I met Sinizen over at 17th Street: these guys are killin’ it right now … heady reggae vibes, strong message, and nothing but talent in the performance section. ‘Nuff said: check out a few of their tunes…
Another one of the many talented acts coming out of 17th Street right now, Ease Up stands out with their unique blend of reggae and rock; lovers, ska, and rocksteady form the glue that bind this musical machine together. Ease Up has just finished recording a new album, so be sure to keep an eye out for it if you’re a reggae head. Check out some of their tunes:
We should be playing with these guys March 23rd at Tiki Bar in Newport Mesa: mad respect…can’t wait to pack that spot out!
After many years of planning, and a few months that felt like years, Jay Dee Queue has released his debut album, 23rd Century Ska. A huge thanks to all those that were instrumental in making this happen … just like the butterfly effect, I am where and who I am now because of everything that has come before:
Mom (where to start … thanks for letting me be what I wanted to be), Dad (for being the first to push me with “Keep Movin’ On”, and for becoming the father that you are to me), James (don’t know which path we tread upon bro), Tom (for being a rock), Grayson (coolest little brother in the world), Mimi (for being the mother you are, and for “inducting” me into the Talkowski clan), Amanda (an amazing sister, and person), Chris (no matter what, you are my brother, and have changed the way I see the world), Maggie (for putting up with my temporary insanities, and for wanting “Everything”), Grandma Lombardi (for all the M&M’s), Aunt Mary Ellen (for the “badaydahs”), Nana and Papa Talkowski (for endless love and caring), the entire Talkowski clan for being the solid foundation you all are, Grandma Quinn (a great grandma with an infectious laughter, R.I.P), Grandpa Calloway (for endless stories, and for showing me how to be a gentleman, R.I.P), Gary (for when times were good, and for forcing me to become a man), Anik (for always laughing), Jourdan (for believing it could work), Akul (for endless inspiration), Eric, Rudy, RJ, Jagtinder “Mr. Paul” and Anju Dang (this couldn’t have happened without your boys, and for your unwavering support), Lewis Richards (this album wouldn’t be complete without you: you pimped my ride man) to the old skanker crew: Cyrus, Robbie and Tyler/Joey (for all the memories, past and present); Mr. and Mrs. Kelly (for letting us be kids), Ryan (“she was wearing a mooooooomoo”), Sean and Lauren Andrew (for rolling to shows, and believing in James), Laura Cutway (for knowing who I really am), Adam Shapiro/Matt Couch/Matt Austin (for being in the best punk/reggae band to hit OC), Edward Ortega (for the many moments of debauchery, “Mi Eschusi”), Alain Kinaly (for making me run faster), Paul Lancaster (for being down, and helping me believe in this thing), Jimmy/Wendy/Phil (check out Motor Gun Hotel, these guys are amazing), Pam (for helping me to feel regret for the first time), Adam/Anzie/Travis (I can’t begin to explain how much you guys influenced who I am), Yeri (for the great times, and the “filth and the fury”), Rob Allison (for helping me find my voice), Ira Raibon (for being a “silly rabbit”), Ray Hunter (for helping me to be studious, even if it didn’t happen until later), Dr. Heath (for being the best advisor a young punk could hope for), Mr. Quinn (for believing in kids’ ability to make sensible decisions), Mrs. Cullinan (for knowing me … kinda), Mr. Warren (for letting me finish physics), Glibert Bronsal (for having the dream: I owe you two stacks of cash man) …
For mad artistic inspiration … all of my songs are just echoes of yours: first and foremost, Nesta Marley and Jesse Michaels/Op Ivy; Slug/Ant/Atmosphere, The Clash, Mad Professor, Lee Scratch Perry, LTJ Bukem, Kruder and Dorfmeister, Easy Star All Stars, UB40, The Specials, Jefferies Fan Club, Link 80, The Hippos, Pharmaceutical Bandits, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Santana, Novalima, Bradley/Sublime, Eric Clapton, The Suicide Machines, Damien Marley, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Royal Crown Revue, The Groovie Ghoulies, Junior Murvin, Augustus Pablo, Jah Warrior, Del (in his many incarnations), Digable Planets, Toots and the Maytals, Hybrid, The Gorrilaz, Outcast, Jimmy Cliff, B.B. King, Diesel Boy, DJ Dara, Grooverivder, Goldie and Metalheadz, Minor Threat, Oceans Eleven, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Save Ferris, Gwen Stefani/No Doubt, 311, Otis Redding, John B (UK), The Herbalizer, Fela Kuti, Antibalas, Less Than Jake, The Bruce Lee Band, Kenny Wayne Shepard, RJD2, Eddie Vedder/Pearl Jam, Kurt Cobain/Nirvana, Blueprint, MF Doom, Jean Grey, Black Eyed Peas, Brian Setzer/The Stray Cats, Pato Banton, Cortney Love/Hole, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Jacob Miller, Desmond Dekker, The Pinkos, Slightly Stoopid, Kemuri, Hot Stove Jimmy, Bigwig, The Aquabats, Mos Def, Elton John, Chicane, Mark Farina, Safri Duo, Aphrodite, AK1200, DEIBC, Bad Brains/Soul Brains, The Sex Pistols, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Roni Size/Reprazent, Jazzanova, The Dust Brothers, Portishead, Terrence Trent Darby, The Spin Doctors …
For teaching me to read and write, and keeping me well informed on matters from history to the soul, and for a breath of sanity in an insane puzzle: George Orwell, Ray Bradbury, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Art Spiegelman, Homer, Chuck Palahniuk, Charles Dickens, Michael O’Brien, Garth Nix, C. S. Lewis, Orson Scott Card, J.R.R. Tolkien, Aldous Huxley, Mark Twain, Aristotle, Jean-Paul Sartre, Mother Teresa, Robert Anton Wilson, John Steinbeck, Philip Pullman, Elie Wiesel, Katsuhiro Otomo, Socrates, Edgar Allen Poe, James Redfield, Richard Connell, Plato, Soren Kierkegaard, Aristotle, Kazuo Koike, Sophocles, Shingo Nanami …
And to the countless other inspirations I regret to forget …
Thank you for your support: it is truly what keeps me going through all the “down” times … much peace and love … let’s make a change together … Justin AKA JDQ
Here’s a sample track from the disk: 04 Path I Tread Upon (MP3)
The full album is available at StereoFame for listening and purchasing, and will be on iTunes in January 2010.
Check it out: I uploaded a couple of YouTube videos to this blog, and within 3 days, the “Didn’t You” video had over 2,600 views! Mad props to i got music for doing it proper! Besides providing a forum for reggae artists and enthusiasts to showcase their videos, users can post events to the calendar and start groups based on common interests. ReggaeRed.com also offers promotional services at affordable prices for artists with new albums or videos.
Written by Reggae Red
Saturday, 22 August 2009 21:36
Film & Video Distribution
THE OPPORTUNITYReggae Red will digitally distribute your content to the widest variety of online and mobile services available in today’s market. Whether you’re a large entertainment conglomerate or a first time filmmaker, Reggae Red is your key to content monetization and global recognition.
PRODUCT SERVICES
MOBILE:
Verizon, AT&T, Jamster, Thumbplay, XLR8 Moderati, Vidzone, Mobilestreams, Hudson, Funmobility, GOTV
• Video Tones
• Ad Revenue Share
• Streaming IP
• Download to OwnONLINE:
iTunes, Medianet, Vidzone, YouTube Daily Motion, joost, Hulu
• Video On Demand
• Download to Own
• Ad Revenue Share
• Promo Streaming
• RentalGOODS & SERVICES
• Worldwide digital distribution
• Consolidated monthly royalty and sales reports
• Storage and encoding for all your content
• Pre-negotiated deals with the leading online and mobile services.
• Promo only services available
• Video ringtone creation
• Strategic marketing packages geared towards the specific needs of your music, film or video contentTHE PROCESS
Once signed with INgrooves, our team processes, encodes and delivers your content to all the major online stores and mobile outlets. INgrooves Film & Video makes the entire process of digital media distribution a hassle free reality.ABOUT
Reggae Red has been in business since 2001 and has a vast online and mobile presence. At the heart of INgrooves Film & Video is a proprietary platform that automates distribution and administrative tasks. Our platform is a content hub that connects directly to all leading online and mobile stores worldwide.
Respect…
Created by Collin LaHay, who was inspired to do so by ShoeMoney.com’s “13,000 RSS Contest” , rssHugger “aims to bring bloggers and readers together. rssHugger aims to provide blog owners with a unique easy-to-use way to promote their blogs by sending them traffic, building backlinks for search engine optimization, as well as attracting new rss subscribers if the content is interesting to the reader. rssHugger aims to help visitors be able to easily find blogs that write about subjects they are interested in.” Though I have just registered my blog with rssHugger, and thus cannot comment extensively on my experience with it, my first impressions of the site is that it is professionally stylish, easy to navigate, straight-to-the-point informative, and currently boasts an impressive 5224 RSS feeds in its network. Pricing? Here’s the skinny straight from the site:
To get your blog listed, you must make a blog post/review about rssHugger on your blog and submit the link. All you have to do is register your blog. Your blog will not be listed until an admin manually approves of your post (FREE).
If you do not want to make a blog post/review about rssHugger for any reason, you may choose to opt out by paying a one time fee of $20 ($2 per year). You may pay via PayPal (Credit card payments accepted). ($20).
I will post about rssHugger again in the future, as I am sure I will have to gush about the increase in traffic that it has brought to my blog…
Had to feature this venue, and give a little sentimental background: I used to come here almost every weekend in high school (1996-2001) to see ska and punk rock shows with my buddies. Bands such as Jeffries Fan Club, The Hippos, Link 80, and The Pharmaceutical Bandits often played here, directing a grand and vibrant subculture of young skankers and punks towards self-knowledge, open mindedness, and of course, the pursuit of good times. The music created by the bands of this time and place could be described as viral (or perhaps enticing), and despite its sometimes “goofy” external appearance (think The Aquabats), these were very serious sounds and messages for the entire community. We (Jay Dee Queue) played here on November 5th with Motor Gun Hotel, Rodeo Drive, and The Originalites; though we played with three extremely talented bands, I regret to report that the same vibe just wasn’t in the air. Perhaps it was because we do not yet pack out the place like the so-called “third wave ska” bands do in my fancifully decorated memories. Maybe it was the fact that the same 100 t-shirts are pinned to the wall: trophies and unsold testaments to the youthful giants that we were fortunate enough to witness here. Then again, perhaps it was because almost every employee over there still seems overworked, underpaid, and jaded with the music community that they are so integral to, without any of the cotton candy positivity of the ska kids to balance out Chain’s current social equation. Anyhow, enough drivel: here’s what the show looked like!
P.S. I do hope that we, along with the many talented and hungry groups out there, can help to revitalize the many tired musical anodes (such as Chain Reation) that exist out there; I know that everyone out there that has any interest in music has that one place where they saw that one band that set them off on a personal and communal musical exploration. These subcultural foci are integral to the health of the youth, and the community as a whole. Let’s bring ‘em back!
Check this shit out…it’s off the spatula handle: I can attest to it being a completely unrehearsed, in the moment, freestyling musical moment. More sessions to come from Hot Dang: this is what we do here; provide access to music that cannot be reproduced or found elsewhere. Stay tuned my friends!
Jay Dee Queue will soon be heard on “Dread at the Control”, a reggae program featured on the Phillipines’ one and only NU 107 FM. Tune in online at: NU 107FM Homepage
“I’ll Never Forget You Remembered” is my favorite song by MGH, but this one’s my favorite video…check these guys out…they’re off the chain!
Nextup: Bristol dubstep-sound-assassain, DJ Gemmy. What does he sound like? Think all of the soundtracks to the Super Mario games mashed together with the finest bass lines, and the grimiest of danceable grooves. I found out about this guy through Mary Anne Hobbs, host and DJ of BBC’s Radio 1 Experimental Show. In a conversation earlier today, a few of us at the studio decided that Gemmy (and many of his dubstep compatriots) create(s) the kind of music that is applicable to all situations: studying, cruising, drinking, drawing, bowling, etc. … this is all the grittiness/hardness of drum and bass, with the palatability/danceability to draw in a more diverse crowd. Anyhow, please check out his tunes, and decide for yourself how Gemmy matches up!
Just found these guys on ReverbNation: they are amazing! All the sounds, vibes, and messages that I fall short of bringing, these guys (and lead gal : ] ) have mastered. Wow, blown away, and besides that, speechless. But let them speak for themselves: this is my current favorite of theirs, a live performance of “Government” … Enjoy!
P.S. Make sure to check out the produced versions of the tracks on their website or at ReverbNation.com
This blog was never meant to be restricted to one “genre” of music, and though I have been representing mainly reggae and electronica acts, I would like to draw your attention to an ultra-talented group, Streetlight Affair. It is near impossible for me to describe their music in words, as there are so many distinct yet perfectly-meshed elements present here. One thing is certain: these guys have a ridiculous amount of individual and collective talent. As usual, I will allow the artists to “speak” for themselves through a sampling of their own media…check this out:
Once again, Jay Dee Queue is playing the Halos N Horns Music Fest, Friday, October 30, at the OC Fairgrounds. This just in: Jay Dee Queue will be playing at 9 PM, and closing out a stage featuring DJ Sanjay. Wear your best costume, as this is sure to be the biggest Halloween event of 2009. Rumored artists not currently revealed on the website: the one and only Black Eyed Peas. Tickets are: $40 for GA, $75 for preferred GA, and $150 for VIP. RAIN OR SHINE. Halos N Horns Music Fest is sponsored by KROQ, TAVIK, Jagermeister, SURETONE, moodswing 360, OC Weekly, Geffen, and Ticketmaster. Big ups to Ryan Birtcher for his continued support in our musical pursuits.
Yo! Hit this dude up…mad talented individual!
Check one of my new favorite local businesses, Trashpretty, located in Laguna Beach, CA. Mandy, Dave, and Piper offer vintage/retro/antique collectibles, clothing, and conversation pieces. Trashpretty also showcases works by local artists, and hosts performances by local musicians. For more information, please see Trashpretty on Facebook.
Just found out about this Orange County reggae artist at Sound Spectrum. This is a video featuring Jah Mex and the Translators’ bass player, Mikey B, playing an acoustic sesh in the tunnel at Salt Creek Beach, Dana Point, CA.
Jah Mex ~ Tunnel Session Vol. 1
SandDaMan | MySpace Video
(DISCLAIMER: The audio and video you are about to witness is hilarious, and a true representation of what one may encounter on any given day in Victoria Market) Yo! This post is dedicated to my hommie, the one and only, indispensable, San Clemente representing Rami Askar, better known in these parts as Rami Dogg. Check this man out…he’s a f@#king riot, and he has the best liquor store in San Clems…You know I rep the Celtics, but this is one crazy Lakers fan that I can vibe with…
This one made it also…and speaks for itself…
P.S. I had to include this gem as well…thanks to Rami for the fun times…this should be a mandatory PSA…
To see more of such madness, and a ton of videos of Rami Dogg fighting sharks and shooting innocent animals, please visit Rami Dogg on You Tube.
Gogol Bordello step aside! Just kidding…but these guys are sick, and right up the same alley…I don’t know what the hell they’re saying, but the music speaks volumes to me…
This video is a bootleg it seems, but I added it for its obvious musical/visual merits…
P.S. I had to put this one up as well: it is straight off the top of their MySpace…
Once again, I have no clue what they are saying…something about a “mustache” : ) … I have Spanish on lock down, and because of these guys, French is next…
Jay Dee Queue is playing the Halos N Horns Music Fest, October 30, at the OC Fairgrounds. Come early because were not that big (yet : ] ), and we’ll probably be relegated to a slot close to the start time of 4PM. One thing that can be said for sure: this show is going to be ridiculous! Over 100 hundred bands will share 13 stages at what is sure to be biggest Halloween costume party of the year! Featured headliners include, but are not limited to: KoRn with special guest BASSNECTAR, Shiny Toy Guns, Shwayze feat. Cisco Adler, Girl Talk, and Kids at the Bar. More artists to be announced! Tickets are: $40 for GA, $75 for preferred GA, and $150 for VIP. The show will be going off rain or shine, so get on your best costume, and come ready to party! Halos N Horns Music Fest is sponsored by KROQ, TAVIK, Jagermeister, SURETONE, moodswing 360, OC Weekly, Geffen, and Ticketmaster.
Just found what seems to be a reggae-heavy music collective on ReverbNation; here is a collection of videos by some of their featured artists.
From the front page of Upright Basement Music:
“Upright Basement Music’s goal is to produce quality independent music for the public. Collaborating with musician’s working toward professional careers, UBM aims to grow as a studio and a label. UBM does not sign artists but we do promote our network. Rather than signing artists, we want them to remain independent to receive the money and recognition they deserve. We promote every act we work with to further their success in the music business. UBM works with all genres of music bringing artists more exposure by creating a network where one can find and keep up with ever changing scene of new quality independent music. UBM is assembling an active, diverse network of artists from which all affiliations are cross promoted to further everyones’ success. We feel that the perception of music and the music industry needs to be changed. Our main goal is to bring focus back to the musician and the quality of the talent. Many musicians play in multiple bands, as well as bands come and go based on success of a particular act. Because of this UBM promotes all past and present projects by musicians in our network.”
Pretty progressive approach to the music industry, huh? Hit them up!
…and I swear this mud puddle of a blog/website looks fantastic. As you can see by navigating the “home” page, my current focus is using video (largely from YouTube), to spread the word about both already established and currently up and coming artists that I am partnered with, or simply love to listen to. I will attempt to keep the quality of the selected content as high as possible: I have little use for immaturity for the sake of attention. Overall, this blog is a collection of experiences that I have on a daily basis, with a focus on music and local business development and networking…I invite anyone to send me links to promo material that I may post on the site…please don’t be offended if I don’t post your stuff: I am aiming for an, as of yet, unrevealed overall aesthetic look to the site, and some items simply will not fit. However, if you send me some links and basic info, I will still search around and stay up on you, and include content in the future when I see fit. That said, I hope that the reader of this blog becomes the participator, that it becomes a launch pad and foundation for new ideas and actions in the “real”, non-digital world. The internet is a fantastic tool, but it can cripple you without self-maintained balance…
Check this brother out: SAVAGEKAT LIVE!! SAN CLEMENTE ROOF TOP PARTY
Red Skin Records, located in London, UK, is the self-described “world’s first major digital record label”. Representing artists from every corner of the planet, from a diverse range of musical genres, Red Skin allows for true artist development by offering fair-share promotion and digital distribution. From the website:
“Red Skin Records Ltd is part of Red Skin Media Entertainment Holdings Limited Group and is the world’s first major digital label. We have deliberately chosen to be a 100% digital record label because music has become widely available on digital devices. More music has been purchased through digital download sales than ever before and physical record sales are dropping. The digital download market has increased by 400% in the last year and, as a result, overall sales of music singles have increased by more than 50% in the United Kingdom alone.
Our digital platform enables us to focus our resources on marketing and promotion as we are able to save on manufacturing costs of physical product and its distribution. Among Red Skin Records Ltd arsenal of assets we have our own Studios, Producers, Radio Pluggers, Marketing staff and Bloggers. We also have our own distribution which goes a long way towards making us a one stop shop for artists.
Red Skin Records Ltd also leverages the strengths of our sibling companies such as Red Skin Media Productions Limited by having them provide our artists with music video production. Additionally we have Red Skin Music TV where we show music videos and short movies. This channel is available through the Something TV Network.”
Find JDQ Online