Federation Family scores a win with its groovy soca smash “Ruction” by Bless Eye, now available worldwide from all major digital retailers(released on May 20, 2016), from Fox Fuse.“Ruction” was penned by Cordel “Bless Eye” Dunnah and produced by Montserrat-based producer, Dmitri “DJ Tula” Tuitt.

Founded by Antiguan entertainer Karl “Fucha Kid” Edwards, Federation Family is home to a number of local dancehall and soca acts from Antigua. The label seeks to cultivate new talent in its homeland, and thereby deliver diverse and exciting music to the international audience.

“Ruction” was crafted for the 2016 Antigua Carnival season, which is currently underway in Antigua. It is already a massive fan favorite and is currently enjoying heavy rotation on radio and playlists in Antigua. “We’re thrilled for the response the track is receiving from fans and happy to work with Bless Eye to bring this now to people across the world, so they can also get a taste of our Antigua Carnival and music,” adds Edwards.

When Trinidad and Tobago radio DJs and personalities make the utterance; “local artistes aren’t releasing music as frequently as they should,” it’s not completely true. While the urban airwaves are awash with dancehall choruses and hip hop verses, numerous Trinidad and Tobago entertainers are throwing their contributions into the foray, hopeful that their music will be given the time of day. One of those artistes is K Kay. Still on the grind, never for a second thinking a negative thought about his music career, the Tobago artiste has again delivered, and his latest single is a collaborative effort with T&T hip hop artiste, Tim Star.

The new track, “Questions,” was produced by Digital Reign of Hive Studio, and K Kay says he dedicates the song to his fiancée- something rarely done. He’s excited about his future with the young woman he calls his soul mate and wants the world to know. In a music world where being a single male entertainer makes more sense, K Kay may certainly be placing himself at a disadvantage, but he says he won’t allow his career to outshine or displace his relationship. His music has been at the forefront of his life journey for quite some time and throughout the ups and downs, the woman he calls his ride or die has been at his side. For that, he’s grateful and yearns to express his appreciation in any way that he can.

In Trinidad and Tobago K Kay points out that strong relationships seem few and far apart. “Our society lacks love nowadays and it seems like we fear that expression at times. I sometimes wonder if we even understand the meaning of love anymore,” he said, adding that his hope for the youths is that they see more love being expressed by their parents and other elders in society, so that in turn, they will grasp the true meaning of showing love to others.

The new single, out in May, hears background vocals by T&T’s Jason ‘Fridge’ Seecharan, and KKay especially salutes Phillip Carter for his work on keys. The single, like most of the Tobago artiste’s work, is attached to VPAL Music, an affiliate of VP Records. This time around KKay substituted local mastering for an international touch, calling on Texas based, Big Label Mastering to do the job. He’s also been working closely with former manager to soca heavyweight Bunji Garlin, Ian Pantin, on marketing methods for his music, something he says he’s confident will work favorably.

In 2009, VPAL Soca was launched. VPAL’S general manager, Donovan Williams, recently mentioned to the Jamaica Observer that K Kay along with other T&T acts like Machel Montano, Pternsky, Tony Prescott, Shurwayne Winchester and others from across the region, would see their music distributed through VP’s network of 600 online and mobile destinations in 100 territories. It’s certainly a good look for Soca music, and for K Kay, a less popular artiste on the circuit, it’s a breakthrough to the global music scene many would never have seen coming. “I know my time will come. For that reason, I’ve never given up. I never will,” he said.

Trinidadian-based hit house Blackstarr Productionz pulsates with its latest compilation Jumbie Jab Riddim, now available worldwide from all major digital retailers. This new collection of soca hits was released for the 2016 Trinidad Carnival season and is now available globally, to soca fans everywhere.

The Jumbie Jab Riddim boasts nine tracks, spewing native Grenadian jab jab flavors that include breakout soca sensation Semonita with her provocative ladies anthem “Possie,” Tallpree with“We Dirty,” Mr. Killa and Mr. Legz HT with “Party Bad,” and 2016 International Soca Monarch finalists Cloud 5 with “Invasion.”

Producer Arnold Noel has been composing hits for four years now and captains Blackstarr Productionz. “I believe what makes my music different is the use of tones from different genres combined together to create a dynamic sound” said Noel. This fusion of sounds from Trinidad and Grenada is evident on the Jumbie Jab Riddim and wins new fans for the budding studio.

TRACK LIST

1. Semonita – Possie
2. Tallpree – We Dirty
3. Terri Lyons – Careless
4. Mr. Killa & Mr. Legz HT – Party Bad
5. Loose Cannon – Watch Meh
6. Bada Dan – Different
7. Cloud 5 – Invasion
8. Bazuka & Militant – Jam & Jab
9. Slammer Cutter – Flame On

Derek Pereira

World-renowned producer, performer and deejay Derek Pereira and his TRON imprint transform soca music globally with the hit compilation album – R.R. Rhythm (released January 22, 2016). Born in San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago, Pereira cultivated his musical empire first as a deejay with his own sound system known as X-Caliber Sound, which was established in 1998. This was followed by his inevitable progression as a soca artist (scoring his breakout hit “Millennium Wine” on the Voodoo Riddim back in 2001), known to fans as Dawg E. Slaughter or Mr. Slaughter, and he has been entertaining universal audiences both as a deejay and artist, ever since.

Pereira’s contribution to Caribbean music on an international scale further evolved as he started producing music, first as an executive producer then co-producer with the ideas but not the full engineering knowledge, which he eventually learned by enrolling at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), where he graduated from an advanced certification course in Music Technology. This knowledge nurtured Pereira’s production skills and helped him compose the most popular soundtrack for the 2016 Trinidad Carnival season, the R.R. Rhythm. One could not walk the streets in Trinidad and Tobago without hearing the hit tracks spawned from the R.R. Rhythm, from boomboxes on bikes and vendor stalls, on personal playlists and radio in passing vehicles, and in the clubs or at fetes and festivals during Trinidad Carnival. A true music veteran as a deejay, artist and producer, and with his fingers on the pulse of soca music, the R.R. Rhythm catapults Pereira and his TRON production house to instant stardom.

After eyeing Trinidad and Tobago’s musical landscape for “quite some time” VP Records through its sub label VP Associated Label (VPAL) has embarked on initiatives to provide distribution services for Trinidad and Tobago producers, label operators and artistes. Since VPAL’s launch in 2009, the indie sub-label has partnered and continues to partner with numerous artistes and producers throughout the world. Its main focus is to provide small label operators, producers and independent artistes access to diverse markets through distribution opportunities.

VPAL through the established distribution channels of VP Records has access to over 600 online and mobile destinations in over 100 territories. One can expect nothing short of upheld agreements and delivery from a brand that is an extension of one of the largest independent record labels for Caribbean Music, specifically Reggae and Dancehall. The obvious interest in Trinidad and Tobago creations and creators is quite understandable as the label recognized the existing talent pool that is seeking access to larger markets. Donovan Williams, Senior Label Manager at VPAL is enthusiastic about the recent signing of Trinbagonian talents, he shared, “The music industry is changing daily and the services we offer is locked in with those changes, we have the resources to market and promote worldwide, therefore which allows our clients to compete globally with their music.”

RKG, Tim Starr, Shurwayne Winchester, Ravi B, Saleem Beharry, Chris Garcia, Sally Sagram, Tony Prescott, K Kay Joseph, Adesh Samaroo, Jadel, Chef Jason, Nari Raghubir, Jesh Ramnanan, O’Neil Bhajman, Rishi Singh, Rooplal G, Terry Seales, Soca Elvis, Andy Singh, Calypso Rose, Mighty Sparrow and others will all benefit from distribution opportunities through VPAL Music. To be even more specific to Trinidad and Tobago VPAL extended its business to a recently established division; VPAL Soca. While focusing on the talent available in the twin island republic the most popular genre would not be neglected. Of the aforementioned names many have been assigned to the Soca division joining the likes of Teddyson John, Alison Hinds and others.

The agreement between VPAL and artiste, producers and small label owners is simple and straight forward. A percentage of what is earned is maintained by VPAL, promotional assistance is provided and access to distribution channels that is difficult for the average artiste to obtain. It is VPAL’s hope that through these agreements and opportunities the genre of Soca and Trinibagonian artistes, producers and label owners will achieve success in their musical endeavors.