INTERVIEW : JAMELODY
Interview by : B.O
Pictures by : DR
on Monday, May 28th 2007 - 10 376 views
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Michael Williams aka Jamelody is VP Records' latest find. We had already been able to discover him on Super Power's Throw Me Corn Riddim in March 2005. Jamelody is carving a roots furrow in the line of Jah Cure, Beres Hammond or Garnett Silk. We eagerly await his first album, "Be Prepared", produced by Bobby Digital and due in September. A discovery interview with an artist with a more than promising future.
Reggaefrance / Europe has only just discovered you, tell us about your beginnings…
Jamelody / I was born into a very religious family, and so I started singing in church. As a teenager, I became interested in R&B before finding Rastafari, which guided me towards reggae.
Your first album will be produced by Bobby Digital, and is going to be released on VP Records.
The connection was made while I was working with Bobby. People from VP came to visit the studio several times while we were recording. From there I was able to get in touch with them. On the album there will also be songs produced by Stephen McGregor (Freddie McGregor's son, who works in his father's studio, Big Ship, ed.), and Karl James, a producer from New York.
What is your relationship with Bobby Digital?
It's wonderful! Bobby, my management and I have managed to find a real musical chemistry, and I'm very happy about that. We're like a family. When I'm in Jamaica, at Digital B, there's a family vibe.
What more can you tell us about this album?
It's a multi-faceted album, which I think makes it very interesting. Obviously, the songs are conscious and aim at upliftment, but there are also a few love songs, and reality songs too, food for the soul. I'm very proud of this project.
Have you invited other artists onto this album?
Yes. So far, I've recorded songs with Natural Black and Capleton. I'm also very happy with the musicians playing on this album: Dean Fraser, Kirk Bennet, Danny Basie, Squidly Cole, Benji Myaz, Wrong Move, Dalton Brown and Mikey Spice, whom I followed a lot as a singer when I was young.
Has coming from Trinidad been a handicap in launching a reggae career?
In a way, if you don't have the right connections. I'm lucky to have had my manager, Zak, and now Neil Diamond and VP, to start my career off in the right direction.
How is reggae doing in Trinidad?
So far so good. My music has always got a good reaction here. Other artists too. Trinidad is a reggae country. If your songs are good, you'll be much appreciated here.
A last word for our readers?
Well, I know the French audience knows reggae well, so wait for my first album, "Be Prepared". Keep supporting reggae. Stay firm, positive and focused on what you want to achieve in life.
|
|
© 1999-2026
RSS
