The Voice Season 5 winner Tessanne Chin wants to move listeners with positivity through new songs from her debut album, writes Aref OmarTHE highlight of Season 5 of The Voice was definitely the unique contestant Tessanne Chin, from Kingston in Jamaica. Chin, who is of Chinese, Cherokee, English and African descent, blew the judges — as well as viewers — away with her big and soulful singing prowess. It’s no wonder that the 28-year-old emerged as champion of the popular TV singing competition and deservedly so. POST-THE VOICE ALBUM Known for her cute Jamaican accent and an easy going, warm personality, Chin was excited about her upcoming post-Voice international debut album, which is scheduled to be released later this year. “At the moment I’m working with Shaggy, doing some songwriting and producing together,” says Chin during a phone interview from New York, where she is currently recording. She says she’s having the time of her life, working with a long list of amazing people, which include Toby Gad, Diane Warren, Ryan Tedder and Planet VI, consisting of siblings Theron and Timothy Thomas. It’s a work in progress so far and Chin says that she’s looking forward to exploring and experimenting even more. She says: “Some (songs) have an island flavour, some are quite poppy, while others are what you’d expect — that wonderful, big soulful sound.” She’s been making a big impression as well, touring and performing across the US after her win last December. Performances at the Rose Bowl Parade, Shaggy & Friends benefit concert and 9 Mile Music Festival have been big successes but Chin was left speechless when she was invited to perform at the White House early this month as part of their In Performance At The White House series. She sang a moving rendition of Donna Summer’s Last Dance and joined Jill Scott, Melissa Etheridge, Patti LaBelle, Janelle Monae, and Ariana Grande later for a tribute to Tina Turner, performing her classic version of Proud Mary. “It was such an honour and when President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama came to talk to me. I was just gawking the whole time. They were just very sweet, and she hugged me and told me ‘well done’,” says Chin. Another speechless moment was when all four judges — Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera — of The Voice turned their seats around during her blind audition. “It was an absolute dream and I had to constantly remind myself to finish the song!” she says. She later chose Levine as her coach who then led her to victory. “I’m a big fan of his music,” says Chin elaborating on why she chose him. “I love the fact that — with his music and his band’s music — he has so many genres and influences in the mix, from pop, rock and soul to jazz, blues, reggae and dance music,” she adds. Chin explains that coming from a Jamaican background and from reggae music, she wanted somebody who would be able to honour that but to move her forward with different types of music as well. During her blind audition she sang Try by Pink. When asked why she decided not to sing a reggae song, Chin explains that she didn’t want to be labelled as a reggae singer. “You have to understand that I’ve sung reggae songs for a long time. It’s in my blood and nothing will change but I always wanted to be an international singer,” she says. “That’s part of the reason why I joined The Voice as well — I felt that I needed a rebirth, so people would see me not just as the girl who sang reggae but as a singer and vocalist.” Although she is completely capable of singing any song in any genre, she maintains that just singing a song well is far from what she considers effective. “For me the biggest challenge is always in connecting to the song, making it mine and making the listener believe in what I’m singing and feel it,” she says, adding that Levine had given her great advice along those lines. Another challenge was having Levine push her to tackle epic classics during the competition by singing songs from the likes of Bob Marley, Whitney Houston and The Beatles. “I was kind of afraid to tread on sacred ground but he gave me the opportunity to step up to the plate and to do it as Tessanne and I’m really grateful to him for encouraging me to do that,” she says. When asked if superstardom beckons, Chin replies: “As far as I’m concerned I just want to focus on making good music and having the career that I know I can have. “For me it’s not about being a superstar but to be able to do what I love and to share that with fans around the world — if I can do that, then I’m happy.” MUSIC IS HER LIFE Growing up in a musical family (her parents were in a band called The Carnations and her older sister Tami Chynn is also a professional singer), she confesses that music is her life and never thought of doing anything else as her profession. “I need music to function — whether it’s making music, singing or listening to music, I just absolutely love music,” she says. “I never thought about another profession because I never gave myself that option, I kind of knew since I was 5 that this was what I wanted to do.” With the support and encouragement from her parents she persevered in chasing her dreams. She was in the rock band Mile High and toured for three years with Jimmy Cliff as a backup singer before going solo, making a name for herself in Jamaica. She was collaborating with Shaggy previously and it was the Jamaican-American reggae pop rapper who had encouraged her to take part in The Voice. Her win was nonetheless a great feeling and one of solid validation. “Especially after doing it (music) for so long, you start to doubt yourself, so the chair turn and the win later gave me the confidence that I have something special — and that people are rooting for me,” says Chin, who is married to Jamaican radio personality Michael Cuffe. The sunny singer has now become the pride of Jamaica, who rallied behind her during the voting segment of The Voice, which kept her in the running. “I’m just so overwhelmed and I never expected in a million years that this would be a big deal,” she says of the celebratory outpouring of love, pride and excitement that greeted her when she returned to Jamaica after her win. “I think the greatest thing one can write about is love but not just love in terms of love songs or love lost,” she says, when asked about her new material. “And the greatest thing I can do for somebody in terms of writing a song is something that can lift them up,” she adds. Chin explains that a lot of the songs on the new album are songs of love, encouragement, hardship and songs of triumph and victory as well. “I know what it feels like to struggle, and what it feels like to see your hard work pay off,” she says. “So I see myself writing songs like that a lot — inspirational songs.” Source New Str
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ALONGSIDE Bob Marley, the name Lee Scratch Perry is synonymous with reggae, dub and any offshoot you can care to mention. On Tuesday, this legend will play The Factory, Petroc. Perry is to reggae what Picasso was to art: inventing new forms or genres, breaking new ground and breaching new territories to bring the music of himself and his peers to a global audience. And now, at 77-years-old, his glittering career has lasted almost six decades. South West promoters Hold It Down have acquired Mr Perry’s services for three Devon gigs, one of which being at The Factory. Clare Chapple, events organiser at the venue, is thrilled to host such an event: “Lee Scratch Perry is a huge artist to have in North Devon,” she said. “There’s a big reggae following in the area and we’ve had some great feedback on social media. “But also, our students will gain valuable work experience through it – as they do at all our events. They’ll have the opportunity to shadow the sound technicians, stewards and crew, and learn from it.” Over a career spanning nearly 60 years, Perry has been instrumental as a reggae and dub producer, boosting the careers of Bob Marley, The Wailers, Gregory Isaacs, Junior Byles and The Clash. He has also collaborated with some of the most renowned names from genres not confined to the reggae sphere – including The Beastie Boys, George Clinton, Keith Richards, Moby and many more. Named as No 100 in the Rolling Stone Greatest Artists Of All Time, Perry also received a Grammy award for his 2003 album Jamaican ET and was honoured with a Gold Musgrave Medal by the Institute of Jamaica. And his talents are not confined to music. He is also a painter, having his work exhibited in Los Angeles, USA in a show entitled Secret Education. Video game fans may recognise his voice and music from Grand Theft Auto’s radio station, Blue Ark. Lee Scratch Perry, with support from Irie Selecta and the One Drop DJs, is at The Factory Petroc, Barnstaple on Tuesday, March 25, 7.30pm. Tickets: £17.50 (standing only). They are available from www.thefactory venue.co.uk, www.northdevontheatres.org.uk or 01271 324242. Source North Devon Journal: http://www.northdevonjournal.co.uk/Reggae-Legend-Lee-Scratch-Perry-play-Factory/story-20833904-detail/story.html Riding high on the success of its Pepsi Music campaign, the drink company has inked a deal with Konshens, one of dancehall biggest and brightest stars. Konshens's musical career began in 2005 while he was working with his brother, Delus, in the duo Sojah, but it was not until the release of his first solo effort, Winner, that the reggae and dancehall community really began recognising his talent. The messages in this song rang true for many Jamaicans and it became an instant hit. Over the years, the artiste has been building an arsenal of hits, includingThis Means Money, Good Girl Gone Bad featuring Tarrus Riley, andRealest Song. He has performed on almost every major reggae show across the world and has racked up several awards. Ideal choice According to Carla Hollingsworth, brand manager, Pepsi, Konshens was the ideal choice. "Konshens is an extremely talented, ambitious, young entertainer. He has shown his skill on the stage, and in musical circles he has demonstrated professionalism and dedication, some of the attributes that we like to see here at Pepsi," Hollingsworth said. "He will be a part of the relaunch of our Pepsi Bubbla campaign which we are ecstatic about. We will also have Konshens as the face of the Pepsi Music Platform in Jamaica. To celebrate this major signing, Pepsi Jamaica will be reintroducing Pepsi Bubbla at $50 for a limited time," Hollingsworth explained. Source the gleaner: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140320/ent/ent2.html Kingston, Jamaica - Two of Reggae music's emergent leaders have gifted their fans what they have been anticipating for the better part of two years. The new record titled “Who Knows” is an indomitable combination of Protoje's lyrical prowess and Chronixx's mesmerizing melodies. “Who Knows” is the first official single from Protoje's third studio album, scheduled for release in September 2014. The song is an anthem for the free spirited, unrestricted by the opinions of others and the perception of inadequacy. DJ and selector extraordinaire, David Rodigan, premiered “Who Knows” on BBC's IXtra last month, and the record has been in consistent rotation on international and home-grown radio stations ever since. In his verses, Protoje exposes the illusion of poverty, highlighting the irony that hunger plagues the city when, “food deh down a country just a drop off a the tree them.” The chorus, penned by producer Phillip “Winta” James and delivered by Chronixx, illuminates the joys of living simply, and the inner peace resulting from surrender to life's ebb and flow. Sharing insight into their early conversations, which began as far back as 2010, Protoje recalled, “Chronixx and myself, from the first day we met, have talked about doing music together when the time was right. The stars have now aligned.” Production on “Who Knows” is another testimony to the evolving genius of James, who has been setting a high standard this past year, with projects including the Rootsman and Militancy Riddims. James is also the main producer of Protoje's third album, which will be released on the newly incorporated Indiggnation Collective label. “This is my first collaboration with Oje. Winta and Oje are geniuses, and the result brings I and I a great joy," Chronixx declared. “Music that teaches gratitude and self-sufficiency is especially relevant in these times.” Protoje and Chronixx have toured extensively with their respective bands, The Indiggnation and Zincfence Redemption, commanding the attention of audiences globally. “Who Knows” is currently available on iTunes, and the official music video will be released on April 8. South Florida Caribbean News.com: http://sflcn.com/story.php?id=13331 Steel Pulse will be delighting the state of Colorado, with their upcoming tour encompassing Telluride, Aspen, Denver, Boulder and Vail. The Grammy winners have been a roots-reggae favorite since their start in the mid 70s, which makes this five day stop in Colorado that much more gratifying. While the band members have transitioned over the years, David Hinds will always cherish the early musicians that started the group. “The originals are the ones that helped introduce our music to the world and will always be credited for that.“ And today’s band is a beautiful version of that prototype with maximum talent. Touching on politics and controversial issues has brought about both constructive and unfavorable attention, emotions that are welcomed by the band. Their songs, Vote Barrack Barrack and Paint it Black were in the eye of the storm due to the promotion and support of America’s first black president. But if you think the bickering among their fans caused them to put a stop to their passionate political side, think again. Source 303 magazine.com: http://303magazine.com/2014/03/steel-pulse-reggae-legends-visit-colorado/ Birmingham reggae band 1EYE hope to have netted a winner with their official 2014 Word Club anthem, England. The reggae-inspired football song is backed by celebrities including Boardwalk Empire actors Steve Graham and Hannah Walters, as well as former UB40 frontman Ali Campbell. 1EYE members and football personalities were filming a video to accompany the track at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium this week. The eight-piece band is made up of members from Birmingham and the Black Country. Listen to 1EYE's England here The song is set to be officially-released early next month. For every track that is downloaded on iTunes and Google Play, 20p will be donated to Cancer Research UK. A band spokesman said the song had already inspired a cult following, similar to the impact of the Fat Les tune Vindaloo, which became a big favourite with England supporters in 1998. The spokesman said: “We decided to create an anthem for the World Cup because it is one of few international events that truly brings all walks of life together. “For us it celebrates modern English culture and will hopefully appeal to the everyday man and woman, we hope that England supporters will embrace ‘England’ as their soundtrack for the World Cup. in the same way that Vindaloo became a favourite.” The official launch for England will take place on April 3 at The Jam House in St Paul’s Square, Birmingham. Source Birmingham Mail: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-reggae-band-1eye-net-6841131 Vybz Kartel's guilty verdict last Thursday has had far-reaching impact. The presence of international rapper Busta Rhymes for the trial is testament to that. Others in the entertainment industry in the United States, particularly in New York, have taken note of the case, and here is what they had to say. André Porter, writer: I am proud of the Jamaican justice system for a guilty verdict as it sends a strong message to those who idolise the wrong things. Although I am a fan of his music, I do not support his actions. Hopefully, artistes will stop trying to live the negative messages in their songs and start promoting quality music to motivate and inspire others. Kshoya, artiste and 'Teacher's Pet' participant: I am truly lost for words at this time. I am so deeply sorry to hear the outcome of the court case with Kartel. Our project, 'Teacher's Pet', was the last project we worked on together before the case. I will always be his friend. He can count on Kshoya anytime. Maddadan, recording artiste: It's sad to see such a talented artiste incarcerated. In a way, dancehall will not be the same, but a wave of new talent is waiting to take the stage, ready to be seen and heard. Deaullo Perry, drummer: No man is above the law. He broke the law as the evidence showed, and he was found guilty. Sorry, World Boss. Donovan Longmore, reggae radio jock: It's a shame to see such a good artiste with so much talent wasted on ignorance and stupidity. Kartel could have taken dancehall music to the next level and put Jamaica on the Grammy platform, but he blew it. Rocky Heslop, fashion model: If you do the crime, you do the time. Laza Morgan, recording artiste: As a colleague and fellow artiste, I feel for him. But I ask Jah to protect him in his endeavours, and I will pray for him in the hopes that he makes the most of this new journey. Rob Kenner, reggae critic/writer: This is a sad juncture in reggae. Kartel is a certified lyrical genius whose legacy looms large over dancehall music. The future of dancehall will be built on the foundations he helped to lay down. But given other contemporary trends in reggae, important currents like Chronixx and Tessanne Chin, time will tell if dancehall will, in due course, shed its rough edge. Source the Gleaner: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140317/ent/ent6.html KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Almost three months after winning the Season 5 instalment of NBC’s The Voice competition, Jamaican songbird Tessanne Chin will is booked to perform in the tri-state area when she headlines the first Oracabessa Festival -- 'A Celebration Of Caribbean Culture' -- at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2014. Other announced performers include Beenie Man, Konshens and Assassin. "We are just thrilled to have the opportunity to present Tessanne to her fans in her very first, full length performance in the tri-state area," said event organizer Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam radio. "Irie Jam radio has had a long relationship with Tessanne and her sister Tami. We were strong supporters during her journey on 'The Voice', encouraging radio listeners to vote each week," he noted. "She is an extremely talented singer and the sky is the limit in terms of what she can achieve in the music industry." Tessanne's anticipated performance in New York is expected to attract large support from her Caribbean fan base as well as garner mainstream attention, a news release from I rie Jam radio said Thursday. The ‘Hideaway’ singer has been a regular fixture on American television since her first appearance on The Voice last September. Shortly after her victory, she was interviewed in New York by Matt Lauer of NBC's Today Show. She also appeared on the Kathie Lee & Hoda show, Live with Kelly & Michael, Access Hollywood, and New York Live. On New Year’s Day, she was back on NBC, this time making an appearance at the popular Rose Bowl in California. Her last performance in the USA was on March 6th in Washington DC where she was a special guest of US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama at the "White House: Women of Soul" concert where she delivered a scintillating performance of the Donna Summer classic ‘Last Dance’. The programme, which will be broadcast April 7 on PBS, included performances by Melissa Etheridge, Aretha Franklin, Ariana Grande, Janelle Monáe, and Jill Scott. Source The Jamaica Observer: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Tessanne-Chin-to-show-off-her--Voice--at-New-York-outdoor-festival -Octane debuts at number four on Billboard's Reggae Album chart with the just released My Journey, the follow-up to 2012's Crying to the Nation which opened at number six. My Journey is largely produced by Andre 'DJ Frass' Gordon and distributed by Tad's Record. The 16-track set was officially launched March 6 at the Triple Century club in New Kingston. It includes the songs Time Will Come, A Yah wi Deh (with Ky-Mani Marley) and Lighters Up (with Alaine). Source The Jamaica Observer http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Good-start-to-Octane-s--Journey-_16258688 An audience including Sir Michael Caine, Colin Firth, Damian Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter and Mike Skinner from The Streets was delighted by the feelgood tunes from Jimmy Cliff, UB40 refugees Ali Campbell and Astro and reggae’s finest rhythm section Sly and Robbie Save The Children's yearly A Night Of gala raises money for the charity (an extraordinary £1.4 million last night) and brings together collaboration-friendly artists from a specific genre. 2014 is reggae’s year, and after a meal and speeches (newscaster Jon Snow wore a rasta hat and sang the Ugandan national anthem; surprisingly well, as it happened), the concert began at a school-night unfriendly 11.30pm. No matter, to the delight of an audience including Sir Michael Caine (who lasted until the 1am finish), Colin Firth, Damian Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter and Mike Skinner from The Streets, the evening involved a rum cross-section of intermingling artists. There were the titans Jimmy Cliff, UB40 refugees Ali Campbell and Astro, plus reggae’s finest rhythm section Sly and Robbie. There was the revered Ernest Ranglin and Dawn Penn; British stalwarts Brinsley Forde (Aswad and Double Deckers) and Maxi Priest as well as the relatively unknown Elli Ingram and Max Stone. They all sang for the world’s children’s suppers and there were three songs from Suggs, who has yet to make a reggae record though It Must Be Love felt right. Wisely, the acts tapped into the feelgood factor and mostly stuck to up-tempo hits. Best came last with the diminutive Cliff, who wore a tinfoil top, pink cap and red trainers without entirely sacrificing his dignity and rattled through You Can Get it if You Really Want, Many Rivers to Cross and the ensemble finale The Harder they Come. Before that, teenager Ingram trundled through My Boy Lollipop with 81-year-old guitarist Ranglin, who played on Millie’s 1963 version, while Priest was so energetic his near-disappearance this century becomes more baffling still and, on an evening full of joy and an artistic and commercial success, drummer Sly Dunbar outcooled everyone by wearing his now-customary hard hat. The bar has been raised for 2015. Source London Evening Standard: http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/music/a-night-of-reggae-for-save-the-children-roundhouse--music-review-9189247.html |