Reggae Radio - Playlist + Syndication!

It's been another great week thank to your support!

Playlist – February 23^rd, 2015 as heard on 95.3 FM in Philadelphia / 1430 AM  / Vybz 103.9 FM / 95.3 FM / 99.3 FM / 91.7 FM / 104.7 Fort Lauderdale and Miami / and Online via:  www.radioregent.com – Toronto / www.irievibesradiodetroit.com – Detroit / www.daflavaradio.com – Atlanta / www.TonySoul.com - Ft. Lauderdale / www.NoyzRadio.com - New York / www.Reggae4Us.com - The UK / www.reggaeradiovibes.co.uk - The UK / www.siixteen.com - The UK / www.basslinemuzik.com – Tampa / www.buyakaradio.com – Colombia www.datzhitsradio.com – Boston / www.ReggaeCaption.com – Toronto /

Download / Listen again link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/7ag7dcegnzc2pgw/Natasha_Von_Castle_-_the_Music_Connection_-_February_23rd,_2015.mp3

Courtney John – It’s Gonna Be Alright

Demarco – Virtuous Woman

Biggie Irie – Found a Lover

Marcia Griffiths – Riddim Haffi Roll

Singateh ft. Tony Anthony – Should’ve Told You

Nikesha Lindo – Love Rockin

Christopher Ellis ft. Stephen Marley & Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley – End of Time

Anthony Malvo – I’m Not the Only One

Kaysha – One Love

Rox – Rocksteady

Jerry Star – You’re My Angel

Muzik Souljah – Operator

50-50 Riddim ft. Hezron / Louie Culture / Exco Levi / Nadine Sutherland

Jo Mersa Marley – Sunshine

Adele Harley – Love Has Faded

Mark Morrison – Moan & Groan

Tanya Mullings ft. Peetah Morgan – I Don’t Mind

Ammoye – Cool and Deadly

Liberty Silver – For All the Lovers

Brian Gold ft. Saba Tooth – Oh My Love

Errol Bonnick – Still Got It

Kayla Bliss – Rock n Sway

Tarrus Riley – Soul Mate

Lindo P ft. Michie Mee – Love

Chelsea Stewart – Over You

Bunny rugs – Love is Blind

Courtney John – So Beautiful

Courtney John – Love Is

Phyllis Dillon – Perfedia

Krishane ft. Melissa Steel & Beenie Man – Drunk & Incapable

Carl Malcolm – Miss Wire Waist

Bigga Boss ft. Lady K – Miss Wire Waist

S. Davis – Stir It Up Again

Jemere Morgan – Anything You Want

Station Identification

Marvia Providence – Hear My Cry

Stephen Marley ft. Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley – Traffic Jam

Melodic Yoza – Ride On

Busy Signal – Deal Wid It

Collie Buddz – Movin On

Stephen Marley ft. Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley & Buju Banton – Jah Army

Iba Mahr – Great is H.I.M.

Raging Fyah – World Crisis

Iba Mahr ft. Tarrus Riley & Notis – Diamond Sox [Remix]

Busy Signal – What If

Ranking Joe – Cassette and Tape

Download / Listen again link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/7ag7dcegnzc2pgw/Natasha_Von_Castle_-_the_Music_Connection_-_February_23rd,_2015.mp3

Send me your music:  natashavoncastle@gmail.com

Reggae Radio - Playlist and Download Link!

Playlist – February 16^th, 2015 as heard on 95.3 FM in Philadelphia / 1430 AM  / Vybz 103.9 FM / 95.3 FM / 99.3 FM / 91.7 FM / 104.7 Fort Lauderdale and Miami / and Online via:  www.radioregent.com – Toronto / www.irievibesradiodetroit.com – Detroit / www.daflavaradio.com – Atlanta / www.TonySoul.com - Ft. Lauderdale / www.NoyzRadio.com - New York / www.Reggae4Us.com - The UK / www.reggaeradiovibes.co.uk - The UK / www.siixteen.com - The UK / www.basslinemuzik.com – Tampa / www.buyakaradio.com – Colombia www.datzhitsradio.com – Boston / www.ReggaeCaption.com – Toronto /

Download / listen again links:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/05w4wdi0ta2j6r4/Natasha_Von_Castle_-_The_Music_Connection_-_February_16th,_2015.mp3

Vicky Sola – Inside Out

Marcia Griffiths ft. Beres Hammond – Live On

Marcia Griffiths – Undying Love

Marcia J. Ball – Tell Him

Winsome Benjamin ft. Daddy URoy – I Believe

Lutan Fyah – when Will I See You Again

Natural Black – In My Bed

Dalton Harris – You Will Know

Da’Ville – Perfect 10

J. Soul – Heaven

Pressure – Touch You

Imar Sheppard ft. Nastassaja – Feelings

Shaggy ft. Melissa Musique – I U Slip U Slide

Errol Bonnick – Joy of My Life

Shaggy ft. Cocoa Tea & Joe – Like Never Before

Leilani – Love and Devotion

Qupid – Feel My Love

Xean Don – Love Her

Ammoye

Errol Bonnick – Still Got It

Nikesha Lindo – And Don’t Stop

Randy Valentine – Bring Back the Love

Ras Demo – The Old Days

Kardi Tivali – Let Me Love You

Alton Ellis – Bye Bye Love

Ammoye – Midnight Confessions

Christopher Ellis – Better Than Love

Alton Ellis – Breaking Up is Hard to Do

Kaisha Lee – When I Fall in Love [Dubplate]

Phyllis Dillon – Love is All I Had

Estelle ft. Sean Paul – Come Over

IOctane – Love You Like I Do

Demarco – Missing Your Touch

J. Nation ft. CYN – Hard Work

Jemere Morgan – Neighborhood Girl

Tarrus Riley ft. Konshens – To The Limit [Remix]

Station Identification

Lutan Fyah – Most High Jah

Jesse Royal – Greedy Babylon

Busy Signal – Protest

Gappy Ranks – Babylon Kingdom

Lutan Fyah – Gospel Winer

Exco Levi – Can’t Leave Out God

Suga Roy & Conrad Crystal – Free Up

GPGDS – Wolf At The Door

GPGDS ft. Ranking Joe – Take Your Place

Deep Jahi – Can’t Take Jah Away

Nagas – Carry Me Through

Bugle – Ex Man

Bushman – Hard Ears

Aidonia – One Voice

Download / listen again links:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/05w4wdi0ta2j6r4/Natasha_Von_Castle_-_The_Music_Connection_-_February_16th,_2015.mp3

Send me your music:  natashavoncastle@gmail.com

Exco Levi Launches His Debut Album Country Man!

Reggae recording star, and 3 time JUNO Award winner Exco Levi has announced 2 dates for the launch of his debut album, Country man; Wednesday March 18^th, 2015 at Crawford (718 College Street West), and Thursday March 19^th, 2015 at Belleeny’s (4000 Steeles Avenue West) in Toronto and North York respectively.

After his 15 years of recording experience including almost 100 singles which has earned him multiple awards in Canada, the US and Jamaica, Exco, has chosen two venues to host the launch of his debut 19 track album entitled Country man.  The deeply personal album which was written by Exco, bears songs that describe his challenges as a new immigrant to Canada, the mind set of children who are not on the right path, and Levi’s reliance on God for strength and support throughout the good and not so good times in his life.

Produced by Donovan Germaine for Penthouse Records and Exco’s newly formed High Priest Records, the music helps the words come to life, especially with songs “Country Man,” “Letter to Jah” and “Natty Haffi Long” which each have a groove that causes listeners to sing along with the chorus.  Of this recording experience Exco says “putting together this album has been the most rewarding experience.  There’s nothing like having an album that fans can play as much as they like.  This is a piece of me that they are playing throughout their day and it feels good.”  Recorded at the Penthouse Studios in Kingston, Jamaica and in Canada at his High Priest Music with the exception of “Storms of Life” which was recorded by Silly Walks Discotheque in Germany, Exco spent four months in Jamaica and more in Canada putting this project together with contribution from Reggae’s finest musicians.  “Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, Dean Fraser, Firehouse Crew, London’s Mafia and Fluxy, Dave Kelly, Leroy ‘Horsemouth’ Wallace to name a few have blessed Country man,” says Exco Levi.  Classic background vocals from legends Pam Hall, Mitsi Campbell and Twiggy fill out the body of the music and co-writer / vocalist Romain Virgo complete the sound of Exco’s debut album.

Country Man is a significant musical milestone in the musical landscape.  The album will be available on compact disc as well as limited edition vinyl.  This release builds on the momentum gained by Exco in recent months.  2015 marks his 4^th JUNO nomination for Best Reggae Recording, the artists first JaRIA nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and receipt of his first International Achievement Award from Brampton Triple A’s presented at the Brampton Powerade Centre.    

Exco has previously won 3 consecutive JUNO’s for Best Reggae Recording.  Anne Murray is the only artist in Canadian history to win 7 consecutive JUNO’s for Country Female Vocalist of the Year.  He is also 1 of 10 to be featured on the CBC as Top Reggae Artists to Watch in Canada.

Fans can connect with Exco on Twitter @Excolevi or https://www.facebook.com/ExcoLevimusic

King MAS is Walking Like a Champion

Recording artist and musician King MAS has just officially released his song “Walk Like a Champion” featuring Varren Wade and Ray Keys, and this laid back romantic version puts smiles on ladies faces.

Inspired by the original by Buju Banton, King MAS takes a not so aggressive approach by singing to his Lady as opposed to the rough gritty approach by Buju’s DJ style.  MAS also calls his Lady a Queen, helping male and female listeners understand we are all Kings and Queens.  Adding to the lyrical appeal, subtle lyrics refer to the eating habits which results in a beautiful looking and functioning body.

Released on the artists Bantu Nation Movement, which is a group of musicians and artists spearheaded by King MAS.  Combining elements of the Afrikan experience and in the diaspora, the goal of the music created is to focus on quality while uplifting, teaching and empowering listeners in all four corners of the world.

“Walk Like a Champion” is a great add to your playlist, and comes from King MAS’s upcoming album!  Listen to the song on SoundCloud here:  https://soundcloud.com/djkaas/king-mas-walk-like-a-champion-feat-varren-wade-ray-keys-reggae-2015

DJs who want a copy of the song can email King Ivier via bantunationmovement@gmail.com

Amber Rose Plays Mas in Trinidad & Tobago!

Well, well, well!  The beautiful Amber Rose was in Trinidad & Tobago to play Mas with the Avatar backline.  Looking beautiful and ready to take on the jump up, Amber commanded attention in her feathers.  The blue compliments her skin tone, and the costume design perfectly fits her curves.

If I could guess the song this Rose jammed to, I would say Destra Garcia's "Lucy!"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZlbkTrqii0

Thank you Splash for supplying the image!

CBS Wants Your Hip Hop, Pop, Rock and Alternative Music!

Here’s another GREAT opportunity coming from my friends at Music XRay (http://www.musicxray.com/) that I think, no, I know you should take advantage of!

CBS is looking for music for television broadcasts (50 to 100 songs), and as an independent artist, you might have what they’re looking for.  If your genres are Pop, Rock, Alternative, Hip Hop, Rap or Jazz, you might have the sound they want and are willing to pay for.

Register with http://www.musicxray.com/ and submit your music via the site.  For those who don’t believe this is real, take a look at the screen shots below.  You have 26 days to make it happen from today’s date (February 17^th, 2015)!

Dreams do come true; you just have to open your eyes to see!

Valentine's Day with Kaisha Lee!

From her successful album I Heart #Reggae, Kaisha Lee releases track 1 called “Be Mine” which is perfect for Valentine’s Day!  This Lover’s Rock chune is designed for all people whose destination is Love. 

Kaisha has uniquely brought her vision of music to life with the fusion of melody, sound and words expressing emotions felt in the soul.  This chune, and the album I Heart #Reggae is definitely a must add to your playlist and collection!  The album is available for download on iTunes using this link:  https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/i-heart-reggae/id945087973

Connect with Kaisha and let her know what you think of her album via Twitter >>> @KaishaLeeTweets using the hashtag #IHeartReggae

  

P.S.  Kaisha is having an unprecedented year, and we’re only 6 weeks in to 2015!  On the heels of the release of her phenomenal album I Heart #Reggae, Kaisha has been featured on the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) as one of 10 artists to watch in Canada, and, as if that was not enough (which it isn’t), Kaisha performed live on Global TV Montreal.  The audience of some 1 million people couldn’t get enough, but let’s get back to I Heart #Reggae!

Women Gather to Celebrate and Network at Infinite!

Women from all walks and backgrounds gather to celebrate and network at Canada’s International Black Women Event (CIBWE) via the prestigious event called Infinite at the Hilton Hotel (145 Richmond St. West) on March 7^th, 2015.  This one of a kind and full day Conference and Gala is designed to celebrate, connect, empower and ignite Black Women of African, Caribbean and South American backgrounds. 

The keynote speaker at the Gala is MPP Mitzie Hunter (Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough - Guildwood) who is the Ontario Associate Minister of Finance.  Appointed by Premiere Kathleen Wynn, Ms. Hunter is responsible for executing one of the Ontario Liberal party’s top election platform priorities:  the creation of a made-in-Ontario pension plan.

Notable black females from cross disciplines who will speak at the 7am breakfast includes panelists Zanana Akande (the first black woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario), Bernice Carnegie (Co-Founder of the Herbert H. Carnegie FUTURE ACES Foundation), Ettie Rutherford (Author of the ground breaking novel Women are Worthy), and Patricia Gloudon (Retired Director, CIBC).  Designed to be an intimate discussion, women will hear stories and anecdotes these women have used to achieve success.

Rose Cathy Handy, the event’s Founder, says “Black women are now tearing down the walls and breaking barriers everywhere in our society and these accomplishments have to be acknowledged and celebrated. And women have to be encouraged to do more.”

Afternoon programming encompasses several topics:  making it in media, making it in politics, as well as making it in business, employment, show business and life.  Recognizing the diverse background in attendees, CIBWE panelists share nuggets that women of all of walks of life can implement in their aim towards success.  Making it in Media and Making it in Politics will have 5 and 7 panelists respectively.  Ngozi Ugoh from Nigerian Canadian News will head the media round table while Celina Ceasar-Chavannes delves in to the topic of politics and the art of navigating its’ waters from a female perspective. 

Additional information can be found at www.CIBWE.ca.  Tickets range in price from $20 to $150 (CAD).

CIBWE is supporting The Esther Handy Children’s Fund, a special initiative to raise funds to support the education of young girls in Canada and Cameroon. This project aims to offer leadership training to young black girls in Canada and give support and tuition fees for girls in Cameroon, Africa.

Esther Handy was a nurse from Cameroon who worked with HIV positive pregnant women.  She lost her life at 38 due to complications with the HIV virus. 

Grammy Award for Best Remixed Recording Non-Classical - This Could Be You!

I love the story from Tijs Michiel Verwest and how his first ever Grammy ever came about!

Like all of us, he loves the song “All of Me” by John Legend, and decided to give the song what he calls, the Tiesto’s Birthday Treatment Remix.  He put the remix up on his YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPk3RMMXAfLhMJPFpQhye9g) in January, 2014 which got the attention of John Legend.  

Tijs aka Tiesto

Mr. Legend contacted the DJ (he is now a performing artist by the name Tiesto) and asked if the remix could officially be released on the Colombia Records label, which it was, and a year later, he has a Grammy for Best Remixed Recording Non-Classical.

It helps that Tijs has 1.6 Million subscribers on YouTube, and it also helps that he is one of the top DJs from Breda, Netherlands and has been rated DJ Magazine’s top 100 DJs from 2002 to 2004 but how did he get there?!

In 1997 he founded the label Black Hole Recordings with Arny Bink where he released the Magik and In Search of Sunrise CD series.  Tiesto met producer Dennis Waakop Reijers in 1998, and the two have worked together exclusively since then.  His 2000 remix of Delerium’s “Silence” featuring Sarah McLachlan exposed him to more mainstream audiences. 

In 2001 he released his first solo album In My Memory, the title track of an original song written by and featuring Nicola Hitchcock, and had several hit songs  which launched his career.

In 2004 he performed live at the 2004 Summer Olympics opening ceremonies in Anthens and was noted as being the first DJ to play live on stage at the Olympics.

To all Remixers, producers, singers, players of instruments, don’t give up on your dreams and know that you never know when or where your ‘big break’ will come, just know that it will!

MaddSpider Productions Starts 2015 in a Sunshine State!

MaddSpider Productions begins 2015 with the release of their new riddim, Sunshine State which features performances from established Dancehall artists including a surprise feature from the hit duo Born Jamericans – Notch (Horman Howell) and Edley Shine (Edley Payne).

Purposely playing on the expression Sunshine State, both Jermaine ‘Froggy’ Lawrence and Ashanti ‘Taranchyla’ Reid named the riddim to give light to the fact that there are several positives to Dancehall despite some of the negatives we hear in the news.  They also pay homage to the state they live in, Florida, which is often referred to as the Sunshine State.  “Coming from Florida, we get a lot of sunshine and a lot of energy from the huge Caribbean population here.  We also have a lot of talent that is based here, so calling the riddim Sunshine State made sense because it’s everything we are!”

The 12 track riddim compilation features performances from Delly Ranx, T.O.K., Ce’Cile, Wayne Wonder and more and was recorded in Orlando, Florida and in Kingston, Jamaica.  Using modern music elements and borrowing slightly from the EDM genre, the riddim stands out as its BPM is at 78 which is very unusual for productions today.  Most fall in the 90 to 100 BPM range.  “Slowing down the riddim was important to us because it allows each artists performance to resonate with listeners.  When the BPM is slower, the vocals are more clear” said Froggy MaddSquad, one half of Madd Spider Productions.

Dancehall’s badgyal, Ce’Cile recorded the song “It’s Yours” on the riddim and said “the moment I finished recording my song, I told my manager and Froggy that this is going to be a hit for me.  They agree and so do a few trusted DJs I’ve allowed to hear it!”

Making its debut via ZJ Liquid on Zip FM, the feedback was immediate and good.  “The listeners like the riddim and like that it stands out from all the other riddims being produced.  It’s Dancehall and it’s crossover so it works for everyone.”

The Sunshine State Riddim was released on iTunes on February 10^th, 2015 via this link:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sunshine-state-riddim/id958343810

About MaddSpider Productions:

Formed in 2009, Madd Squad Productions is based in Orlando and has been producing for their label, and for individual artist release.  Riddims such as Hot Water, Basik Instink, Island Breeze, Not Tonight, Double XL, Coconut Water and more have earned them the respect of their peers and have made them two of the most sought after producers.  Their projects have been featured on iTunes and consistently receive radio play from international markets – the UK to Australia to North America to Europe.  They currently work with Shaggy, Machel Montano, Kranium, and Collie Buddz, and have produced for Buju Banton, Gappy Ranks, ZJ Liquid, Wayne Wonder and more.

Stay up to date with MaddSpider via Twitter >>> @MADDSPIDERMUZIK

International Reggae Playlist - Radio Broadcast!

Another great show on deck, and more words of thanks and appreciation for the support!

Playlist – February 9^th, 2015 as heard on 95.3 FM in Philadelphia / 1430 AM  / Vybz 103.9 FM / 95.3 FM / 99.3 FM / 91.7 FM / 104.7 Fort Lauderdale and Miami / and Online via:  www.radioregent.com – Toronto / www.irievibesradiodetroit.com – Detroit / www.daflavaradio.com – Atlanta / www.TonySoul.com - Ft. Lauderdale / www.NoyzRadio.com - New York / www.Reggae4Us.com - The UK / www.reggaeradiovibes.co.uk - The UK / www.siixteen.com - The UK / www.basslinemuzik.com – Tampa / www.buyakaradio.com – Colombia www.datzhitsradio.com – Boston / www.ReggaeCaption.com – Toronto /

Listen again / download link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/6htltdt0jznaprj/Natasha_Von_Castle_-_Music_Connection_-_February_9th,_2015.mp3

Adele Harley – Walk Away

Tony Anthony – Can I Get Some Sleep

Tarrus Riley – 1, 2, 3 I Love You

Da’Ville – All You Need in a Friend

Richie Stephens – Murdah

Tanto Metro and Devonte – No More

Gappy Ranks – Heaven in Her Eyes

Kranium – Nobody Has to Know [Bost & Bim Remix]

Nikesha Lindo – Talk of the Town

Marcia J. Ball – Tell Him

Winsome Benjamin ft. Daddy URoy – I Believe

Kees from Kes The Band

Kes – Can’t Wait

Stephen Souza – Can’t Tear Us Apart

Kaisha Lee – Be Mine

Blizz ft. Lenn Hammond – Beautiful Day

Ammoye – Cool and Deadly

Chelsea Stewart – Over You

Maxi Priest – Every Little Thing

Duane Stephenson – Wire Waist

Shuga – Seal Up Again

Dalton Harris – Words of Wisdom

Nana McLean – Give Me One Reason

Beres Hammond – Come Down Father

Mikey Spice – Born Again

Michael Jackson ft. Justin Timberlake – Love Never Felt So Good

Station Identification

Buggy Nhakente – Bossman

Mykal Rose ft. Treson – Life on the Rocks

Turban X – Kings and Queens

Gappy Ranks ft. Mr. williams – Where is the Love

General Degree – Irie

Bigga Boss – Giddion [Dubplate]

Stephen Marley ft. Capleton & Sizzla – Rock Stone

Stephen Marley ft. Spragga Benz & Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley – Bongo Nyah

Tommy B – Life is Getting Better

Raging Fyah – Feel Jah Love

Exco Levi – Cali Farmer

Exco Levi – Whadada

Raging Fyah – Fight

Joseph ‘Culture’ Hill ft. Buju Banton – Never Get Weary

Inner Circle ft. Chronixx & Jacob Miller – Tenement Yard

Buju Banton – Time and Place

Chronixx – Plant It

Busy Signal – Greetings

Stephen Marley ft. Akon & Buju Banton – My Conclusion

Busy Signal – Money Flow

Gappy Ranks – Positive Energy

Gappy Ranks – Pumpkin Belly

Listen again / download link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/6htltdt0jznaprj/Natasha_Von_Castle_-_Music_Connection_-_February_9th,_2015.mp3

Send your music to:  natashavoncastle@gmail.com

Atlantic Records Wants Your Hip Hop & R&B!

Either you are, or you know someone who is one of the best R&B singers or Hip Hop artists and you want to know how to ‘put them on.’  Well, I’ve got some answers that will make you happy!

Atlantic Records is looking for the next GREAT artist, so here’s your chance to impress!  Thanks to my friends at https://www.musicxray.com/, the word has come to me that this legendary record label is looking for talent so this is your chance.  We’ve heard it direct from Shawn Barron, Senior Director A&R so this is first hand and accurate information.

If you’re ready to take the next step, sign up with Music XRay (see link above) and do your thing.

We live in an age of ‘show me,’ so look at the screen shots below for your proof your talent is wanted!

Kanye West Serious About 2015 Grammy Stage Rush!

If you thought Kanye's rush of the 2015 Grammy stage was a joke, think again.  He was 100% serious, and decided to tone it down for the sake of his daughter and wife Kim Kardashian.  Here's what he told colleagues at THR

Well.  If we say nothing else about Ye, he speaks out and speaks for what he believes in.

Watch the clip from CBS here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgYcPWdDHsk

P.S.  This tweet had me rolling!