Rico Vibes Reggae Exclusives Vol. 15

Last month, Rico Vibes, in conjunction with VP Records, released the Strictly the Best Vol. 50 mixtape which so far has enjoyed more than 35,000 downloads worldwide which includes hotspots in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Kenya and Switzerland.  Rico’s fans reached out to him and asked for more, so, customer service being his focus, the super HOTTT Selector passed by to drop off two new mixes which are certified HOTTT!

The first mix on deck is Reggae Exclusives Vol. 15.  Introduced by Gramps Morgan, Tarrus Riley and Freddie McGregor, this mix features music that has not been heard before.  There is no talking so listeners can enjoy straight music.  The second mix is for fans who prefer Dancehall flavor – Winter style!

No matter what your preference (Reggae or Dancehall), you will enjoy both mixes!  Here are the links:

One Drop Exclusives:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/c4bu94wv0oat40v/Rico_Vibes_-_One_Drop_Reggae_Exclusives_Vol._15.mp3

Dancehall Winter Mix:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/j4vr0o38irl1o1l/RICOVIBES_DANCEHALL_WINTER_MIX_2014.mp3

Connect with Rico on Twitter >>> @RICOVIBES

Get Ready to Feel the Sting ►►► Ninjaman ~ Demarco ~ Aidonia ~ Country Man aka Gully Bop ~ Capleton ~ Tarrus Riley and more for 2014!

Every Boxing Day (the day after Christmas), there is only 1 event the global Dancehall and Reggae fraternity looks forward to, and that is Sting!  Produced by Supreme Promotions, there is no other show on earth that is as anticipated or respected than this event, and this year, even more than in the past!

Isiah Liang and Kiprich - Bottom Right Corner

On hand for the launch this year were performing artists Kiprich and Zhavea, as well as Heavy D and marketing representative for the newest sponsor, RapTor energy drink.  Unlike years past, not only will we see Dancehall acts such as Country Man aka Gully Bop, Aidonia, Demarco and Ninjaman take the stage, we will also have a designated Reggae festival which is headlined by Capleton and Tarrus Riley, as well as junior artists blazing their path, Exco Levi, Iba Mahr and Jahmiel!

If you don’t have your tickets, make sure you get them now.  Jamworld is the only place you need to be on Friday December 26th, 2014.  If you’re out of town, visit http://www.reggaesting.com/v1/ for links to watch online.

In the meantime, here’s some music from artists who will be performing:

Country Man aka Gully Bop – Exclusive Remix by Kalibandulu and Walshy Fire:

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/cqnbgvpgtijs3mr9g349

Mediafire Link:  https://www.mediafire.com/folder/yvmg4s488xry0/Country_Man_aka_Gully_Bop

Demarco Loyal:

Mediafire Link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/ur65yzu2j683y13/Demarco%20-%20Loyal%20(Radio%20Edit).mp3

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/upzwcrd61l4naqdsw6sb

Exco Levi:

Cali Farmer and Wadada

https://www.mediafire.com/folder/lz32jzznhu3nf/Exco_Levi_-_2014_-_Music

https://app.box.com/s/31v4vy0wedc24h3a6sb0

Sting is the greatest one night Reggae and Dancehall show on earth!

Global Reggae Radio Syndication - Playlist!

This weeks radio show was another great one!

Playlist – December 9^th, 2014 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/ccp5t7dzj1rn8hn/Natasha_Von_Castle_-_The_Music_Connection_-_December_9th,_2014.mp3

Nikesha Lindo

Adele Harley – Walk Away

Beres Hammond – You Stand Alone

Richie Stephens – Murdah

Buju Banton – Go If You Want

Shauna Dixon – Closer

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

Nikesha Lindo – Talk of the Town

Mason – Soulz On Fire

Marcia J. Ball – Tell Him

Winsome Benjamin ft. Daddy U-Roy – I Believe

Dubtonic Kru ft. Chantelle Ernandez – Tonight

Michael Star – With Me

Stephen Souza – Can’t Tear Us Apart

The Mighty Diamonds – Jah Love

Blizz ft. Lenn Hammomnd – Beautiful Day

Nikesha Lindo – Never Be Alone Again

Chelsea Stewart – Over You

Maxi Priest – Every Little Thing

Romain Virgo – Fantasize

Kerry John ft. Megan – And Ever

Lady Flame – Thank You Mama

Jesse Royal – Greedy Babylon

Stephen Marley ft. Capleton & Sizzla – Rock Stone

Mr. Vegas – Protector

Queen Ifrica – The Beauty of Love

Shinehead – Strive

Dalton Harris – Tribute to John Holt

Marzville – Nah Turn Back Way

Sizzla – It’s a Rocky Road

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

Toronto Artists for Christmas – It’s Christmas

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

Jo Mersa Marley – Sunshine

Burt Herrin – Lightening Bolt

Bigga Boss – Giddion

Exco Levi – Ready to Revolute

Tessanne Chin – Step Aside

Humble Sheep – Market Rock

Humble Sheep – Reggae Deh Deh

Gully Bop – Body Specialist

Busy Signal – Greetings

Listen again / download link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/ccp5t7dzj1rn8hn/Natasha_Von_Castle_-_The_Music_Connection_-_December_9th,_2014.mp3

Email me your music >>> natashavoncastle@gmail.com

Sound System Culture Profiled in Documentary - Huddersfield, UK!

Host DJ David Katz is proud to present a special screening of Mandeep Samra’s documentary film ‘Sound System Culture’, celebrating the sound systems of Huddersfield. followed by DJ sets from Al Fingers, the London-based DJ, producer, author and book

publisher, alongside the night’s regular host, David Katz, playing roots reggae and foundation dancehall, original vinyl style. The mass immigration of Jamaicans in the 1950s and 60s brought the culture of the sound system to the UK, where it made a dramatic impact in unexpected places. The film Sound System Culture thus charts the untold history of reggae music and sound systems in the northern town of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The town hosted many of the biggest names in reggae music, including singers, bands, and sound systems, throughout the 1970s and ‘80s. Many artists would insist on playing at Huddersfield’s Venn Street when arranging a UK tour, due to the size of the crowd in attendance and the legendary northern hospitality. The documentary revisits an era when Jamaicans played their music at dances in the Venn Street nightclub, which helped put Huddersfield on the British reggae map. 

The film screening will begin at 8pm sharp (running time: 35 minutes), followed by DJ sets until midnight. We expect another packed house for this event so come early to avoid disappointment! http://soundsystemculturehuddersfield.tumblr.com /http://www.alfingers.com/ http://www.facebook.com/dubmealways 

Admission:  Free

Reggae and Rock n Roll in India!

All-girl band The Void is set to take the live music scene in Bengaluru by storm with their Reggae Rock sound 

This article first appeared in The Bangalore Mirror

In a male dominated live music space, four girls have set out to change the way things work, all while trying to play a genre that we have seldom heard of in the indoe music scene in India – Reggae Rock.  Formed in January, The Void comprises of Vinaya (lead guitarist), Anagha (vocalist), Rithika (rhythm guitarist) and Suvarna (drummer).  While three of them are pursuing their BA at Mount Carmel College, Survarna is a final year law student at KLE in Rajajinagar.

It was during a sports session at their college that Rithika suggested that the girls put a band together considering their common love for music.  It took a while to figure out the line-up (their first drummer quit early on) but since Suvarna, their current drummer, joined them, the girls have been on a roll.  “In a largely male-dominated music scenario, the all-girl tag is interesting and often we see ourselves being underestimated.  Plus, the crowd never expects us to play rock covers,” Survana says.  Their set list comprises five originals (“Free,” “Rag Doll,” “Two in the Making” etc) and covers such as “Skyfall,” “Titanium” and “Freedom.”  Their range varies from Rock, Alternative, Slow, Punk and Reggae.

Not wanting to be slotted into any category, Anagha says “Since we are new, we are experimenting with different genres.  We like Reggae as well as Rock and we figured we’d combine the two.  Also, we haven’t come across any other band that plays this sound.”  While this definitely makes theor act unique, it also leaves them vulnerable to closer scrutiny.  Considering the fact that they only found their footing a few months ago (their “first proper show” was in August), The Void has the potential to become an act worthy of headlining a festival.  So far, the band counts their Independence day performance at Koramangala restobar Gilly’s as their best gig.  “It was pretty exciting because we played our first few songs in front of a crowd for half an hour.  We loved every moment on stage,” Rithika says.

Given that the band members are aged between 19 and 21, its no surprise that their biggest challenge has been working around curfews set by their concerned parents.  So far, they have managed to tackle this problem by requesting for earlier slots, but they are still in the process of convincing parents to let them play a little later as well!

Connect with these ladies on Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/TheVoidBangalore

Details About the 2015 Grammy Nominees for Reggae Album of the Year!

Reggae and Dancehall are the two most enjoyed genres in the world, and today, the Grammy committee has announced the Nominees for Best Reggae Recording, 2015.

The nominees are:

Ziggy Marley – Fly Rasta

Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry – Back At the Controls

Sean Paul – Full Frequency

Shaggy – Out of Many One Music

Sly & Robbie and Spicy Chocolate – The Reggae Power

SOJA – Amid The Noise and the Haste

Ziggy Marley still uses the standard set by his Father, Bob Marley, when it comes to producing good music, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry is not afraid to be himself which comes through in the unique music he makes.  Sean Paul understands the power of a single frequency, not to mention what happens to the masses when they get full frequency (he chose the right title for his album).

Shaggy single handedly brought nations of people together, and the true intentions of his heart were revealed when this album was made.  Not only is he the hardest working man in our business, he is one of the hardest working in music and entertainment, and always creates opportunities for others.  Tessanne is just ONE of many.

Sly & Robbie never cease to amaze with their work ethic and work habits.  They operate as if they have nothing and the project they are working on (currently) means everything to them.  In other words, despite the many Grammy’s they’ve won in the past, despite the amount of world tours they’ve been on, they act as if all of it is happening again, but for the first time.  This is so humbling.

SOJA are the newest kids on the Reggae block!  They are well known on the West Coast of the US, but they are from Arlington, VA, just across the Potomac River.   The amount of their fans is equivalent to the amount of grains of sand found on a beach in Montego Bay … they have a lot!

Good luck to all the nominees!

P.S.  Want to get involved in the Grammy process?!  You can become a voting member; details HERE!

Madonna Does Dancehall with Diplo!

It’s no secret that Madonna has been influenced by all genre’s of music, and, spending time in New York, the melting pot of all cultures (particularly Caribbean), it should come as no surprise that she will be

Photo Courtesy Downed Madonna

releasing an Reggae / Dancehall single early 2015.  Not only is she ready to dive in to the world of our unique syncho-pated beats, she is working with the hit maker Diplo!

During an interview in Australia on the popular TV show The Riff on Channel V, Diplo spoke about Madonna and let it be known that the single will come out early next year.  Diplo, who is in the land down under, is promoting his performance at the Stereosonic Music Festival!

This production adds to Diplo's stellar accolades including his work with Snoop Lion, Justin Beiber, Drake, Busy Signal and more.

Connect with Diplo on Twitter >>> @diplo