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Konshens returns to the Style & Vibes podcast to reveal the perfect timing behind his fifth studio album "Pool Party." Following the viral "Back That Azz Up" freestyle he seized the momentum for an album where the songs were complete, but not fully compiled into a project. We discuss the importance of embracing the moment and staying prepared in the music industry.

The inspiration behind the album, in such turbulent times? Konshens explains how watching the news during his creative process made him realize he didn't want to add to listeners' burdens. "I don't want to be the person that come and remind you that your life is stressful," he shares with refreshing honesty. Instead, he created "Pool Party" as a therapeutic music release with the same healing energy that classic dancehall has always provided.

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Hector Roots Lewis shares the fascinating path that led him from being a touring drummer to emerging as a compelling reggae solo artist. Born to a recording artist mother, Lewis was immersed in music from his earliest days, eventually studying at Jamaica's prestigious Edna Manley College before embarking on an extensive touring career with Chronixx Zinc Fence Redemption band that spanned over a decade.

Lewis opens up about the transformative experience of portraying Carlton Barrett in the "Bob Marley: One Love" film, revealing how stepping into the legendary drummer's shoes deepened his understanding of Bob Marley's revolutionary approach to music and business. "Bob is our overall inspiration," Lewis reflects, explaining how Marley's unwavering purpose and bravery in breaking new ground have profoundly shaped his own artistic vision.

The conversation takes a particularly illuminating turn when Lewis discusses his new album "Cosmic Roots," a collaboration with producer Johnny Cosmic that represents a significant evolution in his sound. Unlike previous projects, Lewis played multiple instruments throughout the recording process, bringing his percussionist expertise to the forefront while crafting songs that flow intentionally from introspective reflections on pandemic isolation to celebratory expressions of Jamaican party culture.

Highlighting tracks like "Peace of Mind" and "Strength" and it's intentional connecting with listeners navigating their own challenges. His thoughtful approach to crafting not just songs but complete musical experiences reveals why Lewis has successfully made the leap from supporting player to compelling frontman worthy of a proppa listen.

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Building from our last episode on keeping up with new dancehall I invited listener and filmmaker Mikey T to join us in a continued conversation where he shares from his perspective on the transformation of dancehall as a genre.

We discuss:

• The "money pull-up" phenomenon has DJs prioritizing the preferences of big spenders rather than introducing audiences to fresh sounds
• How changing media consumption has affected lyrical complexity. In an era of shortening attention spans and algorithm-driven content, the intricate wordplay that once defined dancehall legends like Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel feels increasingly rare.
• Modern tracks often lack the storytelling richness that connected deeply with listeners, replaced by repetitive themes that perform well on short-form platforms.

We're degrading the changes, but exploring how technology, economics, and cultural shifts have reshaped Caribbean music, while speculating on fascinating possibilities for the future. Could we see a return to gatekeeping as a positive force? Might artists start withholding music from streaming platforms entirely, making live performances the exclusive way to experience new material?

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Remember when discovering new dancehall and reggae tracks happened effortlessly through dedicated radio shows, mixtapes passed between friends, and family gatherings? Today's fragmented landscape requires intentional effort many adults simply can't prioritize amidst growing responsibilities. With 120,000 new tracks uploaded daily to streaming platforms, the sheer volume makes keeping pace nearly impossible.

The discussion challenges common complaints about modern music's "slackness," noting every generation has pushed boundaries that seemed shocking at the time. What's really happening isn't cultural disconnection but evolution – a transition from trend-followers to cultural preservationists focused on passing foundational elements to the next generation.

Artists bridging these generational divides, like Koffee, Busy Signal and Agent Sasco, succeed by creating music with universal themes and clear delivery. Meanwhile, streaming algorithms and the decline of riddim based collections in dancehall have removed key structures that once helped listeners organize and discover new songs.

Whether you're feeling guilty about not knowing the latest tracks or wondering how to maintain authentic cultural connections while aging, this conversation offers validating perspectives on how our relationship with Caribbean music changes but never diminishes. What aspects of Caribbean culture have you found yourself evolving with rather than keeping up with?

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Diego Herrera's journey from Costa Rica to the United States is a captivating story of cultural fusion. Raised in the rise hip-hop, punk rock alongside reggae and dancehall in Costa Rica, Diego's unique upbringing laid the groundwork for his dynamic career in the music industry. As the director of business development at Ineffable Records, Diego shares personal anecdotes about his dual life across continents and how it influenced his musical tastes and professional trajectory.

From Diego's early days on college radio at KFJC to his behind-the-scenes work at Pandora, his path reflects the essential yet often overlooked roles that ensure a seamless listener experience. The episode sheds light on the intricacies of library maintenance and metadata management, underscoring their importance in curating content that fills gaps in the Caribbean music catalog. As the music industry undergoes rapid transformation, Diego discusses the evolving roles of both labels and artists, highlighting the need for strategic collaboration and the impact of technology and social media platforms like TikTok.

This episode is for the music lovers, a great discussion that blends personal stories with industry insights, illustrating the universal and unifying power of music.

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This episode discusses future of music for 2025. I focus on the potential impact of AI on Caribbean Music (Reggae, Dancehall and Soca), the importance of community engagement, and the evolving expectations from fans for live experiences.

• Exploring the rise of AI in music production
• Discussing the impact of AI-generated songs on artist integrity
• The shift towards royalty-free music and loss of artist connection
• Importance of community engagement in the music industry
• Expectations for live performances as ticket prices rise
• Rethinking merchandising strategies for deeper fan connections
• Navigating social media changes and its impact on promotion
• Emphasizing the need for authenticity and creativity in music

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Cheers to a great summer! Sharing my last few events of an unforgettable summer. After seeing Buju Banton in concert, I kept the fire blazing at Sizzla's concert in Hartford, Connecticut. Then jetted with friend for my first Barbados Crop Over experience. Meticulously planned adventure with the help of Sha of Tingz Nice, Global Carnivalist, and Bahamianista. Join me as I recount the vibrant parade, playing mas with Krave band, and the unforgettable events, all while soaking in the rich culture and beauty of Barbados.

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Ever wondered how Jamaica's eclectic musical tastes? TV/Film producer Jessica Shaw, explores this in her music documentary in the works, Roots, Rock, Reggae, Souls. A filmmaker with deep Jamaican roots, Jessica shares her fascinating journey growing up in Kingston and how it inspired this latest project. Souls as it is know cultural tapestry of Jamaican music, is an eclectic sub genre of pop ballads, country, r&b, and more, driven by the influential role of Jamaican radio and how it has uniquely embraced and even influenced international artists.

We'll explore how traditional Sunday radio programming in Jamaica, transitioning from gospel to R&B and country, has shaped a diverse musical appreciation among Jamaicans. Hear nostalgic memories of artist like Patsy Cline and Marty Robbins and soulful tracks like Michael Bolton's "Soul Provider" and Celine Dion's "I'm Alive" that have become dancehall favorites. We also celebrate music's global nature, highlighting the interconnectedness of genres and the importance of recognizing the shared history within the Black diaspora.


Get an insider’s look at the crowdfunding journey for Jessica’s "Roots Rock Reggae & Souls " documentary, from setting realistic Kickstarter goals to the creative challenges of editing. With the project's momentum, there's potential for broader festival reach and distribution channels. The documentary's goal is to share the exploration of music's power to connect us all, enriched with insights about the cultural nuance and heritage that shape our favorite tunes.

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