ‘Likes’ a Valentine’s Day present. Weigh in and let Chronixx know your thoughts on the song. Stream it here: https://soundcloud.com/chronixxmusic/chronixx-likes/s-WPUEZ Make sure you connect with Chronixx on tour. Complete concert listings on the following pages!
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Chronixx On T Coming to a City Near You NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES: 3-02 in NEW HAVEN, CT @ Toad’s Place 4-08 in DALLAS, TX @ Trees 3-03 in BOSTON, MA @ Paradise Rock Club 4-09 in AUSTIN, TX @ Euphoria Camping and Music 3-04 in NEW YORK, NY@ Irving Plaza Festival 3-07 in DETROIT, MI @ El Club 4-10 – New Orleans, LA – Republic New Orleans 3-09 in LOUISVILLE, KY @ Mercury Ballroom 4-13 in FT. LAUDERDALE, FL @ Revolution 3-10 in COLUMBUS, OH @ Al Rosa Villa 4-14 in JACKSONVILLE, FL @ Mavericks at the Landing 3-11 in CHICAGO, IL @ Metro 4-15 in ATLANTA, GA @ Masquerade 3-14 in LAWRENCE, KS @ Granada Theater 4-16 in ASHEVILLE, NC @ The Orange Peel 3-15 in DENVER, CO @ Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom 4-18 in CARRBORO, NC @ Cat’s Cradle 3-17 in SEATTLE, WA @ The Showbox 4-19 in NORFOLK, VA @ The Norva 3-18 in VANCOUVER, BC @ Commodore Ballroom 4-20 in SILVER SPRINGS, MD @ The Fillmore 3-19 in PORTLAND, OR @ Wonder Ballroom 4-21 in PHILADELPHIA, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts 3-21 in SACRAMENTO, CA @ Ace of Spades (TLA) 3-23 in SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ The Fillmore 4-26 in MONTREAL, QUEBEC @ L’Olympia 3-24 in REDWAY, CA @ Mateel Community Center 4-27 in LONDON, ONTARIO @ London Music Hall 3-25 in SANTA CRUZ, CA @ The Catalyst 4-28 in TORONTO, ONTARIO @ Rebel Complex 3-26 in RENO, NV @ Whitney Peak Hotel – Cargo 4-30 in HUNTINGTON, NY @ The Paramount Concert Hall 3-28 in FRESNO, CA @ Strummer’s For more information on the tour, or to request 3-31 in SANTA ANA, CA @ The Observatory Chronixx in your City, visit: 4-01 in LOS ANGELES, CA @ The Fonda Theatre 4-02 in SOLANA BEACH, CA @ Belly Up http://www.chronixxmusic.com/ 4-04 in TEMPE, AZ @ Club Red 4-05 in ALBUQUERQUE, NM @ Sunshine Theater 4-07 in HOUSTON, TX @Warehouse Live - Ballroom
Tour
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Music We Lov
/ Single / Skip Marley ‘Lio
Once again, the message is in the music, and Skip Marley tunes in to the frequency of delivery! The young Lion Cub steps to centre stage with his song “Lions” which is a lyrical masterpiece. The system is Skips target and his army are people who know that they can make a difference by taking a stand against that which is wrong. Common themes such as using light to drive out the dark, not being told where, how or to whom to pray, and most importantly, a reminder that Love will always be the answer are prevalent through the song which is becoming a bit of an anthem. At times it seems as though hate is winning but we know that to not be true. Though he did not perform the song “Lions” at his historic performance at the 59th annual GRAMMYs with Katy Perry, he did perform uplifting lyrics. Dressed in all white, Skips song with Katy Perry “Chained to the Rhythm” received positive endorsements when he sang “they greed over the people / they stumbling and fumbling / and we about to riot / they woke, they woke up, they woke up the Lions….” Recognizing that the platform with Katy’s song “Chained to the Rhythm” is larger (at this time) than his own platform with his song “Lions,” Skip wisely carries the same lyrical theme which is that the Lions are ‘woke’ and we will not be going back to sleep. This is a revolution that will be televised, and the army is growing larger everyday. Stream Skips song “Lions” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6Y7yQIZT4Q
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ons’
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Music We Lov
/ Single / Alison Hinds ‘Fet
I once heard a friend say that once Christmas is over, we are automatically in Carnival / Soca season and I agree! As ladies and gents get their bodies in to top physical shape, it’s only fitting that a crop of Soca chunes were released over the last little to add to that workout playlist. Alison Hinds teams with fellow recording artist Ziah, offering the song “Fete Chaser;” a perfect anthem for Soca Babies around the world. This song has become mandatory listening and mandatory for whining while getting our Fete bodies in gear! Produced by Wiz Records, this high energy, power Soca track tells the tale of a person who chases Fete … anywhere the Fete goes, she’s going too! Ziah, adds the male perspective which is any bam-bam he finds in a Fete, he’s going to take a whine! If we were to keep all of the wristbands we’ve received for every Fete we’ve been to during the Carnival season, both wrists would be full! Alison sings: “I have no behavior / like it in mih nature / how I love to Fete / they calling me a Fete chaser” while Ziah adds “Fete til I reach dih hospital / whining on all dih pretty gyal / more Fete / no way I’ll miss a Carnival! The official Fete season begins in Trinidad at Carnival 2017, then continues in Toronto for Caribana, then on to New York for Labour Day and then Miami in October. Make sure you request this chune from your favorite Soca DJ before you reach that Fete yuh chasin!
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Music We Lov
/ Single / Spice Issues a “S
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Sheet” Challenge! Forget the Mannequin challenge which was soooo last year! In 2017 Dancehall is doing the sheet challenge … and what is the sheet challenge exactly?! It’s women shopping for sheets at Khol’s and posing with their significant other just before their act of intimacy! Woieeeeee! Big up Spice for creating the ‘Sheet’ challenge! Keeping it raw and spicy (pun intended), our superstar Spice commands the microphone and bedroom when she sings “I know you like the way I wine between the sheet / baby come over let me scream and grab the sheet / stab me tonight mek me tear up dih sheet / beat up mih fat pump um underneath / so me ago dweet when me unda dih sheet / bite-bite mih lip and ah tear up dih sheet ….” M-E-R-CY! Musically, fans appreciate the innocence of the piano intro which plays contrast to the rough synthesizer which is the sonic metaphor for “lady in the streets / freak in the sheets!” “Sheet” is the follow up single to the arsenal of hits the artist has released as of late. Songs like “Indicator” produced by Twelve9 Records, “Needle Eye” Produced by BMG Music and “So Mi Like It” produced by Notnice Records have a proven track record of making parties ‘pop’ thanks to the Dancehall Diva! “Sheet” and it is going to be made HOT by you when you stream it on YouTube >>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNUBJL3rVaI L3 Magazine | February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens - Pg. 35
Music We Lov
/ Albums / Ghetto Rock Ri
If there was ever a riddim your playlist absolutely had to have in its’ life, the Ghetto Rock Riddim is it. Produced by super producer TJ Records, the riddim begins with an announcement from a serious horn section, who blow hard to get your attention. Once your attention is had, we hear the reverb of the piano, the cock of a gun, then the siren … musically, it’s about to be on a like a mutha! The perfect artists, Deep Jahi, Vybz Kartel and Kymani Marley (in collaboration) voice to this perfect riddim which is easily addictive. The use of the familiar ‘bam-bam’ sample from Sister Nancy’s original chune of the same name help to increase the replays and pull-ups this chune is sure to receive wherever it goes.
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iddim & HIRA Meta and The Cornerstones 3rd and most anticipated album so far, HIRA has been released this month. Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, “HIRA” bears testimony to lead singer Meta Dia’s philosophy of undivided love, including love for one self as a precondition to all forms of love” (Werner Zips, Vienna University). “This is what reggae music needs”, says recording and mixing engineer Shane Brown. “This is real authentic reggae music”. HIRA is “one to go down in history”. Flavors of Bossa Nova, Middle Eastern sounds, Moroccan Gnaoua, Classical Jazz, Flamenco, Rock and African Rhythms are mixed into a backbone of Roots Reggae. A genre Meta and The Cornerstones have reinvented since their first album ‘Forward Music’ (2008) and followed by their second album ‘Ancient Power’ (2013). L3 Magazine | February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens - Pg. 37
Music We Lov
/ Sound System / DJ Anar
Connect >>>
https://www.facebook.com/djanarchysf/
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rchy SF
This is one time we don’t mind being stuck in heavy traffic on Toronto’s busiest 401 stretch of Highways. The reason why? We’re rolling with DJ Anarchy SF and his Pop Nation Vol. 2 mix. This is a non-stop party! From his intro mix featuring the vocals of Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” over Lvndscape “Boiler” is one of the sweetest remixes we’ve heard in a while, and that’s just 1 minute into this mix. Say what?! Anarchy’s crisp, clean scratches, juggling style and original remixes has made him one of the hottest hosts on Sirius XM Radio (7-9pm on Channel 4) as voted by his fans, and has made him one of the leading DJs in the US with regular performances in Texas and around the Caribbean. Taking his ear for music to another level, Anarchy’s remixes and mixtapes are being featured on numerous websites with overwhelmingly positive response. This month this young legend hosted DJ Jester for an event called Soca in the City which was sold out! Some of this DJs signature remixes includes Wiz Khalifa’s hit song, “Roll Up” which features the instantly recognizable voice of Vybz Kartel. The track was so hot, it was picked up by radio stations worldwide, and played by fellow DJs at their parties. Website features include DIGIWAXX.COM, one of the biggest and most prominent online music marketing organizations. You can catch DJ Anarchy SF every Sunday night on Sirius XM Radio Channel 4 from 7 to 9pm or online anytime at https://www.mixcloud.com/superfreshsound/ L3 Magazine | February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens - Pg. 39
Turn Your Rad
/ Radio / HITZ 103.9 FM / K
dio On!
King Lagazee The radio is playing sweet music and that’s because of King Lagazee from Ghana’s HITZ 103.9 FM! The selectors hit radio show, is the go-to source for information for fans of Reggae and Dancehall in Ghana. As one of Africa’s top Selectors and hosts, King Lagazee has made it his mission to make sure the people get the latest and greatest releases from Reggae and Dancehall artists in Africa, Jamaica and around the world. His mission is to uplift the image of Sound System culture in Ghana. Well versed in both genre’s history, Lagazee regularly drops classic throwback chunes while mixing chunes fresh from yaad! As a personality, Lagazee has taken the stage at signature events such as the BASS Awards in Ghana, and is a noted TV Personality. That experience has helped the selector solidify his relationships with some of the worlds’ top entertainers such as Ninjaman, Rocky Dawuni, Anthony B and NC Dread. When news breaks in the fraternity, Lagazee is one of the first to break it; all artists agree that when their project is released, King Lagazee is the man they have to talk to. In 2017, King Lagazee will travel to Canada as a part of an exchange promoting talent in Africa as an export to the world. The King says “we the willing led by the unknown, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful, we have done so much for so long with so little that we can do anything with nothing.” Connect with the King on Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/king.lagazee
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Music We Lov / Artist Feature / Shawn
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Ice
At the forefront of a fresh, young crop of Dancehall talent is Shawn Ice. Following the release of his fiery sophomore EP, dubbed “The Dancehall Truth,” the rising star is quickly solidifying his position as the next big Dancehall artist on the horizon. The 5-track EP, which boasts Shawn Ice’s spit fire delivery over pulsating riddims, has spawned interest en masse for the artist and even a tour aptly billed as the “Dancehall Truth” tour, which lasts through Spring and spans 4 countries to date. As the EP’s red-hot single “Mixture” on the “Lipstick” riddim awakens core Dancehall audiences, Shawn Ice finds himself at the crossroads of best kept secret and fame. Notably, catchy hooks, impressive lyrical flow and an inimitable pitched voice afford Shawn Ice a stand out sound. On “Mixture,” the young artist defies “bad mind” people, which everyone can understand. On the popular tune, his uniquely patois-infused lyrics detail creating a “Mixture” that will cleanse out “bad mind.” Whether it’s celebrated appearances on CVM’s “Sunrise” TV program (Jamaica), or interviews and spins on IRIE FM (Jamaica), Hot 98.1 (Guyana), IRIE FM (Grand Cayman), Sting Dem Radio (U.K.) and Ablazin Radio (U.S.), among a growing list of others, Shawn Ice’s extensive presence in some of Reggae and Dancehall’s core markets, has further cemented “Mixture’s” grasp on audiences. Additionally, the young talent’s previously released single and video “Birthday Sex,” with female Dancehall act Double DDee, continues to cause a frenzy on both the underground and mainstream circuits. In fact, “Birthday Sex” recently aired on Baltimore’s legendary Hip Hop and R&B station, 92Q FM. Up next from the “The Dancehall Truth” EP is the moving “Hard Man a Go.” So far, wiithout question, extensive support of DJs, media and fans have helped make “Mixture” a break out hit, also catching the eyes of promoters. L3 Magazine | February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens - Pg. 43
Music We Lov
/ Artist Feature / Ras Slic
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ck
Powerhouse Reggae singer Ras Slickhas jump started 2017 with a riveting new song that’s destined to be a Roots Reggae mainstay for years to come. Released on all digital outlets, “No Shackles and Chains,” is a timely single, which decries the attempts of the powers that be to enslave people of color. The super talent passionately croons of the injustices that “we” will not accept! Further, the popular Reggae artist describes “No Shackles and Chains” as his most compelling work to date. Ever since the meaningful tune leaked online in November, the Reggae music community anticipated the final version, forcing Ras Slick to press forward quicker than originally planned. And once the artist unveiled the powerful cover art to promote the single, the buzz intensified. The independent release, the first single from Ras Slick’s forthcoming “ERA, The New” album, raises the bar for Roots music. With an unforgettable hook, which is hitched to our memory banks, “Dem wanna bring back the shackles, bring back the chains….babylon don’t want release we…,” one can’t help but reflect on how attempts to enslave people of color in every way imaginable are ongoing and more relevant now than ever before. Ras Slick decries this foolishness, belting out, “No Way,” while confirming that we can rise above this. With “No Shackles and Chains,” the singer hopes to send a message to the powers that be and the people, especially as we approach trying political times. Ras Slick eyes Summer 2017 for the release of his album “ERA, The New.” Like “No Shackles and Chains,” his songs will paint vivid musical pictures of social commentary, life and love. L3 Magazine | February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens - Pg. 45
Music We Lov
/ Artist Feature / Bentum
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m Israel Bentum Israel was born in a country formerly known as the Gold Coast; Ghana, aka the little diamond in Africa. After spending a number of years traveling, he settled in Toronto, calling the multicultural City his home. Music has been a part of this artists life since birth. In his early days he did not have normal toys like children in other parts of the world, so he had to be creative, and through his innovations, made musical instruments with objects – this entertained the entertainer on a daily basis, and also provided entertainment for the people in his village. Fast forward to University and we find Bentum entertaining class mates which led to a chance meeting with Michael Morgan of the Morgan Heritage family. Michael was the opening act for Buju Banton on his Til Shiloh African tour. It was there where his music career got its first big break and he was employed as a bassist and a back up vocalist on the tour. After the tour Bentum Israel migrated to England and continued writing songs and playing music as a session musician. He recorded his first album and then went back home to promote the album with the Ghana Customs Band. He also established a recording studio which helped promote local talented musicians. After promoting his album, Bentum returned to England taking the country by storm. Writing an inspiring song against hate crimes for the BBC Humberside, he performed on a telecast for a month and was seen around the world. In Canada Bentum performed for fans at Afrofest. The uniqueness of Bentum Israel’s style is a mix of Afrobeats, Pop and Reggae. The first single from the album Love Conquers, also named “Love Conquers” is now on itunes and all electronic media. It was remixed by Anchor studio of Jamaica.
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Music We Lov
/ Artist Feature / Solution
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n Reid Whether you’re into Dancehall or Reggae, Solution Reid has the musical solution for you. Manchester, Jamaica is the place that cultivated and nurtured Solutions desire to perform, and song was his choice of expression. Being influenced by Roots Reggae artists Garnett Silk, Ras Shiloh and Beres Hammond as well as Dancehall artists Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, the young bussing artist had passion in his heart and messages to sing, so sing he sang. His song “Can’t Let You Go Girl” was introduced to radio personality DJ Denton who added it to rotation and Solution earned a fan base. The song showcased the artists ability to tell a story through song, and engaged fans to the point that they wanted more music from the young artist. Honing his talent, Solution sought opportunities to perform locally paving the way for him to make appearances on television in Jamaica, and on the radio. Taking his music to another level, Solution has been working on new music from GRAMMY award winning producer Austin ‘Payday’ Green which builds on the momentum gained from previous releases “Rebel,” and “Mama.” The latter song, celebrates the beauty (which includes the hardships) of his Mother, is accompanied by a video which is available for stream on YouTube. Solution maintains that all Moms are the backbone of the family; all men should honor and adore Moms. As Mother’s Day is just around the corner, Solution is confident that the positive message in his music will be appreciated by his fans! Stream “Mama” on YouTube >>> https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=HsNadfJDfKE L3 Magazine | February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens - Pg. 49
The BIG CHUNE!
Click the image to play
L3’s Top Independent Spins
TOP DIGITAL SPINS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Alkaline – Microwave Alkaline – Afterall Popcaan – Stay Up Spice – Indicator Demarco – Backaz Dexta Daps – F%ck U Mean Neeqah – Stamina Mami Mavado – Love the Way We Roll Aidonia – Banga Spice ft. Bunji Garlin – Indicator Remix Tifa ft. Fayann Lyons – Big Bumper Queen IFrica ft. Damian Jr. Gong’ Marley – Trueversation Aidonia – Trigga Work It Spice – Sheet Ed Sheeran – Shape of You Vybz Kartel ft. Bunji Garlin – Bicycle Ride (Remix) Charly Black – Hoist and Wine Sean Paul ft. Tory Lanez – Tek Weh Yuh Heart Machel Montano – Lip Service Alkaline – Black and Delete
*Charts are based on radio airplay in Canada / YouTube Views / Live Event Selection Fan Feedback L3 Magazine | February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens - Pg. 53
WATCHED VIDE O ’ S
Rico Vibes Top 10 Watched Video’s 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Shenseea ft. Vybz Kartel – Loodi Spice – Indicator Chronixx – Majesty Vybz Kartel – Coloring This Life Queen IFrica ft. Damian Marley – Trueversation Gappy Ranks – Pon Di Lawn Vybz Kartel ft. Bunji Garlin – Bicycle Ride Queen IFrica – Ask Mi Granny Protoje – Can’t Feel No Way Jah9 – Humble Mi *Based on recent YouTube views
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Work Your W
/ Music / The Best 30 Min By: SteffyT
So! You’ve decided to give the ‘Work Your Waistline’ a try, and 10 minutes per day has turned into 20 minutes per ing results on your body! Bravo! All of a sudden those bulges are leaving, and your body has a little more energy plished.
With a few weeks left in the Winter season, you will need a few more tunes to keep you moving indoors until you c outdoors! Remember, these songs are shared to encourage you to get your cardiovascular going. While doing so, thighs, work your waistline and attack those calories one whine at a time!
Waistline
nutes of Workout Music Mr. Eazi – Leg OverVybz Kartel – Mile High Club Machel Montano – I Forget Eugy ft. Mr. Eaze – Skintight Bucie – Easy to Love Demarco – Backaz Aidonia – Caribbean Girls Vershon – Barbie Doll day and you’re see– mission accom-
can hit the trails , you will tone those
Party Next Door – Not Nice Vybz Kartel – Lipstick Vybz Kartel - Fever L3 Magazine | February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens - Pg. 57
L3 Magazine Congratulates the 2017 JUNO Nominees for Best Reggae Recording!
Februa Reggae
From Left to Right 1. Robbie Shakespeare with David Rodigan and Sly Dunbar 2. Reggae Festival Flags 3. John Holt (RIP) 4. Protoje (with Mic)
ary is e Month From Left to Right 1. 2. 3. 4.
Etana Big Youth Busy Signal Ammoye
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R Y L
S C I R
TANYA STEPHENS MUSICAL POLITICIAN By: MAXINE TOMLINSON | Political Editor
TS
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One of the few female artists who have a track record for speaking their mind – whether the opinion is ‘liked’ or not, is Tanya Stephens. This musical maverick has been vocal on issues that range from rape to abuse to the well being of Jamaica. In fact, many appreciate the way she advocates for all, not just the ones who have a few shillings in their pockets. Tanya Stephens is for the people, regardless of where they come from. We spoke about Politics which came about because of her new single “FOUR20!” MT: Your latest track “FOUR20”, gives an interesting narrative and commentary on the legalisation of marijuana. Was this by design? TS:
Four20 deals with the legalisation or should I say the global de-criminalisation of marijuana and the ensuing “scramble” for financial gain. From my perspective, Jamaica seems to be a little hesitant in taking a prominent role in this market and I suppose there’s a lot of myth-busting to be done around the stigmatisation of its use.
The timing of this track was important, and in response to your question, it was definitely design as opposed to default. Had I released it sooner, it could have been seen to be promoting and condoning something that was essentially criminal. Any later, and it would have been irrelevant. For me, any track I release should fit the environment; it should be timely, purposeful and relevant.
Four20 touches on my disdain of the hypocrisy coming from some of the individuals and corporations now benefitting from the legalisation of marijuana. Broadly speaking, these are the same people responsible for criminalising and stigmatising “ghettoyouths” for having a “one-spliff”. For some amongst us, it is just another revenue stream, yet for the majority there is no clear process for even obtaining a licence. I know, I’ve researched and tested the process. It’s the same names, mostly the elite, who are actually benefitting from this.
MT: You are one of the few people in the Reggae Industry who have had a longstanding, and I would say, successful career. What would you attribute this to?
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TS:
First of all, in terms of success or longevity, I tend not to use such words. I live in the moment; the present, and the environment. I am the 6th of 7 children born and raised in extreme poverty. I’m also the survivor of multiple rapes. For me, focussing on “success” or “longevity” would mean living in a bubble, and psychologically I can’t afford to live in that bubble. It’s important to keep it real, and to keep close those who know me well. My success is measured more by playing before a live audience – no matter the size – or by someone telling me that my music touched a certain chord in them. It is especially measured by being able to help someone on a personal or an individual basis. That is my definition of success.
MT:
What are your views on the current state of Reggae. Who would you rate as up and coming artists?
TS:
There is reggae the genre, and there is reggae the industry. As regards to up-and-coming artists, I’d say that there is potential, which if harnessed and garnered properly, could make an impact. I’m a lyricist; a wordsmith (writers word), and hot on literature, and I’m not seeing much of this in the market at present. I think there is more writing for the “shock” factor as opposed to the lyrical content so I’d like to see more quality songwriters. Saying this, I have to remember that I’m from a different era, a different generation, and when I was growing up the older generation didn’t necessarily like the music that we were listening to. Music, like most things, is really an evolution ary process.
With regard to my view on the industry, I feel that the business side has become somewhat irrelevant. The business and marketing models currently being used are artificial and inappropri ate for the music reaching the market naturally. As a consequence standards have fallen. There is no real accredited accountable body, therefore there is little professional guidance and as far as I am concerned, this has led to a mass of inflated egos. For me personally, it’s all about the music. I don’t need a “team” or an “image”, it’s really just about me and the music. We have to carful that the “industry” doesn’t affect the creativity of the music.
MT:
You have always been outspoken on various issues. Are you finding a parallel between music and politics? Can I suggest that Instead of holding “office” you hold “studio?!”
TS: A number of people have suggested that I stand for political office, and perhaps I am a “musi cal politician” if such a term exists! I am very responsible with what I say and do and I am not averse to changing my mind if presented with new information. It’s important for me to create the space that I want to live, both figuratively and metaphorically. I have no problem with politics with a small ‘p’; let’s call that the “people” politics where you effect change on an individual case-by case basis. The issue I have lies with the big ‘P’, the one that corrupts or becomes corrupted. I have seen this happen too many times to be unaffected. Saying this, we have to remember that politi cians are a reflection of everything that we see in society. Politics and politicians are merely hold ing up a societal mirror; we only have to look at what is happening in the US to know this to be true.
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MT:
You have travelled the world performing your hit songs. Are there any common threads that you’ve seen that maybe some politicians haven’t?
TS:
I’d say that people often don’t see the things that connect, focusing instead on the things that separate. Having travelled, I’ve seen how much we have in common, as opposed to the things that we don’t.. For me personally, there is much too much unnecessary “othering” and “over there-ing” instead of embracing. We tend to forget that there is a basic law of cause and effect, and whether in the short, medium or long term - every cause will eventually have an effect. Perhaps this is something that politicians should think about particularly when considering policies that have adverse effects on some of those “others”.
MT:
You lived in Sweden for a while. What was the thinking behind this? Are there any parallels between Sweden and the Caribbean?
TS:
I was signed to Warner Music (Sweden), and moved to Gnesta, a small town about 45 minutes from Stockholm, in 2000 with my daughter and niece. We were the only Jamaican family, and one of only 3 Black families in this town. As you can imagine, the cultures couldn’t be more different, and I think it’s quite fair to say that we all lost some of our Jamaican “aggression”! On a serious note, fusing the two cultures created a unique hybrid for me, and I made some good life-long friends who I now consider to be family.
The thing that impressed me most about Sweden, and I think it’s the same for most of the Nordic countries, is how their systems work: education, healthcare, well-being, it all seemed to work, and they were invariably in the top percentile of the “happiness” indexes. I wish this is something that other governments would look into - after all happy people invariably make more productive people so it makes sense to me.
MT:
You have always been very vocal about paedophilia and sex crime in Jamaica, and have recently been involved in a movement called Tambourine Army. Tell us more about this…
TS:
Tambourine Army - now this is something that I am REALLY passionate about! Basically it repre sents a group of survivors of rape, paedophilia and other forms of sex-crime demanding social and legislative justice for the physical, emotional, and mental abuse and trauma suffered as a result of such abuse. To set the movement in context, a 64 year old pastor was recently arrested for having unlawful sex with a 15 year old girl. A group of women went to his church after the arrest to observe the service to see what the tone would be in relation to the arrest. During the ensuing melee, a tambourine was used to “inadvertently” strike the pastor on the back of the head. This group of women has since been referred to as the “Tambourine Army.”
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TS:
Tambourine Army is a heartfelt volunteer movement and I felt motivated to join because their cause has always been a personal passion of mine for some of the reasons mentioned earlier in this interview. Rape, paedophilia and other forms of sex-crime is rampant in Jamaica, and in some cases is an accepted norm. Whilst some may argue that this issue is prevalent in other places outside of Jamaica, I focus on Jamaica because this is the environment in which I live, hope to retire, and where many of the people that I care about are located. For these vey reasons it is important that we change the conversation and the narrative around these issues. This will take a lot of work, and we are calling upon anyone who feels passionately about this issue to get behind the movement and support us. Everyone is relevant and everyone counts. We need help on a number of different levels, from survivors, partners and anyone else who feel that they would like to support the movement. Everyone is relevant and everyone counts. I’m also pleased to say that we now have a number of men coming on board and offering support. In fact, the Tambourine Army logo was designed by a male graphic artist at no cost.
The movement will take a lot of work and often takes us back to a place of trauma as the group is predominantly made up of survivors supported by some wonderful allies. After all – we are all a work in progress, and each victim is a fragment of “us”. Each new story brings back “our” story, and it is important to work together to eradicate this insidious scourge in our society.
MT: 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 would you give our readers on Life, Love and Lyrics? TS:
If you live from a place of love and appreciation, you will forever be writing beautiful lyrics of your own Life. I truly believe that everyone has beautiful lyrics, just live in love for the Universe, and for all things. We all need each other. We all need love.
NB: Editor’s Note: The track Four20 is yet to formally released but is easily accessible online. It is one of the tracks from Tanya’s new Album (as yet un-named) due to be released later this year. Tambourine Army contact: tambourinearmy@gmail.com for any reader who wishes to lend support
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Stream Tanya Stephens on iTunes Today!
Radkey
The Key to Rad-Ness! By: SONG RIVER | Senior Writer | Photography By: Vinny Dingo
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And we can’t think of a better way to put this trio of music mania monster’s who are breathing the rock n roll fire of garage punk rock again our way! The “Radke” brothers are like nothing else out there, and as they’ve taken their true surname and turned it into Radkey for their band name, it is time to put their rock onto your playlist, and crank that ish up! SR:
There is unquestionably a connection between Radkey and the Ramones. What is it Isaiah about their sound and that point of time that you as a brother identified with?
IR:
We always loved how straightforward they were. They’re pretty much the perfect band for teaching you how to write pretty cool simple songs. We grew up on their sound.
SR:
How did you get the gig opening for Fishbone back in 2011?
IR:
The crazy thing is the original opener dropped off the bill, so our dad hit up the promoter and got us on the show. The promoter never asked if we’d ever played a show or anything before. He just if we could fill 30 minutes … which we lied about. We wrote enough new songs to fill the slot and we played our first show ever.
SR:
Did it dawn you what that would come to mean? Fishbone isn’t a small name.
IR: We honestly thought that we were famous afterward. Turns out that’s not actually what happened. Playing that show though meant so much to us. Our very first show having been with them auto matically made us a band that you could take seriously and book on shows even though we were super young. Really since our first show was so big, it pretty much made us want to chase that feeling and feel it again. That show kept us going for our whole career basically. We were really lucky. SR:
2015 took you all over to Europe on tour. Did you notice anything in particular different between the way Europe reacted and accepted your music by comparison to the states?
IR:
Definitely. European crowds seem to really understand American rock music and just really love it a lot more. I always tell people that it feels like we’re an actual band over there.
SR:
What was it do you think Ross Orton brought to the Radkey’s that you couldn’t bring yourselves?
IR:
He taught us so much. He showed us that we could take our music into a lot of different places; a lot more than we knew at the time. After working with him on songwriting it became easier. We feel that we understand music so much more. Working with him really helped us become the band that we’ve always wanted to be.
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SR:
If you could, describe for readers your album “Delicious Rock Noise” sound.
IR:
Super loud, heavy, catchy, rock music; the kind that we grew up on and always wanted to make. We wanna bring back the classic style of crazy guitar solos and big crazy choruses!
SR:
How much of it feels like it is still who you were, but more importantly who you are now?
IR:
The album is definitely everything that we are. We put everything into it. Listening to it is to live inside of our brains.
SR:
Your music has basically been your whole life. Where did the influence come from that jazzed all three of you to take the music road?
IR:
Dad brought home the movie School of Rock, and he had pretty much all of the music that was in it. Stuff like Ramones, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC. It’s pretty weird, but it’s an awesome movie that really inspired us to play music and got us into a lot of awesome stuff.
SR: Most probably you don’t realize how long you’ve actually been playing. Looking back yourselves what has been most challenging so far? IR:
The road is really hard and long but we’re really used to it, and we actually love it. Everything else has pretty much been fun the whole time.
SR:
What is the back-story to “Dark Black Makeup?”
IR:
It’s pretty much a song inspired by the X-Men villain Apocalypse. Imagine if there were a being that woke up and punished everyone for being lame and boring. It’s a song about waking up and enjoy ing life before it’s over. Don’t go to a show and be lame and quiet. Party and enjoy it instead of try ing so hard to look cool!
SR:
Is your father still the band manager?
IR:
He is!
SR:
Three brothers, playing punk-rock, all songwriters, living the rock n roll dream. Do you all ever look at each other and go, “THIS IS FREAKING AWESOME!”
IR:
We definitely do. We always think back to jamming in our hot green upstairs jam room. Writing stupid songs and playing to annoyed cats. We were homeschooled so we’ve seen nothing, really. Then some jams basically took us around to see the world and get some serious life experience.
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SR:
How has music been a personal journey for all of you?
IR:
It’s the first job we’ve ever had, and we’ve been doing it since we can remember doing any kind of actual thing. It’s really wild, because we’ve met so many people, and a lot of things would be totally different if we never started this.
SR:
Writing, recording, dropping singles, videos, touring what else is in the scheme for Radkey and where do you want 2017 to go?
IR:
We pretty much want to keep writing and get to work on the next record. And to tour and play as many shows as we possibly can.
SR:
You’ve just been given the chance of a lifetime. You get to choose where you want to play and who will be sharing the stage with the band... where do you want to play and with whom?
IR:
The Bottleneck in Lawrence, Kansas with Nirvana!!!
Band Lineup: Dee- Guitar/Vocals Isaiah- Bass/Backing Vocals Solomon- Drums Connect with Radkey: https://radkey.net/
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Nikki’s Wives For E•V•E•R! By: SONG RIVER | Senior Writer
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A natural organic flow wells from the deep and saturates the layers of music formations found in the trio known as Nikki’s Wives. This Toronto based alternative blues and rock pop band have shot straight out of the cannon with their single “Ghost,” a song about those residual relationship memories that seem to haunt us. Nikki Whitehead is well acquainted with the recording process and has been in and out of studios since she was 12 years old. Nikki’s Wives is a trio headed by Nikki Whitehead and completed by Dylan Lauzon and Nate Baylor. They are currently out on tour with CeeLo Green and in support of their debut EP, For E•V•E•R. SR:
Nikki, who are you channeling? There is a hauntingly striking reach to some of the greatest voices of mood, blues, soul and rock coming from the seed bed over your vocal presence.
NW:
Well, I grew up listening to a lot of girl rock and playing in little rock bands. My dream was to be this bad ass rocker chick whose vocals were effortlessly raw and aggressive. I tried so hard to sound like Joan Jett, but my voice never really sounded right. It was when I started listening to people like Ella Fitzgerald and Motown singers that I started to develop more as a singer. Now I take inspirations from singers like Florence Welch, Debbie Harry, and Lana Del Rey. I really like mixing styles with a variety of tones with my voice!
SR:
Dylan Lauzon and Nate Baylor along with you Nikki Whitehead, all so easily the three of you just shape this trio that is intricately connected. Does it feel as natural to you three as it seems to the rest of us?
NW:
I think the only reason we’re in a trio is because it came so naturally. This whole project started out as a solo session, and its transition into a band seemed so effortless that it came as a com plete surprise. The first gig we played together, each of our artistic energies complimented another so well that we knew that this was the way it had to be.
SR:
Your songwriting style is picturesque of an old noir postcard, yet visually it’s rich in the venture of the avant-garde. How much is the lyrical content linked to the video creations for you?
NW:
We have a bit of a different process than a lot of musicians when it comes to working with artists in other disciplines like video. In the case of our shoot with Mac Boucher and Gaya Lamouche who were fresh off working with Grimes and Yukon Blonde, we basically called them up and said “hey here’s a rough idea of what we’re looking for, and here’s a lyric sheet. Hit us up with a couple of ideas and we’ll go ahead.” We just tossed out words like David Lynch and ran with it. In the end, I think our collaboration really did match the lyrical content of the song, as does all our video content - but it really is a collaborative effort.
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SR:
How do you feel your home town of Toronto has influenced your music, outlook on the industry, and overall view of the world?
NW:
In many ways Toronto has just kind of made us braver. Guys like Drake, Majid Jordan, PND, and stuff are just out there doing whatever the f@ck they want - which kind of leads us to do the same. That said, I don’t know how much the city itself really affects what we’re doing since we lead kind of insulated artistic life. We just live in the studio and rehearsal space and don’t pay much mind to the outside world.
SR:
Synth mixes and clipped strings give a discotheque spin on “Lonely Being Cool.” Who did you all work with on this video production and where was it filmed?
NW:
I kind of spoke about this a bit in the last question about the link between lyrics and video - but we worked with Gaya Lamouche (director) and Mac Boucher (producer), and it was shot in and around Toronto. We kind of slammed a ton of shooting into a super short period of time, so it was a lot of insane set change-overs and driving around the city. Mac and Gaya absolutely knocked it out of the park for us.
SR:
Adding Dylan to the mix and working closely with Nikki over the last five years now, what is it about the sound chemistry that seems to fit where you want to be and go?
NW:
We’ve all kind of had this connection since day one, and the history of it is kind of weird. Dylan and Nate have played together for like 7 years, and Dylan and Nikki for about 4 now. We spend a lot of time learning from each other, so by the time we actually started making music as a trio we already had a ton in common musically, even though we hadn’t necessarily played together the three of us yet. I think the biggest factor for us is that ego gets kind of tossed out the window in Nikki’s Wives. We trust each other when someone says an idea is shit, or it’s great - and we’re willing to move on to keep momentum. It’s what allows us to kind of grow and adapt so quickly.
SR:
Nate as you and Dylan went to the University together and you were asked to be brought in as the drummer for Nikki’s Wives, in a relatively short amount of time you’ve created this foundational premise on which everything else in sound holds. What is it in the foundation you rely on to create the base on which all else holds itself to?
NW:
Growing up playing jazz, you’re forced to learn real quick how to lead a band. You discover that part of leading is knowing what cues an audience wants to hear, and which musical tools you need to use to direct focus in a song. It’s basically mind reading. I always try to be a foundational player to establish trust, then I can have all kinds of fun pump-faking the listener’s expectations.
L3 Magazine | February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens - Pg. 89
SR: Creativity holds no boundaries. Listen to your own music and as you plug in where does it take you? NW:
This seems like kind of lame and obvious answer, but listening back to the record always takes us back to writing and recording it. Our buddy and string arranger Richie English hooked us up with this guy Bruce Moser. When we met, he kind of took an interest in working an album for us as a radio promoter, so we just kind of booked the studio right then and there. We had three weeks to write all these songs before we were on the hook for tracking them. The catch was our only available writing space was Dylan’s apartment - and there was no heat… and it was the dead of winter. So, here we are freezing, and under the gun trying to get this album done so we can give the band a jump-start. It was such a visceral process, but honestly, I’m so proud of the outcome, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. We wrote the record in ten days and recorded it in another ten.
SR:
You are out on tour with CeeLo, m², Pickster One, DJ Tricky T... on the Love Tour Part 2: where and how did you find yourselves in this mix?
NW:
These stories are never as dope as you expect them to be. We were just in the studio working on some new material and we received an email from a dude that was very vague. It had no body - just a subject line saying “Would the idea of doing a tour as direct support for CeeLo Green appeal to you??”
We’re like - yeah obviously, why do you have to play this damned game dude, what are the details? It was kinda funny though - he definitely had us going.
SR:
What do you all think?
NW:
Honestly - it’s been one of the greatest tours we could ask for. CeeLo’s fans have been super engaged and into what we’re doing, and we’ve been having a blast playing every night. More than that - CeeLo’s whole crew has been awesome to us, and we really feel like we’re part of the family when we’re on the road with them. Plus, CeeLo is the most awesome, humble guy, and he knows how to party.
SR:
What have you learned?
NW: I’ve learned that I can party harder than I ever dreamed possible. For real, though, hanging with CeeLo showed us that no matter how successful you get there’s this fundamental love of the art that never goes away. SR:
And what is it you want to take with you when the tour closes?
NW: For sure the bus and driver (paused) and the catering. SR:
Okay, so you have created a buzz according to music media industry ... what is next?
NW: Next is we sell out and forget all our real fans! (Joking)! More Information on Nikki’s Wives: http://www.nikkiswives.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkisWives YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nikkiswives L3 Magazine | February, 2017 ft. Tanya Stephens - Pg. 91