Interview by : Maxime Nordez
Pictures by : Benoit Collin
on Sunday, May 13th 2007 - 12 119 views
Little known in France, Avaran is a promising singer from the Bahamas. With his second solo album about to come out in France, it was the ideal moment to meet Avaran, whom we will see at many French festivals this summer, including the Zicalizes at the end of May.
Reggaefrance / Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your beginnings?
Avaran / I come from a small island in the Bahamas. Music sometimes imposes itself on you. It wasn't planned at the start but it happened. That's the best way to explain my beginnings. Professionally, it all really began in 1996, 1997. It was a sound system called BININI in the Bahamas that gave me my chance. I was living in Miami at the time. I sang on sound, I did specials and dubplates which allowed me to make my first recordings and to play in clubs. I also played with the Cancer-Hi Power Sound System, which now tours under the name Cancer New Generation.
Apart from music, what did you want to do with your life?
When I arrived in Miami I enrolled in a school of architecture. But music quickly took over.
And how old are you?
Hmm… I don't really want to say. Around 25? That's a good estimate, as long as you don't make me older (laughs)
So you began your professional career on sound systems?
Yes, it was the sound systems that allowed me to meet Karl Pitterson, and that's where things sped up. He worked alongside Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Steel Pulse. He's the one who produced my first album "Short Rope" in 1999. Karl Pitterson has always helped me a lot so that I could express my talent. Karl is a good man. I haven't seen him for a while but I must drop by his place soon.
Where did you record that first album?
Short Rope was made in Florida, it was the simplest option as Karl lives in Miami.
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I try to be as humble as possible. I don't necessarily need to be heard as much as possible, in the sense that I don't particularly see myself as a spokesperson, others do that very well. Singing for me is… I was going to say my life. Because I waited so long for this moment to arrive. When I started in 1996 and 1997 I was with a very particular company called Meditation Records, and it didn't go very well. They didn't treat me the way they were supposed to. So I left that company in 2001. That whole story disturbed me and I stopped singing completely. Then I rebuilt myself and decided to start recording again in 2005. In 2006, I got closer to the V.I Connection crew. It was with Neeko and the Rise Up Show that I voiced the Same Cry Riddim. I also worked with Russ D (Disciples), he made me the track Dreams Of Home which will be on my next album, which I have called "Dreams Of Home". I also recorded the track "Danger Zone" in Jamaica on the Gunshot riddim. I also worked with Junior Lion, a producer friend, on a combination with Luciano.
You're not that well known but already have your connections with the Jamaican scene, who are your favourite artists?
Luciano is a good friend, I also know Freddie McGregor and Mikey General very well. In fact I know most of the veterans… I'd say Luciano is my favourite artist but it's a bit different because I know him personally. I'd say the same for Freddie McGregor or Yami Bolo…
Some say you sound like Garnett Silk…
I've been hearing that for a while! (laughs) People like to put things into categories. I find it really flattering to be in the same box as Garnett Silk. He was a brilliant singer so for me it's a positive comment.
You use Bob Marley riddims on Five Miles and Highly Positionned , is he a source of inspiration for you?
The songs you mention come from my work with Karl Pitterson and as you know he was very close to Bob Marley. That's something he passed on to me. I also have a song on a Peter Tosh riddim (he sings) You're an African… but it never came out. Meditation Records holds a whole album of mine that never came out. I have absolutely no idea what's going on their side…
You took a break and left music. Your second album has still not come out. Isn't that a bit frustrating after all this time?
There was frustration. But I spent that time finding the right people to work with. It was quite difficult. You can have whoever you want but the key is to find the right person, otherwise you're wasting your time.
Concretely, how did you get in touch with Neeko and the Rise Up Show?
My little brother surfs the internet. It's a wonderful communication tool. I don't remember whether it was by chance that he contacted Neeko but they started chatting online. Neeko told him he was looking for a big artist from the Bahamas, he was talking about me. So he said to him: "But that's my brother!" (laughs)
You're going to play at Les Zicalizes soon, what do you expect from this first date in France?
It's not my first time in France but it's my first big show. The last time I came, I didn't play. I was on tour with Michael Rose in 2000 and we played in Cannes for MIDEM. Half Pint and Beres Hammond were there, and that's where the link with Michael Rose was made. We then toured Germany, Belgium, Holland and then the United States. It was a good experience.
Who will be your backing band for this date in France?
The Promise Band, we're working on the rehearsals. It's a good band. I know what I'm talking about, I've played with very good bands like Lloyd Banks's, the Messenjah Band, Beres's band, Gumption Band or the Robotiks when I'm in England…
What do you expect from the French audience?
From what I hear so far, the French audience likes good music. The French are going to love me, I feel it won't be a one-off experience, it will happen again. I like the French a lot and I like speaking to good people. It should work!
How would you describe your message?
My message is fed by positivity, love, solidarity with the poor. I simply tell the truth and uprightness, truth & righteousness.
Are you a rasta?
I was asked that same question in the Bahamas and, although I really wanted not to answer it, I answered yes. Suddenly, a tabloid seized on it and published a whole article about my family saying: "Look, this guy is a Rasta whereas his grandfather was a Reverend at the church, his father too, blah blah...". I live my life in a positive way but I don't like being labelled. Who is rasta, Buddhist, Christian… Haile Selassie himself said that all religions should coexist in harmony. I live by the principles of Rastafari.
Do you have a release date to announce for your album?
Not really, nothing definitive. We're looking for a serious distributor. I know my album stands up. It features Luciano, productions by V.I Connection, Russ D, my own production Hungry Belly Records, Jamaican singers… it's an international album.
Can you tell us about the music scene in the Bahamas?
We have rather few reggae shows and events over there. The only ones we have are organised by Rita Marley's daughter who lives there. They restored Bob's house, they also launched a hotel chain. There's a show around Christmas and another at the end of March. They're festivals bringing together several artists. Otherwise there are other concerts by single artists, Gyptian came recently, but nothing very big. I think the island undeniably has progress to make. Personally, I'm trying to move the movement forward. I truly believe a single person is enough to bring everyone along. I have an online radio station on Live 365 Roots FM, I play music from the Bahamas there, people will be able to listen....
What do you think of the reggae scene in France?
France is a 'Big Place' for reggae! The Bahamas could develop the same enthusiasm but it can only be done on a ridiculous scale, that of the Bahamas. The problem is that one or two people make the decisions, those who run a radio station. They play Sizzla, Jamaican artists, hip hop all day long. And, from a reliable source, when we bring them our music, they play it once or twice and leave the records gathering dust on the shelves. That's our daily struggle. It doesn't really affect me and isn't one of my problems because I'm lucky enough to be able to travel. It's very hard for the talented local artists who find themselves stuck in a box. In the two biggest cities, there are 4 or 5 radio stations. The main station "Clear Channel" in Nassau specialises in US hip hop. It's a fight every day...
Remerciements : V.I Connection
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