1. How did you get into music?
I started music when I was about 5 years old. Playing the harmonica and then the ukulele - the guitar was really a “big” instrument at the time (smile)
2. Did you write songs at an early age?
I started writing lyrics (songs) at about the age of 10, but I was always more interested in composing music which seemed more challenging.
3. What was your first band?
At age 12 I started my first band called Youths with some family members, but this didn’t last long due to the priority of school.
4. When did you join Blaksand?
I joined BlakSand (now called HottSand) in 1991 and recorded our first hit song – Afro Caribbean which was judged best new song for the year at the world famous Apollo Theatre. Since then we toured many cities in the Caribbean, US, Canada and the United Kingdom.
5. In which band are you currently playing?
I am currently the band leader of HottSand.
6. When did you first start using Cubase?
I first started using Cubase in 1995 with Cubase XT. Later on I moved over to Cubase VST.
7. What do you like the most about Cubase?
I really like Cubase for its ease-of-use, editing options and adaptability. I really like the arrange window and on-screen editing. My previous recordings were on a 16-Track Tascam tape machine so to edit anything you had to play it over.
8. How did you hook up with Kevin Lyttle?
I met Kevin when he joined BlakSand in 1994 for a brief stint, we toured the US and Canada in that year.
9. Tell me about that song ‘Turn Me On’ and how it was created?
Well the song for me was recorded in record time. Kevin came to me and said he had an idea for a song, he sang it for me and I really liked it, so in about 1 hour I had created the music! As quickly as that. I couldn’t believe it myself!!
10. What other music have you been doing with other artists of note?
Since then I have been experimenting with the merging of different Caribbean and international genres to create what I can only call Caribbean Fusion. So far it seems to be taking of as there have been a number of songs produced internationally in this genre. I think that it is important to separate it from Soca and Calypso so as not to dilute these unique Caribbean styles of music. I am currently working with a magical voice in the form of Gideon James (of Touch fame). We are currently finalizing a 12 song album to launch his solo career. The first release called ‘U Turn’ is already creating a stir and the album is slated to be released on June 15th, 2007. It would be available on ITunes, Napster, Rhapsody and many other main stream music download websites – check it out!!
11. Tell me about “Sting.”
STING is a compilation of songs of the ‘Caribbean Fusion’ genre that is produced every year. In an effort to separate this genre I thought that it was absolutely necessary to let this genre have its’ own showcase. With the success of the tracks that I produced on the Kevin Lyttle project (there were 3 tracks on the album), I have now become known for that genre of fusion, which some people now jokingly call – the Adrian. The second volume of Sting will be out in June, 2007.
12. What features should Steinberg add to Cubase?
These are the features I would like to see added to Cubase
1. Exporting all tracks separately in one pass
2. Make repeating a part faster by creating a tool on screen
3. Make grouping tracks in the mixer as easy as dragging the mouse over them
13. How is piracy affecting your productions?
The issue of piracy has always been a huge sore point for me. Piracy makes it extremely difficult to recoup most of the monies spent on productions, and because these smaller islands have less regulations governing piracy it is a constant struggle for the producers and artistes.
14. Any advice for up and coming producers just starting out with Cubase?
Thanks to Cubase and Steinberg I have been able to create many songs and hits over the years. However it should be noted that Cubase is only the platform and should never be replacement for creativity and talent. It is important for new producers to make sure that they have some degree of proficiency in playing an instrument, I would go even further to suggest that they join a band or group to understand how different instruments work together.
15. Tell me about your new record label.
I am happy to announce the launch of my record label called Magma Music Group (MMG). With the growing need for artist development, promotion and marketing, the creation of the MMG label is not only timely, but pivotal for the advancement of our music industry. The MMG label is divided into three sub-labels:
• Sky Jamz Records – this focuses on Soca and Calypso
• Karuz Records – Caribbean Fusion, Reggae and Alternative
• Honor Records – Gospel and Religious
The label will have its’ official launch in early June 2007
I started music when I was about 5 years old. Playing the harmonica and then the ukulele - the guitar was really a “big” instrument at the time (smile)
2. Did you write songs at an early age?
I started writing lyrics (songs) at about the age of 10, but I was always more interested in composing music which seemed more challenging.
3. What was your first band?
At age 12 I started my first band called Youths with some family members, but this didn’t last long due to the priority of school.
4. When did you join Blaksand?
I joined BlakSand (now called HottSand) in 1991 and recorded our first hit song – Afro Caribbean which was judged best new song for the year at the world famous Apollo Theatre. Since then we toured many cities in the Caribbean, US, Canada and the United Kingdom.
5. In which band are you currently playing?
I am currently the band leader of HottSand.
6. When did you first start using Cubase?
I first started using Cubase in 1995 with Cubase XT. Later on I moved over to Cubase VST.
7. What do you like the most about Cubase?
I really like Cubase for its ease-of-use, editing options and adaptability. I really like the arrange window and on-screen editing. My previous recordings were on a 16-Track Tascam tape machine so to edit anything you had to play it over.
8. How did you hook up with Kevin Lyttle?
I met Kevin when he joined BlakSand in 1994 for a brief stint, we toured the US and Canada in that year.
9. Tell me about that song ‘Turn Me On’ and how it was created?
Well the song for me was recorded in record time. Kevin came to me and said he had an idea for a song, he sang it for me and I really liked it, so in about 1 hour I had created the music! As quickly as that. I couldn’t believe it myself!!
10. What other music have you been doing with other artists of note?
Since then I have been experimenting with the merging of different Caribbean and international genres to create what I can only call Caribbean Fusion. So far it seems to be taking of as there have been a number of songs produced internationally in this genre. I think that it is important to separate it from Soca and Calypso so as not to dilute these unique Caribbean styles of music. I am currently working with a magical voice in the form of Gideon James (of Touch fame). We are currently finalizing a 12 song album to launch his solo career. The first release called ‘U Turn’ is already creating a stir and the album is slated to be released on June 15th, 2007. It would be available on ITunes, Napster, Rhapsody and many other main stream music download websites – check it out!!
11. Tell me about “Sting.”
STING is a compilation of songs of the ‘Caribbean Fusion’ genre that is produced every year. In an effort to separate this genre I thought that it was absolutely necessary to let this genre have its’ own showcase. With the success of the tracks that I produced on the Kevin Lyttle project (there were 3 tracks on the album), I have now become known for that genre of fusion, which some people now jokingly call – the Adrian. The second volume of Sting will be out in June, 2007.
12. What features should Steinberg add to Cubase?
These are the features I would like to see added to Cubase
1. Exporting all tracks separately in one pass
2. Make repeating a part faster by creating a tool on screen
3. Make grouping tracks in the mixer as easy as dragging the mouse over them
13. How is piracy affecting your productions?
The issue of piracy has always been a huge sore point for me. Piracy makes it extremely difficult to recoup most of the monies spent on productions, and because these smaller islands have less regulations governing piracy it is a constant struggle for the producers and artistes.
14. Any advice for up and coming producers just starting out with Cubase?
Thanks to Cubase and Steinberg I have been able to create many songs and hits over the years. However it should be noted that Cubase is only the platform and should never be replacement for creativity and talent. It is important for new producers to make sure that they have some degree of proficiency in playing an instrument, I would go even further to suggest that they join a band or group to understand how different instruments work together.
15. Tell me about your new record label.
I am happy to announce the launch of my record label called Magma Music Group (MMG). With the growing need for artist development, promotion and marketing, the creation of the MMG label is not only timely, but pivotal for the advancement of our music industry. The MMG label is divided into three sub-labels:
• Sky Jamz Records – this focuses on Soca and Calypso
• Karuz Records – Caribbean Fusion, Reggae and Alternative
• Honor Records – Gospel and Religious
The label will have its’ official launch in early June 2007