Octane and Ricky Metro
by Antonia Smith
Orin Wilson aka Octane is a talented producer, songwriter, DJ and the CEO of Trak Attak Productions. Octane and Ricky Metro
are working hard on some great projects which will be out soon, their current single Little Closer is set to be a success as it's one song you would no be able to resist. Diva Dymes caught up with Octane and Ricky Metro very recently with a candid interview, enjoy.
When did you know you want to be a part of the music industry?
Octane: When I was 8 years old and got myself my first double cassette tape recorder. It was not long after that I realized that I wanted be in the music industry.
Ricky Metro: I wanted to be a part of the music industry when i first saw that Hip Hop embraced Dancehall in the late 80's- early 90's and i wanted to make my mark in it.
As Reggae artists/producer how do you make your sounds different from other artists?
Octane: Actually, my sound is different from the rest because I am actually from Trinidad, where Soca Music comes from. The fusion of my soca roots and heavy reggae influence gives my music a different feel, that many people call "ragga soca". I am also a hip-hop producer which spills over to alot of my reggae production and sometimes gives it a more commercial feel.
Ricky Metro: Let me clarify I am a Dancehall artist Reggae artist, to me is more of singer over Reggae riddims. My sound is different because "I represent the old school Dancehall era, SupaKat,Nicodemus,Don Gongon Ninja man, Shinehead, King Jammys and the one name Shabba when da mon dem use to talk dem catch de hol place ah fyah"
Growing up in Trinidad & Tobago, then moving to Miami, FL how did it effect your music style?
Octane: Well here I can elaborate on the last question. Growning up in Trinidad exposed me to all sorts of music from a very young age. My father was a lover of music and musician himself. He would play old Isaac Hayes, Jackson 5, Otis Redding, Sam Cook, Sparrow, and Kitchener Records every weekend when I was growing up. So the Blues, and soca, and foundation reggae were all I knew in my earliest years, and then in the eary in the early eighties came the first dancehall and hip hop imports. I loved it all, and embraced it all. People even asked me, "you are Trini, why are you playing all that reggae music and American stuff"? lol. I would say, "because I love it!" I moved to Miami at the age of 17 and did not have many friends from my homeland for years. The majority of my friends, aquantances, and hang out spots were Jamaican. I was able to embrace the music and culture even more, and loved every minute of it. Miami is where I first began DJ'ing and producing. Because of all my influence, my tracks would never sound like 100 percent reggae or soca. It was very different and not many folks embraced it at first. The soca lovers told me its not soca enough, but I did not listen, I just did my thing. While there I worked with many artists in my home studio, and often helped them write lines, and would sing back ups for them. They would always say, "why don't you sing man!! You're wicked!!" But I didnt listen until years later.
How is Trak Attak Productions coming along?
Octane: Trak Attak Production is coming along quite well, I am still producing and shopping to various hip-hop, reggae, and soca artistes. We actually focusing alot on the Octane & Ricky Metro project these days, recording more music to be released in time to come. Our music is getting exposure in territories such as Trinidad, Miami, New York, Atlanta, Europe, and Asia.
Who do you wish you could do a song with?
Octane: Rihanna, I think our styles compliment, and she being a Babardian (Bajan) Sister, is all the better! I also also would love to produce Lil Wayne, and Jamaican Dancehall Star Busy Signal.
Ricky Metro: I wish I could do a song with ALL of the Dance hall greats I don't have just one, because all of the Dance hall artist influenced me.
Who and what are your influences when writing a song?
Octane: When writing a song I'm influeced by the great story tellers of my generation, and past. Bob Marley, Sparrow, Buju Banton, Rakim, Notorious B.I.G. and Nas. These great artists paint vivid and colorful pictures when telling a story, and you feel like you are actually there when they relate it. Because of this, their songs are timeless classics. Usually a particular event or situation in my life will influence my writing, whether it be good times or bad.
Ricky Metro: The riddim and Bass is the major influence and the Bass line hol me mon, and me jus start ride pon it like a race horse jockey set up me self and ride properly.
How did you both meet and how did the collaboration come about?
Octane: I met Ricky Metro at my previous place of employment. We never spoke until weeks before our collaboration. I would see him pacing up and down the office and wonder what's up with this kid, he always look like he up to something, lol. I didn't even know he was Jamaican until one day I heard him to speak to another coworker in passing. I approached him and began to sell him on my radio show at www.blazin98.com and my production, and sing work. A couple days later Metro and I went to lunch, and I played some of my music. He liked what he heard, and there began our collaboration.
Tell us about your hot single Little Closer?
Octane: Little Closer was the product of me going to Trinidad Carnival and coming back to the U.S. with so much inspiration and vibes, that I had to produce a track and put it down on paper. The atmosphere in Trinidad and Tobago during this time is very seductive in nature, and I wanted to paint a picture of this in my own unique style. My goal was to come up with a hook and and flow that was not what you would usually hear, but still keep that crossover, commercial appeal. I created the instrumental as a "riddim" to be voiced by other artists, but as I listened to it on my way to work everyday, I started coming up with different ideas and concepts. I ran it by Ricky Metro for him to hear my new song and he went crazy when he heard it and began freestyling over the first verse. I told him immediately that he was going on the song. We recorded it that weekend.
Tell us about the video for Little Closer, for example how long was the video shoot and what was the concept for it?
Octane: The Video shoot for Little Closer was completed over a 3 month period. I had to drive down to Miami from Atlanta on 3 occasions, one time with my entire family, to get it done. Director Jason Stanley of Right Lights Productions was instrumental in getting the locations squared away before I got there, so we maximised our time for shooting. Ricky could not make it to Florida so I arranged to have us film his portion here in Atlanta at Scotch Bonnet Studios courtesy Ric 'Bunbridge' Hamer. At Scotch Bonnet we were able to capture Ricky's gritty New York flavor and show us working together. Our Vision for the video was in keeping with the mood of the song, dark and seductive. We wanted to translate the sex appeal of the song through dark quick edits and vibrant colors, which somewhat describes the mood of Miami Caribbean night life.
What can we expect from you both in years to come?
Octane: You can expect many more collaborations from Ricky Metro and myself. In fact we are working on another hot single as we speak. In the future I will like to focus more on my writing and singing, especially the singing part! It being so new to me, I know with more practice I can hit even harder with my deliveries. I will always continue to DJ and produce! Recently I have ventured into acting, with my first supporting role in a feature film called "Battle", directed by Laron Austin.
Ricky Metro: MORE WICKED CHUNES TO BLOOOD FIRE!!!!!
For more information:
ctaytwitter.com/On
www.myspace.com/trakattak
Support this great movement!!
Vybz Cartel & Spice
Female dancehall deejay, Spice, recently updated her MySpace page with a new photo gallery called “Rompin’ Shop” which features some steamy and controversial semi-nude pictures of herself and Vybz Kartel. Check out the video for 'Rompin Shop'.
Sean Paul's 4 Official Album
Check out Sean Paul's official album cover for his 4th studio album titled Imperial Blaze. The newest Sean Paul album entitled Imperial Blaze is going to be released on August 18, 2009.
The lead single, “So Fine”, which was produced by Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, premiered on Sean Paul's official website on April 25, 2009. Up until now there have been seven music videos: "Always On My Mind (with Da'Ville)", "Give It To You (with Eve)", "Watch Them Roll", "Back It Up" (with Left S
ide/Mr. Evil), "(I Wanna See You) Push It Baby" (with Pretty Ricky), "Hit 'Em" (with Fahrenheit and his brother Jason "Jigzagula" Henriques) and "Come Over" with Estelle.
It took him over three years to complete this new album, but now it’s finally there. The single “So Fine” gives us a foretaste about what we can look forward to. A real summer hit, but we couldn’t expect less of Sean Paul. Although… his style, still dancehall, has "grown" since the release of his previous platinum- certified album “The Trinity”.
On the new album, the lyrics evolved from “disco- party and women” to more deep and personal subjects. Such as “Hold My Hand”, “Pepperpot” and “Straight To My Heart”, which is a tribute to his mother. This new flow is not only noticeable in the lyrics but in the tempo of the songs too. Of course the most successful Jamaican artist of all times in the U.S charts, still produces dancehall like no other. But on this album the up- tempo songs are alternate with more reggae and dancehall-ballad.
Since the release of his latest album, Sean Paul traveled and toured all around the world. His trip to Africa was a true inspiration on personal and professional level. His Jamaican roots conferred the identification with the African music and style. During the TRACE interview, Sean talked a lot about his mum, and how she inspired his career. No personal information though, he's still keeping his private and professional life separate. But he shared with us a lot about his career, his life as a uptown boy in Jamaica, and his beginnings.
The final album will be released in August 2009 and contains 17 tracks.
Reggae Spotlights
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Shaggy a Bad Man?? Shot entirely in Jamaica, Shaggy's new video "Bad Man Don't Cry" is a mini film by Director Jay Will, that includes various celebrities including Oympic winner Ussain Bolt. Watch for the remix of the song featuring Lady Saw. |
IT'S SERANI • NO GAMES
Click below to view Diva Dymes Magazine | Serani is a member of the young but very talented group DASECA Productions. As unique and potent as it sounds, DASECA Productions, the future pioneer of Jamaican producers have arrived. Three friends David Anthony Harrisingh, Crag Serani Marsh, Craig Andrew Harrisingh came together and started a production group called DASECA Productions in 2001. DA (David Anthony) –SE (Serani)-CA (Craig Andrew) was originated through the initials of first and middle names of each member. With a similar quest in mind, DASECA wanted to produce everyone from the best to the upcoming artistes. But with every business, the return of investment really begins in the third or fourth year in operation. While on the trail of being producers, Serani was approached by Craig "Leftside" Parkes to be lead keyboardist in Wayne Marshall's Martial arts band. He took up the offer and broaden channels in the music fraternity for DASECA Productions. DASECA branched out and started playing on other producers’ tracks, learning the trade at the same time. Serani played on phrases on different beats such as, ‘Mad Guitar’ ‘Close Your Eyes’ ‘Good To Go (over dub)’ ‘Mad Ants (over dub)’produced by Don Corleone; ‘Rebirth (over dub)’ and ‘Steps’ produced by Renaissance; DASECA solely created ‘Chaka Chaka’ and ‘Clear’ which was produced by Fire Links, and so on. DASECA produced and released their first beat ‘Safe Sex’ with the European market enjoying the sounds of the various artistes. Their second production was the successful Anger Management riddim which was released in November, 2004 and is still playing today. Mavado has the hit single “Real Mckoy,” which has been given constant rotation in Jamaica and foreign radios. Bounty Killa, Mavado, Busy Signal have been working closely with DASECA, building a close knit family. DASECA has managed to break out Mavado and Alaine in the Danehall, Reggae industry by giving them a number of hits. Alaine and Mavado have now been able to work with other producers and well known artistes as a result of the buzz created by Daseca. DASECA made the beat for “Willie Bounce,” a popular hit by Elephant Man, which a number one hit song Jamaica for many weeks. With the success of Anger Management and the advice from Bounty Killa, DASECA was urged to produce Angrier Management which has kept Anger Management in constant rotation on the radio, parties, and sound clashes in Jamaica and abroad. Serani has co-produced the first two singles on Sean Paul’s new platinum album “Trinity,” including ‘We Be Burning,’ which was the first released single. The ‘We be Burning’ track helped Trinity smash a Jamaican record of 107,000 copies sold in the first week. Serani continued and made the ‘Smash’ riddim which hosts the song ‘Dutty Wine’ by Tony Matterhorn. Dutty Wine is the number one song presently in Jamaica and England. Serani has been blessed with the ability to discover talent which has brought to fore front an artist called Bugle. He has managed to hit the main stream with a massive song called "what we gonna do"(exercise).
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*Artist on Deck*
INTRODUCING
Born in Long Island, NY to Jamaican parents up and coming singing sensation Angela Latti
is no stranger to life on the rock. When she was only six years old, she migrated with her
grandparents to Jamaica for their retirement only to return home to New York to live with her
mother at age 14. “My mom was a single parent and she would constantly inform me of how
smart, capable and beautiful I was. I believed her so I did well in school and had my fair share
of suitors!”
Determined to go all the way Angela was off to college shortly after becoming a New York
native and at the age of 26 she had a BS in Chemistry and a MS in computer science but it
wasnʼt until after the degrees that this diamond in the rock decided to shine as an
entrepreneur and recording artist. Angela was adamant her purpose in life was to make
others feel happy, confident and empowered, so she muscled up the courage to make the first
step and what a first step it was.
It all started when she sought the training of a vocal coach to guide her soulful voice but this
was a mere stepping stone, the true test came in her recording not one but eleven wonderfully
expressive songs which would later be used as her introduction into the world of music.
In Angelaʼs self-titled album released in May an array of social commentary can be heard
over vintage style one drop rhythms, from her opener “Princess & Queens” to the thought
provoking “Middle Class Poverty” Latti spare no words in addressing systematic issues.
This theme continues in the song, “Persevere” where Latti reminds, “what you put in is what
you get out”. Along with the reality check comes some saucy lovers rock cuts like her up-
tempo hit “Prescription”.
Far from self conscious Angelaʼs down to earth persona makes her an inviting individual.
“Simply put I define myself by how I make others feel. I live my life to empower women
through music and inform everyone that they can do anything they put their mind to”.
Currently residing in the state of California Angela has set her sights on the international
market with the intention of getting some well-needed exposure. Operating under her label
Yemalla Records Latti was recently in Jamaica on a promotional campaign and is expected
to return in early June.
A promising vocalist and exceptional songwriter Angela Latti will no doubt impact the
masses with some positive vibration.
ALBUM RELEASE
Release: Angela Latti – Self Titled
Label: Yemalla Records, Inc.
Date of Release: May 2009
Category: Reggae/Soul
TRACK LISTING
1. Princess and Queens
2. Ain't No Love
3. Incomplete
4. Sticks and Stones
5. Prescription
6. See You
7. Be There
8. Never Gonna Leave You
9. Conflict
10. Middle Class Poverty
11. Persevere
READ MORE ABOUT ANGELA LATTI
http://www.myspace.com/angelalatti
http://www.angelalatti.com
Copyright 2009
Press Kit By: jamiceyjace@gmail.com
MAVADO GANSTA FOR LIFE
With his current hit single “so special” receiving crazy airplay on American radio and his new album “Mr. Brooks Better Tomorrow” climbing the billboard charts he has cemented jam-packed shows in the UK, that also featured Serani, Bugle, Chase Cross and Alliance selector Boom Boom.
With all these achievements and accomplishments and ongoing success can we now truly say that Mavado the Gully God is now the king of dancehall? Since the controversial battle at sting his nemesis Vybz Kartel now has numerous top 10 singles in “Jamaica” and can be heard practically on every new dancehall riddim that hits the streets, Should Vbyz Kartel be dubbed the king or is he just second best, what makes them different?
Reggae Spotlight
BAD GYAL CE'CILE
Style, wit, grace, intelligence, creativity and flare for controversy are all key components for a budding diva. Add a bit of sexiness, a lethal body and stunning smile along with a large measure of talent and youve just defined the allure of CeCile Dancehalls Bad Gyal.
Known simply as CeCile, this Jamaican is widely tipped as the woman most likely to join Dancehalls men in the mainstream. She already has a raft of popular Jamaican singles to her credit, but its her debut album of girl-power anthems, Bad Gyal, that is most likely to thrust her to the International stage.
From the beginning CeCile has been an innovator. This Bad Gyal has kept tongues wagging since first breaking into the Dancehall scene with the self produced, shockingly refreshing and thought provoking smash Changez designed as a marketing ploy by poking fun at her male counterparts. Rhythmically inventive and catchy, it shot across dancehalls macho braggadocio, light-heartedly lampooning the musics biggest male names with unflattering speculation on their bedroom performance. Not surprisingly, it won her a legion of female fans. CeCile is a deadly combination of sex appeal with veracity and though dancehall for the most part is purely a testosterone-driven sphere, to miss CeCile is to miss half the story.
