Phillip Sayce is Amazing...

There are people who 'play' the guitar, and then there are people who use their hands to allow the guitar to sing.  At the Warner Music party, held after the 44th annual JUNO Awards, I met THE man who makes the guitar sing.  His name is Phillip Sayce.

Phillip Sayce and Natasha Von Castle

You will never experience music deeply until you experience it with Mr. Sayce.  He is an incredible singer, extra talented song writer, and the conduit for the guitar to speak to you.  

Every person who has ever heard Phillip and his guitar perform have all said the same thing:  "WOW!"

Take a look at this clip, and the next time he comes to your city, see him perform live.  You'll thank me for it I promise!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khkghSLo750

Honoring Biggie Smalls - We Love You Big Poppa!

Today marks the anniversary of the death of Christopher Wallace aka Notorious B.I.G., aka Biggie Smalls.

There is not a music lover alive who does not acknowledge the significance of Notorious B.I.G. His flow was the epitome of Swag meets Street, and gave perspective to the musings of a man on a mission while living in a concrete jungle.  The Swag was for the ladies, and the Street was for the men, and the two met and mingled and reached levels of understanding. 

B.I.G. was that kind of artist.

Without doubt Biggie was the King of Hip Hop, son of Brooklyn, and cultured Jamaican.  His 2 Billboard Music Awards, 1 MTV Video Music Award, 1 Soul Train Music Award and 4 Source Awards do not reflect the impact his artistry had on the masses.  They don’t tell the story of the upcoming artists who aspired to be like him, nor do they tell the story of how many people sing the punch line to his music when the DJ lowers the volume to hear the crowd.  How do you explain those moments in an award or through album sales?  You can’t! 

To commemorate today’s significance, the team at L3 Magazine created a tribute cover in honor of the Hip Hop icon.  Rest in Peace King.  We Love and miss you…

Money – Money – M-O-N-E-Y!

Some say money is the root of all evil, but in the case of the song “Blurred Lines,” money is the root of the court case brought against Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke and T.I., as the Gaye family (son and daughter of Marvin Gaye Frankie and Nona)’s attorney’s reveal just how much money the single made … drum roll please … $16,675,690!

My good friends at THR have confirmed via court records that both the plaintiffs and defendants agree that the song made that much money.  So who got what?

$5,658,214 went to Robin Thicke, $5,153,457 went to Williams and $704,774 went to T.I.  Where did the rest go?  To the record label.

Not only are the Gaye family seeking a portion of the money made from song sales, they want a portion of the tour revenue which they estimate to be $11Million.

Get that Money!

Spice is the #CoverGirl for L3 Magazine - March, 2015!

After a 3 month hiatus, L3 Magazine returns with an explosive March, 2015 issue which features Dancehall Diva Spice on the cover.  Speaking to Tricia ‘ZJ Sparks’ Spence (Contributing and Caribbean Affairs Editor) Spice exclusively shares behind the scenes thoughts on her career, collaborations and balance between work and home life.

In a never before told story, Spice shares the reason why Vybz Kartel made her miserable and cry, and also shares that there are a lot more collaborations between the two of them that go beyond “Romping Shop” and “Conjugal Visit.”  In the midst of telling her professional story, she shares her personal story which revolves around her family, and the name by which she is known, Grace Hamilton!

Senior Writer Song River exclusively interviews Braxton A. Cosby, nephew of Bill Cosby, who tells the world he wants them to live a ‘Fat Free Life.’  He also shares plans for an empire that includes a production company seeking writers and more.

In her second feature, Song interviews Franks Jordan who is the Comic Man!  There’s a good chance you’ve never met a comic creator before, and you’d be surprised at where Frank finds humour!

Music Review, Music Charts, and Artist Features are must reads, and this months’ centerfold, Taasha Renee, makes the screen pop teaming with photographer extraordinaire, Jerome Dupont.

Lastly, in a rare moment, Natasha Von Castle, Editor in Chief, opens her heart to readers, sharing the reason the magazine has been away the past 3 months, why she almost walked away from doing what she loves most, and the person who inspired her to stay.

All this and more in the March, 2015 issue of www.L3Magazine.com!

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