He is ghetto rudebwoy hidden in the mountains of the Eastern Caribbean. Ricky T’s infectious lyrics are putting St. Lucian Soca on the international music map. This carnival, Pressure Boom took St. Lucia by storm and moved down through the Windward Islands like a hurricane. Ricky T’s energetic anthem received heavy rotation at both Vincy Mas and Spice Mas. The voice behind all the fuss is a 24-year-old boasting two road march wins in as many years.
“It feels great to know people are supportive of my music and me,” said Ricky T “Is the people that really request the songs. So it’s them that determine who road march is.” The artist says he takes inspiration from Bounty Killa for his ability to represent the people.
Originally on the scene as a dancehall artist himself, Ricky T. made the decision to record Soca in order to carry his name to distant shores. His 2006 breakthrough hit Container helped to realize that dream on the Piton Riddim in the company of more established artists such as Nicole David, Nadia Batson and Mista Vybe.
The 2007offering was an unrivaled party-starter on the Leggo Me Riddim. Pressure Boom is a J’Ouvert style eargasm about drinking and getting on bad on the road. While the original tune is a stand alone classic on a riddim that features tracks by Alpha, Faye Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin, Pressure Boom now boasts a DJ Scratch Master road mix and a remix featuring Mr. Vegas.
“If I'm on a riddim and an artist like Bunji or Machel on that same riddim, then I stand to get airplay along side them. But in de same way if someone has a tune and it not popular on that same riddim then it could get left out of rotation, " said Ricky T.
Producing duo Penn and Ace know they have struck gold collaborating with Ricky “Teasel” Joseph: “Ricky T. is a natural talent and is a very patient and humble person. We always seem to catch a good vibe in studio and he takes criticism and channels it into results. [He] has a natural smooth voice, no additives," said Ace.
Ricky is equally flattering of his production team, "Dem men have magic in de studio. They help me write my big tunes so far and they have the whole concept on lock. They know what go make de people move."
According to CEO Irvin "Ace" Loctar, that concept includes trying to push SLU records to the forefront of the Caribbean music industry with the help of partners Dwayne Mendes (Managing Director) and Thygeson "Penn" Joseph. Penn is described as the mastermind behind the infectious riddims, but studio has built strong singles too. Nicole David's 2005 road march Bounce is a prime example.
For now, a video for Pressure Boom with Mr. Vegas is in the works. Ricky is looking forward to getting out there to continue spreading his irresistible vibe. He has been booked for a few dates in Canada and the US, and really hopes to get out to other islands where his songs have enjoyed success.
For more information visit www.myspace.com/slurecords
1 comment:
Loving the work that's comping out of Studio 758 in St. Lucia. Penn and Ace are bringing a younger, more savvy approach to Lucian music and culture in general.
Ricky is awesome, but this is just the beginning. I'm excited to see what comes next!
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