Mellow moods from Richie Spice on Soothing Sounds: Acoustic

Roots reggae singer Richie Spice takes his music to another level with the release of his highly anticipated sixth album, Soothing Sounds: Acoustic.

Touted as a collector’s item, this acoustic set is a one-off departure from Spice’s norm, and, on a broader scale, a departure from the norm in reggae music itself. An acoustic set is no easy feat in reggae, and only a few artistes of this genre have attempted to offer a full length unplugged set such as this. However, with the excitement that Soothing Sounds: Acoustics has aroused, it is likely that we will be getting more albums like this from other reggae acts in the future. 

Interestingly, Richie Spice and his accomplished team – which includes talented producer Mitchum ‘Khan’ Chin, who doubles as guitarist; bass player Robbie Shakespeare (of Sly and Robbie fame) Bongo Herman and percussionists Denver Smith – make the production of an acoustic set look all too easy. The very first single, Free, embodied with strong lyrical content, haunting melodies and soothing sounds layered over harsh realities, intrigued the ears of hardened critics and fans alike and set the tone for Soothing Sounds: Acoustic.

On this album, Spice meanders through the hills and valley of reggae’s spirituality, boldly embracing the hard times, denouncing the ‘dirty system’, highlighting the good times and also speaking eloquently about love and loving. Steering his rich vocals through previously uncharted waters balanced with a guitar-driven instrumentation, Spice’s falsetto comes across clean and crisp, and the sounds are so soothing that even when Spice asks a tough, rhetoric question, the listener has no choice but to rewind track after track.

A complementary mix of tested and proven favourites interspersed with new offerings, the 15-track album transports songs from previous albums and inject them with new and different life. Among the remakes are A No Me Dat (Trulove); Boom (My Heart); Youth Dem Cold (Searching); Grooving My Girl (My Girl); All Day All Night (All Night); Spinning Around (Downside Up) and Rise (Get Up).

Among the stand-out tracks are, the lead singles Free and Crying, Heng On In Deh, All Night, Downside Up and Get Up. The final track, Agony, somehow introduces a different mood in what is otherwise a soothing, soulful, unplugged set.

Soothing Sounds: Acoustic was released on October 23 on the Tad’s Record imprint.

Teetimus Da Producer a.k.a. Rockstar Makes Vybz Kartel Pop in a “U.F.O. MEDZ!”

Established in his own right, Teetimus da producer is well known amongst music circles for his cutting edge sound and avante garde ear for matching artists with multi-genre sounds.  Teetimus’s newest project is no exception to this standard as he’s the first producer to make Vybz Kartel ‘pop!’

Merging Pop with Techno and a splash of electronic, Teetimus (as the producer) lays the musical groundwork for Vybz Kartel to deliver one of his most well received cross-over performances in the song called “U.F.O. MEDZ” which features the Dancehall King and Teetimus the Rockstar.

Recently released to the worlds’ most prominent DJ’s, initial feedback to the song exceeded the teams expectations.  “We knew the DJ’s were going to like the track” said Teetimus from his recording studio in New York, “but we didn’t expect it to be so well received by the Pop and Techno audience.  Vybz Kartel did a great job with the track – he really is dih teacha!”

For Vybz Kartel, shying away from a track so forward thinking for the Pop genre was not an option.  The artist recorded his vocals in Jamaica prior to incarceration and expressed that the Pop / Electronica sound will allow him to gain fans of a wider background.  “Teetimus approached me with this track and the result is great.  I stayed true to Dancehall while working with a new genre.  Fans are going to appreciate it.”

Already available on iTunes, the track has gained a lot of traction with sites such as Chromaticmag.com, Spotlightnow.com and Yardhype.com.  The preview, available on YouTube, is one of the most searched, marking another sign that the single is on deck to being a hit.

No stranger to success, Teetimus the Rockstar earned several accolades as the co-producer of Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley’s 2012 hit song “Affairs of the Heart,” Trey Songz “Ladies Gone Wild” and Mr. Vegas “Bruk It Dung,” and is in negotiations to produce a track for a very prominent and Grammy award winning female rapper.

About Teetimus Da Producer a.k.a. Rockstar:

Teetimus da producer is one of the most talented and versatile music producer’s, songwriter, and artist from out of Jamaica. He has established himself as has one of the most highly sought after Reggae, Hip Hop, and R&B producers both on the east coast and in Jamaica. His discography is very impressive and well respected within his musical genre, he has had the pleasure to serving up major artists with his unorthodox style of productions including:  Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, Sean Paul, Mr. Vegas, Busta Ryhmes, Mario Winans, LiL Kim, Chilli/T-Boyz, Jim Jones, Wayne Wonder, and of course, his own projects!

Teetimus's story begins at a early tender age when he was introduced to the drums by a well known local percussionist who owned and operated a small recording studio a few houses down from where he lived.  In order to say out of trouble he started visiting the studio more and more, constantly banging on the drums. “As far as I was concerned, I was playing the drums.  Musically I saw myself getting better at playing the drums; I felt I was born with this talent.  Soon after, I started questing to learn how to play other instruments including the keyboard, bass and acoustic guitar” said Teetimus when reflecting on his musical journey.

His fascination with the percussions continued throughout his youth and have earned and secured him a place in the Reggae and Hip Hop community as one of the most talented drummer and beatmakers, allowing him to tour the world with renowned Reggae artists like Shabba Ranks, Bounty Killer and even Sean Paul (before his international stardom).

When he’s not touring, Teetimus da producer is in the studio working on a project or master minding a hit song.  In the years he’s been producing, Teetimus da producer has contributed tracks to albums for:  Trey Songz (Chapter V), Lady Saw (Walk Out), Wayne Wonder (No Holding Back), Sean Paul (Trinity) Purple City (Diary Of A summer) and Busta Rhymes (It Ain’t Safe No More). Composing music has always been a way for Teetimus to express and channel his inner personal feelings.

Now having been around several of the worlds best recording artists, Teetimus feels the time is right to take on singing.  Working on the advice of his Mom, Teets as he is affectionately called his singing for the world!

 

Major Moves at Atlantic Records for 2012!

Aaron Bay-Schuck Named SVP, A&R, Atlantic Records Atlantic Records' Chairman & CEO, Craig Kallman, and Chairman & COO, Julie Greenwald, announced the promotion of Aaron Bay-Schuck to SVP, A&R, Atlantic Records. Bay-Schuck, who is based in the company's LA office, has been with Atlantic Records since 2004.  n making the announcement, Kallman and Greenwald said, "Aaron is an A&R talent, in the great tradition of Atlantic Records, who has artist development in his blood. He discovers unique voices and is passionately committed to their creativity and careers. Aaron has been such an integral part of Atlantic's success over the last eight years." Bay-Schuck added, "I look at the chance to do A&R not as a job but as a privilege; and an even greater privilege is to do it at Atlantic Records where the history and tradition of great songs and career artists is so deep-rooted. Craig and Julie have been extraordinary mentors and given me every opportunity to pursue my passion of making records and cultivating talent. I could not be more excited to begin this next chapter." Bay-Schuck, most recently VP of A&R at Atlantic, started his career at the label an A&R assistant. He has since signed Grammy-award winning performer, songwriter and producer Bruno Mars, whose debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, has been certified 39x platinum worldwide, sold more than five million albums and over 45 million singles to date, and generated two No. 1 Hot 100 hits. Bruno's hugely anticipated new album, Unorthodox Jukebox, is due for release on December 11th. Bay-Schuck has been integral to an array of career-defining hits including Flo Rida's "Right Round," B.o.B's "Nothin' On You," Travie McCoy's "Billionaire," and Cee Lo Green's "F**K You." He is also responsible for signing Sublime with Rome -- as well as Rome as a solo artist -- along with the new talents Trevor Jackson and Francesco Yates, who are both currently working on their debut albums. Since 2008, Bay-Schuck has contributed to cumulative sales of more than 65 million digital singles and 10 million alb ums worldwide since 2008.

Salaam Remi, Named the Executive VP of A&R at Sony Music Sony Music announced that Grammy Award winning producer, Salaam Remi, will be the new Executive VP of A&R at Sony Music. Remi has been an integral part of recent musical projects such as Miguel ("Kaleidoscope Dream"), Nas ("Life Is Good"), Amy Winehouse, Monica, Jazmine Sullivan and The Fugees. Today it's no secret that labels are tapping into a different talent pool since they started hiring producers such as Chris "Tricky" Stewart (Sr A&R post at Epic Records), No I.D. (EVP of A&R at Def Jam), and last month The-Dream (EVP of A&R for Def Jam).

Dallas Austin Named Senior VP of A&R at Island Records In the latest announcement of an established hitmaker scoring a top A&R role at a major label, the Island Def Jam Music Group announced today that veteran songwriter/producer Dallas Austin will be joining the company as a senior vice president, A&R for Island Records. Austin will be reporting directly to Barry Weiss, Chairman & CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown. Weiss described Austin as "a veteran who has been supplying chart hits to this industry for more than two decades, across multiple genres and around the world. Island Records is fortunate that such a coveted creative force is working with the company and its artists," he continued in a statement. "I am truly honored," Austin stated of his new appointment, which will see him writing and producing for current Island artists and also discovering and signing new talent. Over the years, Austin has scored hits with Madonna ("Secret"), Michael Jackson ("They Don't Care About Us [Remix]"), and Monica ("Don't Take It Personal [Just One Of Dem Days]"), among many others. More recently, Austin has worked with Gwen Stefani ("Cool"), Chris Brown ("Key 2 Your Heart"), and Carly Rae Jepsen ("Tiny Little Bows"). Austin might be best-known for his work with TLC and pop singer Pink. He worked extensively on the TLC albums FanMail (including the smash "Unpretty") and CrazySexyCool, both of which won a Grammy for Best R&B Album. Austin helped make Pink the star she is today by producing and sharing writing credits with the singer on "Don't Let Me Get Me" and "Just Like A Pill," two hit singles from her early album Mizzundastood.

Africa Wins Juice Comedy Cup and Wesleigh Hype Says "There's More!"

Hosted by Wesleigh Hype and his production team, Michael Blackson, Trixx, and Eddy King beat their West Indian contenders to win The Juice Comedy Cup held at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto last weekend!

The hotly contested show, which was judged by audience votes via text messaging and twitter in addition to Cabbie of TSN, MC Linx of G98.7FM and DJ Whitebwoy, featured the best and brightest comedic talent who competed for the Cup which is similar to a sports league competing for a coveted title!

Joyous over his teams win, Michael Blackson said "I really like the concept of the show, and am very pleased with the way the show was put together. I look forward to coming back to Toronto for Wesleigh's next show.  Africa will win again you Modda Suckas!" 

Jay Martin, Mark Trinidad and Blakka Ellis representing Team West Indies were proud of their performance and have no problem giving the first round to team Africa with a warning "next time oxtail will beat out fufu!"

The sold out show was the most talked about event on Toronto's urban social calendar.  When contacted after the show, Wes Hype said "I'm overwhelmed by the amount of positive feedback I have received since the end of the show from regular patrons to other promoters and comedians also. Two years ago I set out to fill what I felt was a void in Toronto's entertainment industry, and now I can see that goals accomplishment in the horizon."

Since the show, fans and comedians have been asking Wes via Twitter and email when the next event will be held.  The promoter shared that he has been contacted by well known comedians from the US and the West Indies which will see four to six shows staged in Toronto in 2013 called ‘The Rematch:  Africa v. West Indies.’  Plans may even include additional cities in Canada.

To keep up-to-date & receive presale opportunities and discounts with Juice Comedy Toronto / Wesleigh Hype Promotion events please email juicecomedytoronto@gmail.com .

The official website can be visited at www.juicecomedytoronto.com and mentions via Twitter can be sent to @juicecomedyTO

THE GIFT OF MUSIC FOR MUSICOUNTS

The Gift of Music Team consisting of Award winning MC and Producer Kid Kut, in partnership with IV PLAY and Darling Nicky are pleased to return for their 3^rd installment of “The Gift Of Music”; an evening of music to benefit MusiCounts Canada – On Wednesday, December 19th, 2012 at the Hard Rock Café (279 Yonge Street at Dundas) Kid Kut and fellow music lovers Natalie “IV Play” Powell and Ms. Darling Nicky invite you to celebrate “The Gift of Music”, an event featuring live performances by an A-list roster of artists that have made an impact on the Canadian music industry, and share their love of music. This highly anticipated event, hosted this year by Canadian R&B icon Jully Black, shall feature live performances by Dru, August, Kim Davis, JD Era, Trinity Chris, Najjah Calibur, Sanj’na, NVS, Chach, Ashton Martin, Savannah Re and Tamara Madison, contemporary steel band Phoenix Revolution with appearances from several surprise guests. An after party will follow with music by three of Toronto’s top rated DJs: G 98.7’s Anything Goes Mixshow DJ - Jester, CHRY 105.5’s Toronto Morning Live Host – DJ Manifest and multi-award winning DJ P-Plus.

“It never ceases to amaze me how much talent there is in the City of Toronto, and to be able to provide a platform where established artists and up-and-comers can perform on the same stage in the name of my favourite cause is nothing short of a blessing.” – Kid Kut

MusiCounts associated with CARAS, is a charity based organization that focuses on supporting music programs in schools across Canada, ensuring that children of all walks of life have access to music education through instrument grants, scholarships and other music initiatives.This year, schools across Canada will benefit from $600,000 worth of Band Aid musical instrument grants. The grants (worth $5,000 or $10,000) impact thousands of young Canadians and support diverse music programs that include concert and jazz bands to drum and guitar ensembles from Pre K to Grade 12 in urban, rural, remote and First Nations communities from coast to coast. For more information on MusiCounts, please see their official website at www.musicounts.ca.

The Hard Rock Café, located in the heart of Toronto, is a perfect venue for such an event which boasts a long history of live performances. With limited advanced tickets available, it is strongly recommended that you purchase yours early, as it is guaranteed to sell out.

On December 19th, 2012, you can expect an evening of unparalleled musical entertainment, along with the opportunity to give the gift of music to generations to come via silent auctions, and raffles. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to MusiCounts Canada on behalf of The Gift of Music Team.