FL:You’re pretty well known throughout the industry, but for the people who may not know you. Tell us how you became a Dj and who inspired you to get into it? –
IS: My Father was an old school Reggae dj back in the 80s/90s so i would say its in me. Also my mother has always really been into music and really encouraged me to get into it.
FL: With so many people being introduced to the carnival every year, for the carnival newbies, can you explain the differences between backline, frontline & ultra frontline?
IS: I‘ve always been able to call hits from the time i hear it, its a gift, and for years i’ve been behind the scenes on a lot of hit songs. 2018 i decided to expand my brand a bit as a producer and seeing some of these projects actually win awards and become huge hits is a humbling feeling.
FL: Moving into the 2020 Soca Season, Uber Soca cruise Riddim & Caution Riddim are two of the recent projects that are picking up some speed. What’s the process of getting an artist on Riddims?
IS: I’ve been fortunate enough to develop a good reputation with some of the top artist in the industry. With that reputation and the mutual respect that i have with some these artist i would say the process has been as simple as me sending them the riddim and explaining the vision behind it with a timeline.
FL: Thesocastore.com – Can you tell us a little bit more about this project for some people who may not know?
IS: The Soca Store has been my baby for a few years, the vision behind it is to create a platform where people can purchase any apparel or items that represent culture. The tagline for store is “Soul Of Cultural Art” an acronym for the word SOCA. Basically an online Amazon or Walmart for Cultural items is the goal.
FL: After traveling the world, How would you describe soca music to people who are just being introduced to it for the first time?
IS: I always tell people Soca is happy music. its the only music that makes people feel to move in a festive way. Soca gives people the feeling to celebrate without having a reason lol. If we could bottle happiness and sell it wouldn’t you buy it?
FL: You’ve played on the road for years, what do you think bands and deejays can do to heighten the experience for Masqueraders?
IS: Mas is now evolving more into a competitive business for the producers, which to me is taking away from the raw feeling of the true meaning. However it propels the band owners to push harder to create a better experience for the consumer. I would urge mas band owners to also keep the traditional elements in the forefront because those are the things that originally made mas popular. As far as the DJs are concerned. Play for the people to enjoy themselves not what you want to hear.
FL: 1 Year Later – Marriage, Busy Schedules & Soca Met Gala how has marriage been, and how do you juggle all of it?
IS: Marrying my life partner has been nothing short of a blessing for me. I feel more capable than ever before to reach my goals. Juggling it isn’t easy, but my family is my priority so everything else comes after.
FL: Having Carnival Influence- what’s your plan to help push the culture forward?
IS: I wear several different hats, DJ, Promoter, Carnival founder, Manager etc. All these different things contribute to keeping the culture alive. Every year i strive to be better at how we represent and portray our Culture.