Re: Interview with Alison Hinds (Barbados)

For: Darling Nicky and darlingnicky.ca | darlingnicky999.com

Date: Apr. 23^rd, 2011

Alison Hinds (born 1970) is a Barbadian female Soca artist based in the Caribbean island of Barbados.  She is one of the most popular soca singers in the world and has been given the nickname the “Queen of Soca”.  (from Wikipedia)

With an outstanding career as the lead vocalist for Square One, she has had a long list of hits including a collaboration with Kevin Lyttle on “Turn Me On” and a remix of her famed “Roll It Gyal” with Machel Montano.

I had the opportunity to get in-depth with Alison to bring her fans up to speed on what she’s doing musically,  and of course to ask some poignant questions.  Enjoy!

Date of birth: 1^st June

Place of birth: London, England

Genre:  Soca

Nicky: Good Afternoon Alison! I have to say, I am truly honoured to have this chance to ask you a few questions and bring your fans up to speed on your music and career. It isn’t everyday that I get to interview the undisputed “Queen of Soca”.  How has 2011 been treating you?

Alison: 2011 has been pretty good to me so far. It started a little slow but, is picking up nicely as we speak.

Nicky: You are one of the most prominent figures in Soca and have been contributing for over 2 decades.  What is your perspective on the current trends in Soca music?

Alison:  I’m happy to see the various collaborations that are happening in Soca, especially with reggae artists but, we still have a long way to go. Until Soca is a recognized genre worldwide our work can never be done.  We also need to embrace one another more within the genre.  This “crabs in a barrel” mentality needs go because it’s going to take more than 1 or 2 artists to make a real impact.

Nicky:  Originally from London, you have lived in Barbados most of your life.  Along with you Rihanna is one of Barbados’ biggest musical exports.  Describe the impact music plays on the Barbadian community.

Alison:  I think music is essential to the Bajan way of life.  As a people we love all kinds of music but, we of course have a special place for Soca and Reggae.  Music helps us get through the day and especially when Crop Over is in the air, we really looked forward to the new vibes and sounds. 

Nicky:  Music is not an easy career choice to make, yet you joined legendary band Square One at just age 17 and were lead vocalist for an amazing 17 years.  Tell us some of your fondest memories of that time in your life, and if there was anything you could have done differently, what would it have been?

Alison: My fondest memories would be the ones that the public wouldn’t have seen.  How we used to hang out together and look out for one another. Crack jokes and talk sh**, lol.  Lean on each other in bad times and laugh with each other when things were good. We actually still do those things and I work with Andy (Blood) and Terry (Mexican) musically up to now.  I also stay in contact with all the other guys as well. They are and always will be my “big brothers”. 

Nicky:  Fast forward to present day – you released a studio album in 2010 entitled Caribbean Queen featuring “King and Queen” with Ritchie Spice and “Can’t Let My Luv Go” with Shaggy.  Are there any projects you want us to know about for 2011?

Alison: Well I’m working on another album this year so listen out for that. I also have a few more collaborations. This time with a young artist from USVI called K-Victoria. The song is titled “Girl Power” and I think has the potential to become a serious female anthem (you know I love to rep for my ladies *smile*).   I have one with a young group out of Haiti called Harmonik and that song is called “Let’s Go”.  It’s a really nice Kompas song and has been doing well so far.  The video for this song is done and will soon be released.  I also have collaboration with Voicemail out of Jamaica called “Everybody Wave” that I really enjoyed doing, and I’m looking forward to performing all these songs with the various artists.

(There are some other things that are in the works but, I’m not ready to let those out yet.)

In addition to these of course, I’m in the studio recording new music for Crop Over! As you can tell my plate is quite full.

Nicky:  Who or what have been your musical inspirations?

Alison: My musical inspiration comes from many different artists and genres.  In addition to Soca and Reggae I love meringue, pop, R&B, high life, jazz, soft rock and any other music that sounds good. I’m a huge Prince fan and I love Diane Reeves who is an amazing jazz singer. There are many others too numerous to mention here so let’s just say I love music, period.

Nicky: You are such an accomplished artist in your genre.  What award or recognition are you most proud of?

Alison: I’m actually proud of all of my various awards because it feels good to be recognized by your peers for the work you’re doing regardless of who they are coming from.

Nicky:  Most artists have a particular song from their catalogue that has significant meaning to them.  Is there a song of yours that stands out for you, and is there a story behind it?

Alison: “Faluma”, which is one of my most popular songs, definitely stands out as one of those songs. Square 1 first performed this song in Suriname for our first performance there. We asked the promoter for the most popular local song and that’s what was sent so we rehearsed it. I had to listen very carefully and try to get the phonetics since I didn’t know the language and we had it ready for the show. The show itself was at a huge gymnasium and it was packed to the rafters with people. It was also live on radio and television throughout Suriname that night for those who couldn’t be there. That show was absolutely amazing and when we played “Faluma” the crowd went crazy!!

We returned to Barbados after that week-long trip and started performing the song at our various club gigs to see what the response would be.  Well our fans that followed us everywhere began to like it and suggested to us that we record it.  We initially had no plans of doing that even though we were doing our next album at the time.  After the fans kept asking for it we decided to record it.  We flew in the original group that sang the song to make sure that my pronunciation was correct and that we did the reproduction well and for those who may not know, the intro at the beginning of “Faluma” is the actual live recording from that night in Suriname.  Those screaming fans are the real thing not simulated *smile*.

There you have it, the story of “Faluma” as I remember it.

(Please click on any of the links above to see the momentous performance of “Faluma” for the first time in its country of origin, Suriname).

Nicky:  If you could collaborate on a record with anyone in the world, in any category of music, with who would it be?

Alison:   I would really love to something with Pink. I love her vibe and her voice.   Also my girl Rihanna of course!!!  She is a mega super star, so talented and does her own thing.  No follower is she.  Prince is a given.  If I ever had the chance to record with him I don’t know what I’d do. From the Caribbean: Tarrus Riley.  Love (love!) his voice and his energy is fantastic. Those are a few (lol).

Nicky: Which songs are you listening to in heavy rotation right now?

Alison: I’ve actually been listening to Kes the Band’s album from last year “On in 5”.   Kes is so versatile and has a great voice and this album shows that off.

Nicky: Regardless of what field of work we are in, there are always aspects we find challenging.  What are your biggest “pet peeves”?

Alison:  The disrespect that sometimes happens from some promoters is definitely one. For many soca artists, specifically the ones who have made a name for themselves over the years, this isn’t a hobby, it’s our career. How we pay our bills and support our families. To be disrespected in terms of your fee, what standard your accommodations should be or any other aspect of your needs is uncalled for.  When you go to the doctor and he/she tells you what the fee is, you don’t try to haggle over it, you pay it or you don’t. We are willing to negotiate but, when they are trying to take advantage that’s another matter.

Nicky: Where can people keep up to date with your music if they want to hear more of you?

Alison:  I have a series of pages online. My MYSPACE page is still very active and my new music is posted there as well as my touring schedule. You can also check out my website www.alisonhinds.com.  I also have a few Facebook pages including fan pages and of course I’m on Twitter, just search my name @alisonhinds.  I tweet quite often and have about 10 000 followers to date but, always looking for more! The more the merrier.

Nicky:  We follow each other on Twitter, and I absolutely adore your candid tweets.  How has the evolution of Social media changed the landscape of fan interaction and promotion, in your opinion?

Alison:  I love the fact that it’s so immediate and that it keeps you in contact with your fans in a way that you definitely couldn’t before. I have followers from all over the world on Twitter and they are quite active too, whatever their time zone.  Whatever you want your fans to know you can post at anytime without having to wait on a flyers, etc.   Also email and BB blasts are very popular.

Nicky:  I saw that you traded in your famous locks for a more natural hair style recently.  Tell us what inspired the change (which is beautiful by the way, I saw the photo).

Alison:  I really needed a change. I’d been thinking about it for a couple of months and spoke to my cosmetologist/hair stylist/masseuse and long time friend Adzil Stuart. He was the one that suggested my change to Sister Locks which he is also trained to do. I thought some more about it, checked it out online and made my decision. It took 2 days but, it was absolutely worth it. I’m enjoying my short hair. In the morning all I do is finger comb and roll out…(lol).  Sister Locks is also more versatile and I can style it myself.

Nicky: What is the one thing that you do that drives your husband crazy? (We all have that one annoying habit like not putting the toothpaste cap back on).

Alison:  I leave my shoes lying around and it drives my husband nuts. I wear Berkies which are very comfortable and I have a few pairs but, I tend to leave them wherever I was last sitting so then I’m searching up and down for them (lol).   Also I’m forgetful so you know how that goes.

Nicky: It’s truly been an honour to get to know you better and I know your fans think the world of you.  Thank you for taking the time, and hoping to see you in Toronto soon!

Alison:  Thank you so much for the wonderful and quite in depth interview. I hope my fans will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed doing it. *smile*

Interview performed by Darling Nicky for darlingnicky.ca | darlingnicky999.com

© 2011 Darling Nicky Writing and Publicity Services.  All rights reserved.

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Re: Interview with KES the Band (Trinidad)

For: Darling Nicky and darlingnicky.ca | darlingnicky999.com

Date: Feb. 8^th, 2011

Genre: Soca, Caribbean Pop

Kes the band’s unique blend of soulful vocals and calypso-inspired melodies, over a fusion of rock riffs and island beats, hints of dance, soca and reggae, can best be described as Caribbean Pop.

This style has elevated Kes to stardom, allowing the band to become a household name in Trinidad & Tobago and throughout the Caribbean circuit, as well as in niche markets in the United States, Canada and Europe, where they consistently win over audiences with their electric and high-energy performances!

The band are currently working on their fourth due for release in March 2011.  Additionally, the band has won numerous awards for songwriting; toured globally, performed at major festivals and events in the United States and Germany; opened for acts such as Sean Paul, Musiq Soul Child, Usher, John Legend, and Rihanna. [excerpt from official biography]

Kees: 12^th March 1981  – San Fernando| Hans: 16^th October 1976  – San Fernando

Jon: 31^st March 1976 – San Fernando | Riad: 28^th June 1976 – Pointe-a-Pierre

Nicky: Hi Everyone! Kees, Hans, Jon and Riad – Happy New Year to all of you.  How have you been keeping since the last time we spoke….October 2010 in Miami I believe?

KES: Miami Carnival was a blast! We thoroughly enjoyed our performances there. Since then we’ve been locked up in the studio finishing up 2 albums. The first one is our “Caribbean Pop” style of music (à la “Stalker”, “Let Me Know”) and the second one is our Carnival album (“Wotless”, “Ah Ting”, etc). In doing all of that, the band was booked solid for Christmas shows in Trinidad from the middle of November straight ‘till Ole Years’ Night. The highlight being, opening for Maroon 5 on Dec. 30^th.

Nicky: Right off the bat, I have to congratulate you on how well received your current release “Wotless” has been. It has certainly attained “anthem” status in Toronto very quickly. How did that song come together?

KES: The band always wanted to work with Kerwin du Bois and right after Miami Carnival he afforded us some studio time in Toronto. The first song we worked on was “Ah Ting”.  I flew back to Toronto in November to do the vocals for “Ah Ting”, also with the intention of writing a Road March type song with Kerwin. Let’s just say the fast song wasn’t completed and Kerwin said he had an idea for a song that starts with “and I feel like i just win a million dollars”…….“Wotless” was born at that moment.

Nicky: The band formed in 2005, and you have 3 studio albums to your credit, but yet I often see you toted as “Best NEW Band” or “up-and-coming”.  What are your thoughts on that?

KES: Honestly, we’ve never studied what people have labelled us. We are on a mission to spread our brand of music globally, not just for Caribbean markets. However, if we are being labelled “Best New Band” or “up and coming” then we obviously have people’s attention and that’s a good thing.

Nicky: Just in case there are any readers that don’t know, 3 of you are brothers.  Did music run in the family, and what was that defining moment that made you decide to pursue music as a career?

KES: Yes, 3 of us are brothers Hans (drummer), Jon (guitarist) and I. We’ve known Riad (bass guitarist) so long we have labelled him as “a brother from another mother” Ha-ha.  Mom is an opera singer and Dad introduced us to music at a very young age.  Melodies of Sparrow, David Rudder, The Beatles and of course Mom’s opera singing filled our house when we were all very young.

The defining moment however, was when the band (Rydimorai) my brothers and myself, were in had our very first show outside of Trinidad in 2000. It was in Grenada, and I remember we were all on Gran Anse Beach eating pizza and I reached into my pocket for something (I can’t remember what it was) but only to find lint and wool. My pockets were empty and I didn’t have a cent in the world but I thought to myself that if I could reach Grenada without a cent in my pocket, imagine what I could do if I took music seriously.

Nicky: Who or what have been your musical inspirations?

KES: David Rudder, Andre Tanker, Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews, Sting, Bob Marley, Maxwell and anyone that is interested in changing the musical landscape.

Nicky: Apart from gearing up for March’s Trinidad Carnival, what upcoming projects do you have in the works?

KES: Since the inception of the band, we have always been writing music, not only “Festival music” but also global music. Over the last few years we have collaborated with foreign producers whose background is more mainstream music. But, our current “Caribbean Pop” album we are extremely excited about. We are going to release it after Carnival but making it has been a tremendous experience and a labour of love. I must mention that we did over 90 % of the tracks in Trinidad using Trinidadian producers.

Nicky: As a band, you are quite accomplished; are there any awards or recognitions that you are most proud of?

KES: Being a director in my own unit. Since this band started we’ve been doing it our own way and that inner respect you have for yourself is considered by us to be our greatest accomplishment.

Nicky: Most artists have a particular song from their catalogue that has significant meaning to them.  Is there a song of yours that stands out for you, and is there a story behind it?

KES: “LION” – it stands for GROWTH.  It’s my first song that transformed me into a man. I describe it as “growing pains”.

Nicky: Who have been your favourite producers to work with?

KES: “KES” is always willing to work with producers that are not afraid of bringing something different to the musical landscape.  Those types of producers we always seek out. It has been a joy to work with Madmen Productions, Precision Productions, 1st Klase, Kerwin Du Bois and Derek Bramble.

Nicky: If you could collaborate on a record with anyone in the world, in any category of music, with who would it be?

KES: STING

Nicky: It is that time of year when plenty new Soca has been released.  Which songs are you listening to in heavy rotation right now?

KES: Loving a lot of music this year.  It’s fantastic that there has been resurgence in the groovy soca offerings by various artists. However, during this time of the year my iPod is tuned in to all different types of music, both current and past.

Nicky: One of the advantages of being a Soca artiste is having the opportunity to visit and perform at many different Carnivals around the World.  However, Trinidad Carnival is revered as the most acclaimed for the Soca category.  Do you have a favourite Carnival memory to share?

KES: The first time I crossed the “big stage at the Savannah”.  I was a spectator and I stormed “HARTS Mas Band” Ha-ha.  It was exciting and exhilarating and truly one of my favourite memories.

Nicky: Regardless of what field of work we are in, there are always aspects we find challenging.  What are your biggest “pet peeves”?

KES: On the rare occasion we meet promoters that don’t share a basic respect to the musicians and artists.

Nicky: Here in Toronto, the “Caribana” Festival is our flagship Carnival event.  Will you be joining us again this summer for any of the festivities?

KES: Of course!!!

Nicky: When not in the studio or traveling to perform, what do you like to do in your spare time?

KES: Catch up on sleep, cook, video games; anything that it takes to relax.

Nicky: Where can people find your music if they want to hear more of you?

KES: iTunes Worldwide, Amazon, Napster, Nokia-Verizon online, Spotify, Facebook, and Zune.  Every major music purchasing site on the internet including our local site www.trinidadtunes.com

Nicky: Now, I would be doing our readers a disservice if I didn’t get a little bit personal with all of you.  Which of you are in relationships, and which of you are single?

KES: Ha-ha!  Hans and Riad got married just a couple of years ago.  Jon and I (Kees) are in committed relationships.

Nicky: What are the qualities that you find most attractive in a woman?

KES: Confidence.

Nicky: What is each member’s favourite home-cooked meal?

KES: Mine (Kees) is salt fish and provisions. Jon – Chicken Pelau.  Riad – Stew Chicken, rice and lentils.  Hans – Basmati rice, Lap Chong and bodi.

Nicky: Well, my work is done here.  **Note to self: learn how to cook lamb Pelau on a Monday!!!!** It’s been such a pleasure getting to know so much more about the men that bring us the great music.  On behalf of your devoted Toronto fans, we wish you much more continued success and looking forward to seeing you again soon!

Interview performed by Darling Nicky for darlingnicky.ca | darlingnicky999.com

© 2011 Darling Nicky Writing and Publicity Services.  All rights reserved.