American blues legend Alice Stuart performs for the second year consecutively at the Bermuda Folk Club in front of one the largest crowds in Folk Club history, May 12, 2012. She is seen here (video clip #1) performing the classic ‘Hard Time Killing Floor Blues’ by Skip James accompanied by local harmonica player Neil Burnie.
From the Bermuda Folk Club to the “Folk” down @ the Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge, singer-songwriter Alice Stuart was perhaps the first “tropical storm” of the season for the island! In video clip #2 Alice can be seen jamming with the Chewstick band, May 20th, 2012.
Alice Stuartalicestuart.com
RG Article: Vocal dexterity and clarity from a Blues legend
Quency Phillips, the Engine behind Fuzion Artist & Athlete Management, Fuzion Entertainment & FAMLife, is host Cha’Von K. Clarke‘s guest of honour during the 7th episode of On the Couch Variety & Talk Show @ the Deep Lounge & Nightclub.
At the time of his On The Couch appearance Quency was in Bermuda representing and managing Fuzion’s sponsorship of the The 2012 Lime Carifta Games.
Fuzion Athlete Management’s (FAM) initial involvement on the island with Bermudian football icon David Bascome and The Hope4Life Foundation has continued to grow and prosper into other equally important collaborations and initiatives; The Ultimate Bermuda Experience, The Bermuda Musical Festival, The Middle School Summit … to name a few.
Quency has granted BermudaStream this exclusive look into just exactly what was going through his mind as he found himself “put on the spot” as the only judge in a mini X Factor BDA!
Quency Phillips(Owner/Ceo Fuzion Athelete & Artist Management)
First, let me start off by saying that I enjoyed my time at “On The Couch.”
Cha’Von Clarke is doing a great job with the evolution of the show, and the opportunity she is providing to Bermuda.
Same goes to Bermuda Sports Network for their support in making the show a reality.
Now to the episode.
Segment 1:
Hindsight is 20/20, and what I realized is that doing something like that is VERY difficult. You have to establish the bar based on what you see – but I’m getting ahead of myself a bit. Let me set the table a bit. I was TIRED. Let me repeat. I was TIRED. That pretty much showed, as well as me not having a haircut in far too long!
Anyway, the first segment flowed. I liked the overall interaction we had in this segment. I didn’t get questions or anything like that prior to stepping on the set, so it truly was exactly how you saw it. As I tell the artists and athletes that I manage – if you’re prepared, you’re always ready. All I did prior to sitting in front of the host was listen to music. I had some nerves, but they quickly went away. I tried to inflect a bit of humor to loosen up the crowd as well, as that’s a big part of my personality.
Segment 2:
So, it all begins. The first rapper was J-Silva. Some things happened where his music was off, but as I told him, never let it show to the audience. He was ruined before he began, in my opinion. I cringed during his entire performance.
Hazwasn’t too bad. From what I heard, he has a song on the radio in Bermuda. He was nervous, he was pitchy, but he kept going. I hope he continues with the music. I had to throw a few jokes in there to loosen the artists and the crowd up a bit. Haz, it was all in fun!
Marissa Trott (BYGT Auditons Week 2) was next. I felt her nerves, but here’s a situation where you can tell an artist is just starting out. With a vocal coach, and more confidence I believe she could find her sound. I would look at her as a pop artist, though, and she has an unique look. When I watched her perform, I paid more attention to her entire package. With some grooming, I’d love to see how she evolves. I believe she was only 13 or 14, so she has time on her side – dedication is next.
Imari came through and performed like a seasoned emcee. I liked her vibe, style, flow, etc. This was a positive moment for the show. This was the first artist that I felt could actually perform right now somewhere. I can’t wait to see more from her.
Angelis Hunt – man. Arguably the most difficult critique of the show. He needs a vocal coach asap, but that’s not a bad thing. He’s basically been teaching himself through church how to sing. In our industry, we know what singing in the church can do to your voice (positive and negative). He tried a few runs, high and low notes, etc, that he wasn’t equipped to sing, but I do feel a vocal coach can help him. I’d love to hear him after a year of training. Shoutout to Angelis, though, as I’ve seen him a couple times since this performance in Bermuda.
Segment 3:
King Infamus set it off. I think I said all that I needed to say. This is probably the most popular critique of the show based on the feedback I’ve received.
Marvo was cool. He’s a spoken word artist, so it’s hard to critique in that type of setting. He was passionate, and that was the biggest thing that I walked away with from his performance.
Blac was my favorite performance for the entire show. He killed it from start to finish. Got the crowd involved, had a catchy hook, switched his flow up throughout the song, showed poise and confidence – man, he delivered. I’ve talked w/ Blac a lot since this show, and I believe he’s the best I’ve heard from Bermuda.
Cindy Smith is powerful. That’s where it starts and ends w/ me. She took us to church. That’s a hard genre to break into, but she does have a strong voice. Best vocal performance of the night.
Kombat ended the show well. Second favorite performance for me. He also controlled the crowd, was confident, had a great song choice, and just had an overall good vibe on the stage. Another artist that I would be willing to work with.
Overall, I do realize that there is more talent in Bermuda, and I’m focused on providing a support system and structure for artists coming from Bermuda.
It starts with the “In The Lab: Industry Series” workshop which will be held on June 9th. Stay tuned to www.facebook.com/TheQueAgency for more information. It will be FREE to all of Bermuda! It’ll provide a taste of what the industry is truly about.
Bermuda’s own Rachel Brown hosts the Bermuda Stage of “The World Wide Rebel Tour;” a virtual tour spanning the entire planet.
“No one has ever toured 42 countries in one day. Until now. From Malawi to Myanmar, from Uzbekistan to the U.S.A., people’s voices and struggles have made their way into my music.
On May 1st, I’m returning the favor with this global rebel rocking throwdown. Free. Everywhere. May Day. What is the World Wide Rebel Tour? Remember that old Coca-Cola commercial? ‘I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony…?’ It’s like THAT…but with class warfare.” – Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman
The 30-minute documentary was directed by Bobby Roth and was filmed at Henson Studios in Los Angeles in August of 2011. The film features a Q&A with Morello, mixed with live performances of “Black Spartacus Heart Attack Machine,” “Save The Hammer For The Man,” “It Begins Tonight,” and “World Wide Rebel Songs,” all selections featured on his acclaimed 2011 The Nightwatchman album World Wide Rebel Songs.
There are 42 country-specific versions of the documentary. The country-specific version features an interviewer (Bermuda’s Rachel Brown) asking Tom questions in their native language including 1 question unique to that country and only available on that version. Tom answers are subtitled in the native language.
Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman – Save The Hammer For The Man I hurt the gentlest souls, I robbed my wife and sonI turned my back on troubles, troubles I’d begun I cut a swath of pain and loss through the hallways of my home In the quiet of my room I know the things I’ve done Save the hammer for the man, save the hammer for the man It’s the calling of the wretched, It’s the rising of the damned Save the hammer for the man I was driven from the city, in the wilderness I stand In the cleansing rain in silence, I made my battle plan Alone I marched towards freedom, leaving footprints across the land With the vow that’s left unspoken, save the hammer for the man Save the hammer for the man, save the hammer for the man You’re never too far down the wrong road To turn back and change your plan Save the hammer for the man I leaned against the hot and bothered wind beneath a hateful rain Politics and apocalypse all begin to look the same For price of my redemption will mean the end of many things The ransom for my soul the blood of generals and kings Save the hammer for the man, save the hammer for the man I’ve sinned and I have suffered, And it feels good in my hands Save the hammer for the man I was driven from the city, in the wilderness I stand
Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman – Save The Hammer For The Man In the cleansing rain in silence, I made my battle plan I’ll whisper words of freedom, I will swing hard as I can Lord knows the time is coming, let’s keep the hammer for the man Save the hammer for the man, save the hammer for the man If the fire’s hot enough Iron and steel will bend Save the hammer for the man Save the hammer for the man Save the hammer for the man I will whisper words of freedom, I’ll swing hard as I can Save the hammer for the man I’lll whisper words of freedom I’ll swing hard as I can
Sign Of the Times from Clinark’s Journey To Foreign Album – Filmed on Location in England by DOF Films UK directed by Chris Cargil.
PRESS RELEASE – 18 November 2008
Album: Clinark: ‘Journey to Foreign’ UK & Europe Release Date 24th Nov 2008.
Album: ‘Journey to Foreign’
Artist: Clinark: Bermudian/UK solo artist, singer/song writer/producer
Featuring, Gramps Morgan & Peter Heritage (of Morgan Heritage), Richie Spice, Irie Love, Maxi Priest, Luciano, Fantan Mojah, Kofi, & Troy Anthony & Brinsley Forde (Aswad)
Style: Reggae – Modern Roots, Culture & Lovers Rock, New Ska
Label: Nurture Projects (Indie) UK
Europe Release Date 24 November 2008 , Album Release ( Bermuda ) Date: 30 September 2008
Production by Dillie @Stingray, Mafia & Fluxy & Nurture Projects
Includes: ‘Life in the Ghetto Remix Feat Gramps & Peter Morgan’ ‘Angel Eyes’ & Clinark’s ‘Dem Come’ Remix
Clinark’s ‘Journey to Foreign’ album is out Now on CD and mp3 download. This long awaited debut album is set to be a classic Roots & Culture album. Also feat. Richie Spice, Luciano, Maxi Priest, Kofi, Brinsley Forde (Aswad) and Irie Love,Troy Anthony, FantanMojah and Gramps & Peter Morgan. ‘Clinark said ‘ ‘Wow, its been a great 4 year struggle to bring the album out, Mafia & Fluxy and Dillie at Stingray, helped me to produce something so amazing, with all the musicians and artists that believed in me and worked on the project, I feel that they really understood my work and brought it out at its best.’
Copies are available in shops and from our sister site Riviera Roots Wear.com in the UK, ErnieB’s in USA www.ebreggae.com or www.cdbaby. It is also available on digital download on various sites including iTunes, Napster, Amazon, Emusic and many more. The main distributor in Europe is cousinsrecords.com.
More info Please check out the official fan site of Clinark – The Reggae Torch www.clinark.com
Extra
Journey to Foreign Album Music Video
Music Video with Clinark, Gramps Morgan & Peter Heritage
‘Life in the Ghetto’ to be released on 24th October. (Filmed on location in UK -Walthamstow, Stingray Studios, Perivale & Edmonton, and London).
Music Video with Clinark & Irie Love for ‘It’s True’ song on the album. (Filmed on location in UK & Bermuda )Release Date: December 2008.
‘Journey to Foreign ‘Release Party took place in Bermuda on Sat 4th October at Snorkel Park.
Bermuda born Reggae Artist, Clinark, serenaded Bermuda with strong vibes at the release party of his debut studio album ‘Journey to Foreign’ at Snorkel Park. Clinark said ‘I am truly honoured to have such support from the top artists in the industry. I am amazed at that I my work has achieved this level of support , it was hard work that has now paid off , with the feedback alone I am full up’ With a wealth of artists turning out to support Clinark’s landmark achievement in the history of Bermuda’s musical heritage. We had Gramps & Peter Heritage of top international reggae band , Morgan Heritage and beautiful Hawaiian & Jamaican songstress Irie Love, all flying in to perform collaborations on the album. . The set was played in DJ Magic of Souljah One. So to did we have Bermudian super talent, Troy Anthony and stepping up in support was FireKid, BuckWild and RasYohannes
Spredluv’s “Bermuda Day In London” aims to celebrate and promote Bermudian culture, heritage and history through music, cuisine, and more. Each year the festival continues to grow and this year (2012)
with the additional space of the West Yard along with Lockside Lounge there was plenty of room in which to sample a taste of Bermuda throughout the day with authentic Bermudian Cuisine being served off the BBQ including jerk chicken and cod fish cakes with lashings of potato salad and peas and rice on the side, and of course Bermuda’s favourite cocktails – Rum Swizzle and Dark & Stormy. N.B The Lounge stocks a range of Goslings Rum among their amazing collection of worldwide liquors!
The party continued day & night with live music from Bermudian artists
“Bermuda Day Celebrations” is a family friendly event with a Family & Kids Area, Traditional Bermuda Kite Making, a Limbo Competition, Merchandise Stalls, Games & much more …
“Spredluv” is a London based music and creative arts collective that aims to provide a platform for emerging artist from the U.K. and Abroad. With the use of live music events and related events, we bring people together through our events that feature all aspects of our artistic and musical talents.With a collective of artist, designers, poets, rappers, singers, musicians and Djs, our aim is to combine a number of talents on various platforms, thus developing events that further expand the boundaries by offering something that’s fresh and vibrant with a real family feel to it. The journey continues…”
Spredluv’s “Bermuda Day In London” aims to celebrate and promote Bermudian culture, heritage and history through music, cuisine, and more. Each year the festival continues to grow and this year (2012)
with the additional space of the West Yard along with Lockside Lounge there was plenty of room in which to sample a taste of Bermuda throughout the day with authentic Bermudian Cuisine being served off the BBQ including jerk chicken and cod fish cakes with lashings of potato salad and peas and rice on the side, and of course Bermuda’s favourite cocktails – Rum Swizzle and Dark & Stormy. N.B The Lounge stocks a range of Goslings Rum among their amazing collection of worldwide liquors!
The party continued day & night with live music from Bermudian artists
“Bermuda Day Celebrations” is a family friendly event with a Family & Kids Area, Traditional Bermuda Kite Making, a Limbo Competition, Merchandise Stalls, Games & much more …
“Spredluv” is a London based music and creative arts collective that aims to provide a platform for emerging artist from the U.K. and Abroad. With the use of live music events and related events, we bring people together through our events that feature all aspects of our artistic and musical talents.With a collective of artist, designers, poets, rappers, singers, musicians and Djs, our aim is to combine a number of talents on various platforms, thus developing events that further expand the boundaries by offering something that’s fresh and vibrant with a real family feel to it. The journey continues…”
In this up close and personal video clip Bermudian singer/songwriter Devaune Rattery takes us behind the scenes into his world of studio music production.
Devaune is currently working on the release of his debut EP with Downtown Artists in London, England.
Here we see him in the studio working with his “transylvanian” mix master 🙂 on the yet to be released piece “Lay it on the line.” Devaune talks about the song and its Bermuda reggae music influence. He also shows us what it means to be in the hands of true professionals.
“Get to know you better” was released just over a month ago, which, together with what little we have heard from Devaune, truly seems to be shaping up for a starbuster debut!
UK Riots 2011 spawn Clinark’s New Single ‘ Babylon City.’
Clinark sends out his message for the youth, with the song ‘Babylon City’ released on iTunes on 20 April 2012.
Bermuda born Clinark now lives in Edmonton, North London. He saw first hand the devastation last year’s riots had on his local community and nearby Tottenham.
I had the Crisis Riddim sent to me by Sam Gilly at the House of Riddim several months ago and I just had the chorus, ‘Can’t you see what a gwan in Babylon City.’ As I watched the riots unfold on the TV last summer, I immediately thought of this song. When I passed through the affected areas, seeing that whole buildings had to be torn down, I was shocked. I just felt able to finish this song with those images in mind. It is a dire warning that we need to focus on our children’s well-being, more than ever, to safeguard the future and all need to communicate better. – Clinark
Clinark is currently nominatied for Best Newcomer by public vote on Britreggae.com by the British Reggae Industy Awards (BRIA) 2012..Clinark ‘s current album ‘Journey to Foreign – Deluxe Edition ‘( 2011) is also nominatied for Best British Album by BRIA for his acclaimed classic Roots, Culture and Lovers Rock album updated from (2008 ) to include 20 Dubs. Clinark ‘s self penned album includes collaborations on some of the songs with Maxi Priest, Richie Spice, Luciano, Kofi, Brinsley Forde (Aswad) Irie Love,Fantan Mojah and Gramps & Peetah Heritage. His song ‘Better Tomorrow’ feat Maxi Priest won Clinark a nomination as Song of the Year .
Clinark also achieved prominence for his album of Tribute to Michael Jackson – A legend and a Warrior (2010) .This includes the 2 singles ‘Smile’ and ‘ I’ll Be There.’‘ This work is also again nominated for a BRIA in the Best Brit Album category which is still open for fans to vote at Brit Reggae.com.
Babylon City Credits:
Song words by Clinark (C.Dill) & J L Edwards ,Nurture Projects Music Publishers 2012. (Administered by Jack Russel Music) Crisis Riddim by Sam Gilly (Edition Rootdown/Premium Blend Music Productions/Warner Chappell) (C) 20 12
Mixed and Mastered at Blu Pro Studios by John Webber
Music Produced by Sam Gilly at House of Riddim, Austria,
Trumpet-Hannes “Paba” Kerschner,Trombone-Markus Hoffmann, Sax-Claus Teufel, Keyboards-Christoph Richter,Keyboards-Parvez Syed, Guitar-Herb Pirker, Guitar-Tom Benneckem, Bass-Manfred Scheer, Drums-Sam Gilly
Proud to be Bermudian is a song written in 2010 by Bermudian songwriter / producer John Woolridge and performed by a number of local artists. – Gene Steede, Shine Hayward, Taylor Rankin, Eric Bean, Ronald Lightbourne, Nadanja Bailey, Mia Chambray , Ronnie Lopes – The song carries a strong message of national unity in what are presented as “not our best days.”
