Published: June 12, 2010 4:15 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight June 2010 Edition
RED/X
Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
RED/X
RED/X combines in his music elements of reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, funk and sometimes a little rock that come out sounding fresh, solid, and funky. Fans will love his style and find his music easily appealing. In a recent interview with our Webzine, RED/X speaks openly about what fans can expect from him when they tune in to listen to his music. Find out what all RED/X says in this special spotlight. Enjoy!
Isaac: I just listened to several songs off your new EP/CD. What was the inspiration for making your new album?
RED/X: LOVE is the inspiration for anything that Red/X does. Love from the most high, from the people and the love that I have to give is what is reflected on this record.
Isaac: Who were your influences?
RED/X: Major influences for me include Peter Tosh, Steel Pulse and Buju Banton. I have been known to listen to all kinds of music though. Everything from the Allman Bros. and Santana, to Miles and Coltrane. I love the jazz era of musicians. The spirit of community that they had was very much like our own reggae community.
Isaac: What do you consider to have been the highlight(s) and lowpoint(s) of your career to date?
RED/X: Highlights include playing sold out shows with Buju, Israel Vibration, Toots & The Maytals, producing my own live shows and the making of the 'LION PAW' record with Mr. Reynolds. I don't consider any points in my career to be low. All of my combined experiences have led me to this point now and I couldn't be happier or more satisfied.
Isaac: Brief history about your background plus the style of music you play.
RED/X: My musical background started in the church. My first band was in a gospel church with the two sons of the pastor playing B-3 organ and drums, with me playing the bass guitar. I went on to learn reggae and dancehall as a bass player, keyboard player and guitar player. While working as a sound engineer at a local reggae club, I couldn't stand the singer on the stage so I went up, took the mic and finished the show. I've been a vocalist ever since.
The style of music I play is mine alone. There are elements of reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, funk and even a little rock.
RED/X
Isaac: How easy is it to gets gigs for you as an artist? What is the live music scene like in your area?
RED/X: It is relatively easy to get a gig in the Northwest. It's just the promotion that's difficult. It seems that the promoters and clubs have forgotten that they have to promote and it has left the musicians doing the job instead. Lately local reggae artists, DJ's and bands have been coming together to promote and produce our own shows. Independence from the mainstream promoters has actually helped the emerging scene stay relevant, original and vibrant.
Isaac: What do you think of the state of Indie music at the moment? Do you listen to radio much at all? Has the Internet helped music grow or hindered it in your opinion?
RED/X: I do listen to radio but it's usually BBC1Xtra. Programmed radio stations in the states are too much like their network TV counterparts for my tastes. At this moment however, real music has the best chance it has ever had to reach both independent and mainstream audiences. There really is no designation anymore. Audiences are audiences through the Internet. Independent artists and groups have always had to work a little harder in promo and marketing to make up for the head-start that the record companies have had in the past. All that hard work is paying off now that the playing field is open for everyone who knows how to play.
Isaac: If you could create a fantasy band - what would be the line-up and why?
RED/X:
Carlton Barrett - Drums - Innovator of the reggae drum groove.
Aston 'Family Man' Barrett - Bass - Signature counter melody bass lines.
Carlos Santana - Guitar - The man has soul hemorrhaging from him.
Vernon Reid - Guitar - One of the nicest and most talented musicians ever to make music.
Jimmy Smith - Hammond B-3 - Master of the instrument.
Steven "Lenky" Marsden - Keys - The best at bringing the dancehall vibe to the stage.
Zakir Hussein - Tabla, Percussion - Can make enormous sounds while barely moving.
Ras Michael - Nyahbinghi Drums, Percussion - Respect to the Rasta elders.
Earth, Wind & Fire Horns - Brass - Nothing gets a crowd screaming like horns.
The I Three's - Backing Vocals - They could sing the alphabet and sound sweet.
Isaac: What CD's do you currently have available and where can they be purchased from?
RED/X: We will be releasing 'LION PAW' this year and it will be available everywhere online. Currently, the first single from the album is out and on iTunes, called 'One More Chance.' The track features Perfect, a Jamaican dancehall artist and a friend of mine. He and I toured together last summer on the West Coast to some great crowds. He's a tremendous artist, and I'm honored to have him on my debut single.
Isaac: Where can fans access your music, videos, blogs, and anything else about you online?
