The Island Festival is Kalamazoo's Premier Reggae Gathering

View videos of Stevie Culture live here:
http://stevieculture.com/Videos/tabid/97/Default.aspx

San Francisco, CA – June 2008 – Since it's inception, Island Festival has grown in numbers and stature. The work begins during the frigid Michigan Winter to bring the finest entertainment possible. Island Festival now draws over 10,000 Reggae fans yearly from all over the world. Like any good festival it combine family entertainment, great food, music, and most importantly great vibes!

Stevie CUltureStevie Culture will be headlining Island Festival on Friday June 20, 2008. The Meditations will be gracing the stage in the main spot on Saturday June 21, 2008.

As the lead singer for The S.A.N.E. Band (Jamaica's top band during the 1990s) Stevie Culture had performed as the opening act for many Reggae artists such as: Shaggy, Anthony B, Sizzla, Third World, UB40, Steel Pulse, Culture, Burning Spear, The Wailers and Alton Ellis. He has now stepped into the spotlight and is a headliner at many up coming shows this summer.

Stevie Culture
International Reggae artist Stevie Culture has been a singer and entertainer since his early teens. Stevie was born in Kingston Jamaica to Rastafarian parents. His Father was a guitar player and singer and his love of music certainly rubbed off on Stevie. He began playing the drums at age 12 and quickly became popular because of his musical talent and positive attitude. By age 16, Stevie became well known and would sing with leading sound systems and play and sing with bands all across the island of Jamaica. Stevie's strong spirituality and belief in those people willing to make a difference is evident in his debut album “Top Class”. He speaks of keeping life full of joy and helping the world's youth to put down guns, drop drugs and violence, and channel their energies in more life-giving directions. The album is layered with positive and uplifting messages and is widely considered an instant classic.

Stevie's Message
As well as being a lifelong singer, Stevie has also always carried with him his message. When asked what one thing he would tell his fans, he responded in a heartbeat: “Hol' a joy!”. “Don't let the problem rule your life”, he says; “Don't think of the problem. Think of the solution. Just be happy about what you're doing..”

About KSR (King Step Recordings)
KSR (http://www.kingsteprecordings.com/) is based in California and was founded in December 2005 by Adam Heller. Adam is also the founder of the well known http://www.ReggaeDj.com that has been serving the Reggae community since 2003. KSR is now promoting Stevie Culture's new CD “Top Class”

###

Contact:
Adam Heller
King Step Recordings
Phone: (408) 250-7949 or online
http://www.KingStepRecordings.com

 

Prince Alla touring Europe

On May 24, 2008, in classic, by E

Big Up Reggae Massive & Promotor's …..

Prince Alla is coming again from end June to around end of August … if You are interressed of Bookink a Show or More with the NajaVibes band or in Sound Vibes all info @ raspect@bluewin.ch

already book up:

27 june " Belgrade " Serbia
28 june " Pancevo " Serbia
4 jully
5 Jully " Montreux Jazz Festival " Switzerland
6 jully " Eurokennes Festival " France
16 jully – 19 jully " Socha Riversplash Festival " Slovenia
20 jully Croatia Reggae Festival TBC
24 jully " Guest Vibes "
1 august " Vichy " France
15 august " Festival " near Munich Germany
16 august

Ises …

Big ups to Asher Selector for the announcement over at B+F

 

I don't know about you but, to me, this latest call out by Trojan to collectors of original pressings sounds kind of fucked up.

They are asking for the following 7's

People Get Ready – Doctor Bird, DB-1189B
Please Stay – Doctor Bird, DB-1194A
Special Beat – Doctor Bird, DB-1194B
Mama Me Want Girl – Doctor Bird, DB-1206A
Sentry – Doctor Bird, DB-1206B
Soul Crash – Doctor Bird, DB-1207A
Throw Me Things – Doctor Bird, DB-1207B

So that they can supposedly get a better quality sound than what they have. Something about that just doesn't seem quite legal. Then again I don't live in the UK, I assume they have the rights to the Doctor Bird tunes yes? Who is going to be getting the royalties from this? Food for thought Trojan. Read the whole article below, and if you know for a fact that this is all on the level, please email me and let me know the details.
As a tribute to the greatest Skinhead band of them all, we’re set to reissue the group’s classic ‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ album, in a deluxe format, with a multitude of bonus recordings to augment the original 12 tracks.

However, plans to make the set a definitive Pyramids / Symarip / Seven Letters collection have been hit by the lack of quality source material for a number of the tracks and unless alternatives can be found, the set will fall a little short of what we hoped it to be.

So, if there are any collectors willing and able to help us out with good quality recordings of the following (all issued as the Seven Letters), by either lending us the original singles or CDR copies of the tracks made in real time (sadly MP3s aren’t of a high enough quality), we’d love to hear from you:

People Get Ready – Doctor Bird, DB-1189B
Please Stay – Doctor Bird, DB-1194A
Special Beat – Doctor Bird, DB-1194B
Mama Me Want Girl – Doctor Bird, DB-1206A
Sentry – Doctor Bird, DB-1206B
Soul Crash – Doctor Bird, DB-1207A
Throw Me Things – Doctor Bird, DB-1207B

In addition, any label scans of ANY Symarip or Pyramid singles, adverts, etc., are also needed so we can ensure the booklet is both informative and visually pleasing.

All contributors shall of course be receive full thanks in the booklet as well as being suitably rewarded!

If you are able to help, please contact us at the usual email address: trojanwebsite@googlemail.com

 

Stevie Culture and Half Pint

On May 1, 2008, in classic, by E
Half Pint “No Stress Express Tour” Featuring Stevie Culture, Itawe & The Yellow Wall Dub Squad

View videos of Stevie Culture live here:
http://stevieculture.com/Videos/tabid/97/Default.aspx

San Francisco, CA – March 2008 – As the lead singer for The S.A.N.E. Band (Jamaica's top band during the 1990s) Stevie Culture had performed as the opening act for many Reggae artists such as: Shaggy, Anthony B, Sizzla, Third World, UB40, Steel Pulse, Culture, Burning Spear, The Wailers and Alton Ellis.

Now is Stevie's time to shine. He is heading out on a three week tour with the legendary Reggae singer Half Pint to promote his debut album “Top Class.” Half Pint just released his latest full length CD “No Stress Express” and both artists will be showcasing their latest and greatest.

The mix of Half Pint's explosiveness and Stevie Culture's high energy stage presence makes for an amazing, unforgettable show.

Below are the dates and places for the Stevie Culture and Half Pint Western US Tour April-May 2008. Log in to http://www.StevieCulture.com for free Stevie Culture downloads and to join Stevie's street teams. Check the website frequently for updated show locations.

Dates Place
4/16/2008 Dub Club, Los Angeles
4/18/2008 Mailbu Inn, Malibu, CA
4/19/2008 Wold Beat Center, San Diego, CA
4/20/2008 Fox Theater Salinas, CA (Afternoon Show)
4/20/2008 Moe's Alley, Santa Cruz, CA
4/21/2008 Club Dread @ Club Six, San Francisco, CA
4/22/2008 Lolas @ Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
4/23/2008 Mt Tabor Legacy, Portland, OR
4/24/2008 Nectar Lounge, Seattle, WA
4/25/2008 The Top Hat, Missoula, MT
4/26/2008 Zebra Lounge, Bozeman, MT
4/27/2008 The Star Bar, Park City, Utah
4/28/2008 Monks House of Jazz, Salt Lake City, Utah
4/30/2008 Quixotes, Denver, CO
5/01/2008 Wild Hare, Chicago, IL
5/02/2008 Caribbean Village, Indianapolis, IN
5/03/2008 TBA St Louis, MI (TBA)
5/04/2008 Blue Nile, Minneapolis, MN
5/05/2008 Shank Hall, Milwaukee, WI
5/07/2008 G's Jamaican Quisine, Kansas City, MO

Stevie Culture
International Reggae artist Stevie Culture has been a singer and entertainer since his early teens. Stevie was born in Kingston Jamaica to Rastafarian parents. His Father was a guitar player and singer and his love of music certainly rubbed off on Stevie. He began playing the drums at age 12 and quickly became popular because of his musical talent and positive attitude. By age 16, Stevie became well known and would sing with leading sound systems and play and sing with bands all across the island of Jamaica. Stevie's strong spirituality and belief in those people willing to make a difference is evident in his debut album “Top Class”. He speaks of keeping life full of joy and helping the world's youth to put down guns, drop drugs and violence, and channel their energies in more life-giving directions. The album is layered with positive and uplifting messages and is widely considered an instant classic.

Stevie's Message
As well as being a lifelong singer, Stevie has also always carried with him his message. When asked what one thing he would tell his fans, he responded in a heartbeat: “Hol' a joy!”. “Don't let the problem rule your life”, he says; “Don't think of the problem. Think of the solution. Just be happy about what you're doing..”

Half Pint
Half Pint's diminutive stature belies not only his vocal capabilities but also camouflages his huge on-stage presence, often described as no less than explosive and dynamic. Born Lindon Roberts, but affectionately called Pint, he is a product of the West Kingston enclave of Rose Lane, a community which has produced the likes of Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Toots Hibbert and a host of other international Reggae superstars.

The all-new studio CD, No Stress Express, was released March 11, 2008 internationally and distributed though Universal Music Group. The first single and video for the CD, “Unity” featuring Jack Maness from Long Beach Dub All-Stars has been doing well on radio and video shows all over. The No Stress Express international tour in support of the new CD will start in the US in April and go through the end of the year. Big plans are in store for the one Half Pint!

About KSR (King Step Recordings)
KSR (http://www.kingsteprecordings.com/) is based in California and was founded in December 2005 by Adam Heller. Adam is also the founder of the well known http://www.ReggaeDj.com that has been serving the Reggae community since 2003. KSR is now promoting Stevie Culture's new CD “Top Class”

###

Contact:
Adam Heller
King Step Recordings
Phone: (408) 250-7949 or online
http://www.KingStepRecordings.com

 

Friday, March 21, 2008 12:57 PM

Dear Friends/Family/Fellow International Media Associates:

     I want to thank you all so very much for all the calls, emails, letters etc. Words can never express the way I feel about each and every one of you. I have had the pleasure of working personally with some of
you guys over the years, while in my role as Mikey Dread's Publicist/Media Representative.

Each one of you has been instrumental in the successful career he enjoyed. Your avenue of expertise whether Print media,T.V. or Radio DJ’s across the globe have surely helped the world get to know Mikey Dread’s work on an International scale.

    I personally find it a pleasure and honor to have met you all. Give Thanks for not only being there for me in the past, but also in the now. My heart was overwhelmed by joy to see the mass media coverage on
Mikey’s passing. The many writings and tributes I see on Mikey out there on the web worldwide and those of you who have sent pod casts – Jah Blessings for your hard work and dedication.

     I know that Mikey’s heart would have been overjoyed for such wonderfully kind thoughts expressed; as you delivered the message of his passing from as near as the Virgin Islands to as far away as Africa, Russia, Tehran, Japan, Germany, Italy, The UK and so on. You, the International media certainly came together on

Mikey’s loving behalf to offer condolences to his family – Give Thanks!

    Many of you know how very close Mikey and I were and have voiced concerns over my well being (smile) and I would like to put you guys at ease.

    As circumstances would have it (Jah guides) at the time of Mikey’s passing Saturday, the Inner Visions Reggae Band was staying at my house. And as Jah continued to guide us this day we were invited to the home of
Radio DJ Ras Ridi (Dallas local Rasta Elder) for Rasta reasoning’s and physical nourishments.

    I had the true Jah fortune to be in the presence of DJ Ras Ridi and his family as well as the entire Inner Visions Reggae Band: Ras Paul, Grasshopper, Jupiter, Akiba and Aswad when the word came in. So I was
most definitely surrounded by True Rasta Love and strength. It was also an added blessing to have Ras Ridi reason with me and guide me through the most painful moments in my life. Between Ras Ridi,Grasshopper, and Jupiter (Inner Visions) my immediate comfort was taken care of which allowed me to serve my Boss one last time and get on to things that needed to be done.

Within hours, I had a stream of calls from friends in the media and artists that Mikey and I shared acquaintance with.  Lady Cham (West Indian Times), The Scientist, Carmelita Harris, Glen Washington, Trevor Elliot, Daddy Roots, Tony Culture, Delroy Headley, Scorcher, Danny,Yabba (Griffiths), a host of Rasta Brethren from Jamaica's

various Rasta communities, Sydney“Mankind”, Carrot, Cat, Linton Cooper (who called every hour of the day
from Jamaica and who continues to call daily). Ranking Joe, Robin (Culture), DJ Ima Uwagbai, Mike D. Magician, Everton, Bro. You, Queen Amy, Makeda Dread, Marshall Jones, Henrik Baek and DJ Tiffany. There has just been so many of you, if I fell to mention you, JAH knows I appreciate you.

Special Thanks to Basil Walters, Jamaica Observer who always wanted to know what he can do to help, and was

there always each step of the way with Mikey's career.

     With that said: I have to say about My Boss, My Brother, My Friend, and My Teacher – what we had was a relationship that was solid in business and trust, that was guided by JAH and cemented by love and respect, seasoned with our connection with our Jamaican Culture, dedication to the purity of Reggae music and our Rasta beliefs.

In the words of the song from Inner Visions – True hearts so very hard to find.

True hearts (will always stay), True Love (will not go away), and True Friends (is what makes love very strong)

I listen to this song and remember Mikey and I

 Think of Mikey, and know that he’s in a happy place.

“I was
talking to a singer the other day and he said "Mushiya just think and visualize this":

When Mikey strolled through those gates of the great unknown he joyfully announced the
Dread at the Controls has arrived!  Bob (Marley) was there with him and
he added “Don’t worry about a thing”, Peter (Tosh) walked over and he
said dread “No more tears to cry” and Joseph (Hill) and Dennis (Brown)
all gathered around Mikey and said “Selah” RASTAFARI!!  

The Dread is still at the
controls!!! 

It is a comforting thought to know, Mikey lives on in our hearts, mind and soul and

I know I will see my friend again in the land of far beyond.

Warm Love

 

Mikey Dread Rest in Peace

On March 18, 2008, in classic, by E

From all of us at Blackark.com, you will be remembered Mikey.
\
This photo was taken in January 2007 during a Rhygin Records studio session in California
Photo courtesy of Rhygin Records

 

 

Songs Available As Ringtones

December 2007 – San Jose, CA – After many years technology has finally found the Legendary Reggae singer Edi Fitzroy. Edi has created many Albums and even more singles over the last 26 years, and now seven of his all time classics can be purchased as single MP3’s or full album MP’s everywhere online.

Coming Up Strong (1984), Eclipse (1991) and Pollution (1995) are all Edi Fitzroy Albums that were only published as LP’s. Now you can find these complete Albums digitally mastered and sold as MP3’s on iTunes, Napster, eMusic, Rhapsody and hundreds of more MP3 online outlets.

Along with the exclusive LP releases, First Class Citizen (1982), Deep In Mi Culture (1993), We A Lion (2001) and Hold The Vibes (2006) have also been digitally distributed to major MP3 outlets world wide.

These classic Albums include some of Edi’s biggest hits, such as “Princess Black”, “Miss Molly”, “First Class Citizen”, Youth Man”, and so many more.

Here is a short list of places and networks Edi’s back catalog can be found for individual song downloads and ringtones:

Audio Lunchbox

BitTorrent

eMusic

Groovemobile Delivery

Hi5 Networks

imeem

iTunes Music Store

Last.fm

Mix and Burn

Music IP

Napster

Navio Download (gBox)

Passalong (Songtouch)

Rhapsody

Rogers Wireless

Ruckus Network

Snocap (Snocap/Myspace

Sony

Soundflavor

SpotDJ

 

IDC
The Independent Distribution Collective (IDC) is the main distributor for Edi Fitzroy’s newest album “Hold The Vibes”. “Hold The Vibes” is in stores coast to coast. IDC has revolutionized the independent music distribution business as a whole. Using the "Strength in Numbers" concept, and employing grassroots and industry tested practices, IDC has created a whole new avenue for current and next generation artists who are trying to bring their music to the public. To find out more about IDC, please visit their website http://www.independentdistro.com.

King Step Recordings
KSR (King Step Recordings) is a record label founded from necessity; a necessity for more conscious Reggae; a necessity for quality independent original Reggae, and a necessity for more love in the world. We are but soldiers in the Reggae Revolution spreading our messages of equal rights and justice. Feel free to contact us about anything. Give thanks to all.

KSR is based in California and was founded in December 2005 by Adam Heller. Adam is also the founder of the well-known site ReggaeDj.com that has been serving the Reggae community since 2003.

 

Contact info:

Adam Heller

info@kingsteprecordings.com

http://www.kingsteprecordings.com

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

Saturday, December 1, 2007 3:50 PM

     What we need is Love and a conscious messenger!  Love and Reggae is what we are receiving through the masterful sounds of Mobay's own Reggae SuperStar – Mackie Conscious.

    

The word out of Jamaica is that singer, songwriter and producer Mackie Conscious luck has changed. The singer who sings "Lucky mi nuh lucky" is at last receiving the recognition needed to finally put him on the same platform as his peers.

 After his appearance in October at  two of Jamaica's major concerts, Mackie has been receiving rave reviews from fans and news media across the globe;acknowledging Mackie's tremendous reggae conscious contribution.

Most noticeable was Mackie's performance at the "Tribute to Peter Tosh"  held at Independence Park, Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, on Friday October 19, 2007.  Quoting some of the most powerful words to date from Jamaica Star News Editor –  Adrian Frater in regards to Mackie Conscious musical magnetism.  He says "Luciano and Mackie Conscious were both quite compelling as musical messengers". He goes on to say that "Tosh's nephew Edge Michael and Mackie Conscious, delivered excellent sets and offered dazzling Tosh moments. While the mature-sounding Edge Michael raised goose-pimples with his delivery of Reggaemilitis, the commanding Mackie Conscious brought the house down with Equal Rights and Justice".  Jamaica Star News – October 22, 2007

 In this same article under the heading High-quality performer, Adrian Frater says: "Mackie Conscious, who must be the best artiste in Jamaica without a number one hit, reminded the audience that a Lucky Me Nuh Lucky and Can't Be A King and No Royal".

 In this same article under the heading High-quality performer, Adrian Frater says: "Mackie Conscious, who must be the best artiste in Jamaica without a number one hit, reminded the audience that a Lucky Me Nuh Lucky and Can't Be A King and No Royal".

Mackie Conscious, continues to amaze audiences with the maturity of his performances, showed off his full musical prowess as he not only used his uniquely distinguished voice to get his message across to his listening audience. Mackie being a master  Bass Guitar player, is also known to deliver wickedly with the drum and bass sound. Confirming once again that he is a well rounded and versatile reggae performer.  Another media personality stated "an artist of this caliber should not be opening any shows, he should be a headliner as well". Super producer Flava who works with artists such as Queen Ifrica and Gyption said "Mackie is one of the best artist he have seen in a long time".

With such commanding live performances and media acknowledgment Mackie as of late has been receiving much recognition on the worldwide reggae scene both from his peers and the media. Most recently with the inception of appearing on the Suzie "Q" – T. V. Show – telecast in Jamaica and across the globe; showcasing the release "Lucky me nuh Lucky".

It's no wonder that all this attention about Mackie's conscious vibes has brought on the invitation to perform at this year's World Class Reggae Event – Jamaica Guinness Sting 2007, it's no doubt Sting is needing a conscious vibe and no doubt Mackie Conscious will do just that; bring a very Conscious Vibe to this event which is looking to pull over 40,000 attendees in Jamaica – December 2007. Fitting is the theme chosen for the event this year "UNITY THEME"  at Jamworld, Portmore St. Catherine December 26, 2007. Updates on the concert will be posted on the website wwwstingjamaica.com.jm.

Recently I was speaking with Mama Asid of "Bad Gals Radio" out of Detroit, Michigan USA; speaking of Mackie Conscious she says "Mackie Conscious is a sweetheart, just like Mikey Dread, Mackie Conscious fans sees him as one of them, so humble and peaceful is he, it's no wonder the fans love him so''.

I to can attest to this fact about Mackie Conscious people effectivity; I was so impressed with Mackie that I made it my mission to introduce him to my boss Mikey Dread. Mikey in turn checked out his sounds and linked up with him and so begins, Mackie's introduction to our very close knit USA family which also includes the Inner Visions Reggae Band.  Mikey Dread himself was impressed with his sounds and performance and had planned on bringing Mackie Concscious on tour with him this year; prior to his illness. If there is anyone who would know the special ness a Reggae Artist is bringing to the table, it would be the Dread at the Controls himself  Mikey Dread; who's produced and groomed many artists over his 30 years in the entertainment business.

The world is waiting for the release of what Mackie has to offer. With that in mind we are pleased to announce that fans can now hear Mackie's music not only in Jamaica, but in countries such as Belgium, Germany, Australia, Africa, London, U.S, Canada and many more. Deejay's the world over is requesting Mackie's songs for airplay.

Mackie Conscious is true Conscious son, here to spread love around the world right under the Jamaican Sun!

Sample Mackie Conscious videos and sounds at: www.myspace.com/mackieconscious or

www.mackieconscious.com

Manager
Patrick D. Robb
CEO/Manager
Sinai Records Inc.
954-591-6067
646-734-6961
876-385-0389
prdrobb87@optonline.net
www.mackieconscious.com
www.myspace.com/mackieconscious

Publicist

Mushiya
Jobe Enterprises
P.O. Box 600542
Dallas, Texas 75360-0542

www.myspace.com/mushiya

www.mikeydread.com
www.innervisionsreggae.com
www.dubmusic.com
www.mackieconscious.com
214-342-5638
469-767-9730
+44-762-419-6975
mojamaica@msn.com
mojamaica@peoplepc.com

 

Official News Release Regarding Mikey Dread

On November 13, 2007, in classic, by E
For Immediate Release:
Saturday October 27, 2007 12:46PM 
This is  an Official News Release from the  "Dread At The Controls, Inc."
     For months now, many of you have made inquiries about the Internationally acclaimed Jamaican Reggae Legend Mikey Dread. Mikey believes that it is important that his fans/friends/ and supporters know about his current health condition and the treatment he is currently undergoing, and what has happened to him since July, 2007
   
    There is certainly good news coming out of the DATC camp. The good news is that Monika's and  Mikey's son was born healthy and strong on October 12, 2007 and he will run "Dread at the Controls "in the future.

     The bad news is that Mikey Dread has been diagnosed with a Brain Tumor. He is in the care of the best Doctors at Duke University in North Carolina and is undergoing chemotherapy. Mikey is working towards recovery and does not give up his faith in God. God is watching out for him.

Mikey Dread's fans can contact him through email:
mikey@mikeydread.com
www.myspace.com/datc
www.myspacecom/mikeydread
www.myspace.com/lifeisastagecd
www.mikeydread.com

According to Mikey Dread, "Dread at the Controls reggae music and dubs music continues to Break down the Walls, internationally"

This is an official News Release from "Dread At The Controls, Inc."

My respect and love still stand to you
Respects.
Mikey

To the Media: Please continue to contact Mushiya – Mikey's Publicist at (469) 767-9730 email: mojamaica@msn.com
  
Mushiya 
Jobe Enterprises
PO. Box 600542
Dallas, Texas 75360-0542
www.mikeydread.com
www.innervisionsreggaecom
www.dubmusic.com
www.mackieconscious.com
214-342-5638
469-767-9730
+44-762-419-6975
mojamaica@msn.com
mojamaica@peoplepccom