Sedale "Soca Rebel" Simei

St.Lucia Carnival 2007 highlighted the best music and collaborations from the many artist who contributed to the most historic season yet. Sedale Simei was one of the many artists who made that roster. Having collaborated with one of Trinidad’s major production companies Mastamind Productions and St.Lucian born Irvine “Smokes” Springer he came in as a new artist to be remembered.
Sedale Simei was born and raised in St. Lucia, and from an early age developed a special appreciation for music. His father often entertained him with steel pan renditions of traditional calypso tunes. He was influenced by the likes of The Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener, De Invader, De Ashanti, Herb Black, Bunji Garlin, Machel Montano, Bounty Killer, Tupac, and Biggie .
Sedale relished the opportunity to become a DJ, forming one of New York’s top rated St. Lucian sound systems: “Infrared Sounds”. His innate passion for soca music resulted in him leaving the turntables and emerging as a soca artist. What sets him aside from all other artists is his unconventional style of music which ultimately gives him his unique sound.
In June 2007, Sedale released his three tracks for the season . Shawn Noel of Mastermind Productions produced two of these ,”Roll Deep” and “Fallen Soldiers” both of which music lovers were able to identify. Irvine “Smokes” Springer was responsible for producing “Doe Tie Me Up “which had many chanting its hook, while others enjoyed the humor.
His 2007 debut, did not go unrecognized, for after the carnival season in St.Lucia, he performed during one of the Caribbean‘s biggest parade weekends , the Labour Day Weekend . In November 2007 , he was also a highlight of the party “ Video Honeys and Vixens “ which was held in Brooklyn New York.
Carnival 2008 has reached its crest and Sedale has released his very first single for the season “Fallen Soliders Remix” featuring Kayo and Krissy. This remix was produced by Jo Flash of the NY Hitmen. Much more should be expected from this budding artiste, who has been working with St.Lucian ,Courtney “Cutty” Louis of Dutch Productions to continue the legacy which he began last year.
This year, he established ties with Leonard Lestrade of St.Kitts Jam Crew Productions. This production house has gained a reputation in St.Kitts for its “waistline” moving beats. His expected release from them was cowritten by upcoming St.Lucian artist Darence “Hitty” Paul.
Sedale is also expected to collaborate with regional artists as his intention is to continually represent St.Lucia through his music . Expect “Monterhitzz” from this young artiste as we race to Carnival 2kGreat !

Updates on Sedale can be accessed via the World Wide Web at www.myspace.com/sedalemusic


Written by Rochelle.K.Noel
Published : www.yomagazine.net

Yanica

"Forever Fire "has gradually become a radio anthem for radio listeners in St.Lucia and internationally especially in the French countries of Martinique Guadeloupe and France. Having been released only in November 2007, anticipation for the next single from this fiery vocalist Yanica under the Slaughter Arts/Lynx Studios Label is building.

Yanica Henville, St.Lucian born is true testament that with perseverance and passion living out your dreams is not far from reality. At a young age of eight she discovered her vocal talent and writing abilities .She engaged in many activities which would only improve these from vocal training to choir and steel pan.

It was not long before she took her music career to the next stage. At fourteen after meeting with former Phive Star Fleet member Nigel Nicholas it all began; and as the cliché goes "the rest is history", indeed Yanica’s story is history in the making.

Having observed other artists record, she learnt many tricks of the music industry. Under the guidance of Patrice Regis, Nigel Nicholas and Gilbert Cooke she has been able to record a few songs like "Make you mine", "Wild Out in the Club" and her hit single "Forever Fire" which was written by Nigel and produced by the Lynx studio geniuses Patrice Regis and Gilbert Cooke. Thus far, Yanica has been receiving good reviews from her colleagues, fans and the infamous music critics on www.islandmix.com. She remains modest as "the Yanica Hype" continues!

Yanica is currently completing her secondary education at Leon Hess Comprehensive School. Her attitude towards the music industry roots from her theme" I will keep trying until I get it Right" and to date has not failed her. She wants to encourage the youth and her peers to cherish their talents and is thankful for the encouragement she has received from the whole Slaughter Arts Family.

Recently, Yanica released her second single “Love Sweet Love” which was written and prodcued by Gilbert Cooke . Certainly she is keeping the momentum as she continues to record more tracks . Yanica Henville is ready for what lies ahead and with the continual support from her family, fans and Record Label Slaughter Arts she will surely prove that the best is yet to come!



Updates on Yanica music can be accessed via the World Wide Web at www.myspace.com/yanicamusic.

Written By Rochelle K Noel
Published : www.yomagazine.net

Jalena

Tortolian born, Jessica “Jalena” Mikoleiczik is making Slaughter Arts History with her expected video release of her hit single “Roll”which was shot in St.Vincent in January last year is expected to have the entire region rolling to its beat.

Born and raised in the British Virgin Islands to German parents, Jalena was exposed to the different Caribbean music genres from Reggae to that of Soca Music. Her passion for Soca music stems from the pulsating beat, which makes you want to move and testifies there is nothing that can come close to Soca, zouk or kompa!

In 2004, she conquered her fear and decided to take music head on. She joined the band 3rd Dimension and as expected for her first performance, her nerves got the best of her. As her journey continues she understands how much that moment matured her as an artist. She teamed up with many bands after like Quito, The Edge and going as far as Antigua teaming up with Da Bhann. “Text Me” was one of the singles which had Tortolians paying attention to this band and especially their female vocalist Jalena! Unfounately, Jalena left Da Bhann after a few months to purse her solo career back home, in Tortola.

In 2005, she recorded “Roll” which was her first solo single and was well received from Tortolians as many caught the contagious Jalena fever .The following year she was able to maintain the momentum with “Wutless” , fans could not deny this feisty vocalist.

Jalena joined the Slaughter Arts label in April of 2007 and was eager to be working with the talented men under this label from Nigel Nicholas to Patrice Regis, and Gilbert Cooke. They did not waste time, she immediately got on the Soca Bluetooth Riddim, recording tracks like “Carnival ah Come “featuring Nigel Nicholas and “Do Wah you want”.

Recently she teamed up with “Party Animal”, Problem Child to release “Mr. Boring Flex”; with its endless humor who knows which island this track will be sending shockwaves through. Jalena still performs with two of her former band members as lead singer at hotels and restaurants in Tortola, which she can admit is continuing to shape her vocals and performance more and more.
She has undoubtedly faced many challenges and one she makes mention of is the stereotype of female soca artist as being of a darker complexion. She goes on to say that “automatically people write me off as a gimmick and don’t believe that my music is authentic,” and often she was not well received. However she has learned to break down this stereotype in her home isle and hopes she can continue to do so as she continues to get exposure globally

Jalena talent does not only span to her vocals but her writing skills. She writes most of her songs including the single “Roll” which was her first solo track. She hopes in time that she will be respected not only for her music but her writing as her passion is ever present in her lyrics.

She is currently in the studio gearing up for the intense 2008 British Virgin Islands Carnival Season (scheduled for July/ August) as lyrics to “Watch me Wuk “and “Aye Yai Ya” are well in their production stage. She is expected to be featured on many riddims in the works by Slaughter Arts/Lynx Studios set to release May/June.

Jalena is one of the few artists who is willing to come out of her comfort zone and hopes to make collaborations with artists such as Jah Cure, Claudette Peters, Onyan and bands such as Kes. Jalena makes mention that she does not want to be known as an artist that was “MADE”, she wants to be known as an artist that is “SELF MADE”! This video launch will undeniably gain Jalena a strong spot in the competitive soca arena as she sees it opening many doors and giving her many more opportunities to do what she loves: MUSIC!


Updates on Jalena music can be accessed via the World Wide Web at www.myspace.com/jalenamusic.

Written by Rochelle K Noel
Published : www.yomagazine.net

Nigel Nicholas

Slaughter Arts is a record label in its infancy which is making a name for itself, however, many are still not familiar as to origins of this label Slaughter Arts. The name Nigel Nicholas is often associated with this record label because he is just one of the men behind this new era of music coming out of the Caribbean.

Nigel Nicholas was born and raised in the beautiful isle of St.Lucia.At an early age he was exposed to all the different genres of music that are truly Caribbean from Calypso all the way to dancehall. He has a deep passion for dancehall and rap but because Soca has been the main genre in St.Lucia, he soon began to experiment, and later found out how grateful this genre of music has been to him.

After completing his education at the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, Nigel decided to pursue his love for music full time. In 1998, a great opportunity presented itself, when a local radio station (Radio 100) hosted a freestyle contest, Nigel grasped the opportunity and called in the show along with his friend, Kirby St.Clair and won the contest. Coincidentally two producers from Ice Cold productions were at the station during his call in. They recorded their first song "Fabulous Styles” as part of their prize, this track was a Pop/Caribbean Crossover which also featured Marvin Joseph also known as Crocodile, Jonathan Cherry and Kevin Joseph.

Nigel used this accomplishment as motivation to expand his musical talent, and it was then Phive Star Fleet comprising of Kirby St Clair, Marvin Joseph, Jonathan Cherry and Kevin Joseph came to life. The Carnival Season came around and focus had switched to Soca and they realized that only Soca was moving forward. In 1999 Phive Star Fleet came out with their first Soca track "Bordaline" which became a big hit not only in St.Lucia but all over the Caribbean reaching the London Charts and various compilations.
The following year, unfortunately they all went solo. But Nigel passion did not die just there he continued and in 2000 released the hit track "Stamina" and from the day of release was a huge hit. That year Phive Staar, (Nigel continued to use this name since it was already known) booked many performances for "de girls all wanted stamina!"

Later, producer Rawle Alcide suggested that he use his name, "NIGEL NICHOLAS" for the upcoming Carnival Season. It was mid carnival season and Nigel had not released any new songs due to the many distractions in his life at that time but then his producer Rawle Alcide dropped a beat and all the lyrics just came out and this is how we all began singing "WHINE LIKE YUH MAD,” which was recorded at TC Brown’s Studio, Changa. It was not long before people made this a hit with its frequent request. That year Nigel was up against big hits like Karate by Ninja Dan, yet managed to be the head liner for a local Radio Station (The Wave) first Soca Show.

The momentum continued the following year; Nigel decided to team up with Kakle, Cutty and Randy to form GOB and this new group made musical magic releasing tracks like "We Love It ", "Blaze It Up" and "Never Scared". However the sweet melodies of this group came to an end when everyone decided to all go solo.

In 2005, Nigel moved to Rhode Island to further his studies in Audio/Video Engineering Film and Broadcasting. It was in that same year he felt inspired to begin Slaughter Arts which works closely with Lynx Studios. His first track under this label was "Yeah" produced by St.Lucian born Leebo. And his vision expanded, as artiste like Kakle, Al Ambrose, Baby Girl Trish, Private 6, Skinny Banton former member of WCK and many more joined the Slaughter Arts Family. He sees his major and work as husband and wife each one making the other better in terms of quality.

Nigel works especially with the underdogs of the industry putting unique voices out there with their own personal style. Slaughter Arts was able to release one of the Biggest Soca Riddims of 2007 "Soca Bluetooth Riddim" which has taken the Caribbean by Storm hitting St.Lucia, Tortola, St.Mateen, St.Vincent, Barbados, Trinidad, Bermuda, Martinique and going international to France, Holland and London. The Riddim features names such as Shurwayne Winchester, Dawg E. Slaughter, Denise Belfon, Jalena, Private 6, Bud Ramesy, Gailaan, Skinny Fabulous and many more. This popular Riddim was composed by Nigel’s right hand man, the creative genius Patrice Regis who works with Gilbert Cooke and artistes such as Kayo and Illah Man. Patrice also produced the Rah Rah Riddim along with the Soca Survivor Riddim under Lynx Studios and Slaughter Arts.

This Year Nigel teamed up with Soca artist Jalena, who is also part of the Slaughter Arts Family, to release "Carnival Ah Come" which was a huge hit in Bermuda, and which continues to soar in islands such as Grenada, Turks & Caicos and Antigua. However the release in Bermuda caused controversy as to Nigel’s birth place which was argued extensively on the Caribbean website www.westindiantube.com .In summer of 2007, Nigel also released a track "P.I.M.P" (People in Mass Partying) on the Soca Bluetooth Riddim. Slaughter Arts are set to release the Soca Bluetooth Riddim Album in January 2008; the Riddim will also be available as ring tones.

To date, Nigel has managed to expand his dream internationally by signing on French artistes such as Sista, Gnee, Ddk, Tony C, Edalam, and Daddy Killa from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Maarteen and France to Slaughter Arts.
(www.myspace.com/slaughterartsfrance). Recently Nigel has been featured on Danielle Davis track “Strut “remix. Notably, Nigel has not released any tracks in St.Lucia for the past two years but plans on returning to his roots come 2008. He is currently working on his solo album “Da Majority” which will feature likes of Redsquare Crew, Skinny Fabulous just to name a few. He is also working with Babygirl Trish on her first album under Lynx Studio and Slaughter Arts which will feature artistes such as Frankie Sly and General Degree from Jamaica.

Already in 2008, Nigel has a lot to be proud of having produced one of the top singles in Jamaica “Never like This” by Frankie Sly on the Chuck Back Riddim. He is also currently working closely with artistes from Dominica, who are now signed onto the Slaughter Arts Label, for the Dominica Carnival Season set to take momentum in February. Jalena who is one of the female artistes signed onto Slaughter Arts from Tortola is set to release her music video to her hit single “Roll” come February. Indeed, Nigel along with his Slaughter Arts Family is surely making 2008 their year. And as expected Slaughter Arts along with Lynx Studios will be hitting us again with another Riddim come June/July; can you say “Firewire Riddim!”

Nigel has a lot ahead of him, his main goal for the years to come is to open his own media facility, which would be covering both audio and video production and as he expresses the word "Arts" in the label (Slaughter Arts) signifies that music is not their limit!

Updates on Nigel’s tracks or Slaughter Arts can be accessed via the World Wide Web at www.myspcace.com/slaughterarts or slaughterartsrec@aim.com .

Written by Rochelle K Noel
Published : www.yomagazine.net