aaamusic | On 29, Jan 2011

AAAmusic chats with dubstep new sensation!

AAAmusic: Hiya Juakali, where did your name come from?

Juakali: A close friend called me Jua after seeing me perform. It’s Swahili for Sun.

AAAmusic: How would you describe your music?

J: When I did my demo back in 2005 I described my music as ‘Dreadbass’ mainly to prevent the listener from having any preconceived notions of what they were about to hear.

AAAmusic: Are there any musicians or people that you think have had a big impact on your music?

J: I grew up in Trinidad, only coming to America to attend University, so everything that was going on in the Caribbean affected me greatly.  However I do remember paying attention to hip hop after hearing KRS ONE’s “Jesus Christ Was Black”  not sure if that’s the title, but it was the chorus.  That was a moment… made me interested in all connotations of ‘Black Music’ the world over. I also realized that there were other things to talk about besides love, party and politics.  I remember seeing a video of Sade live in Montreux Switzerland 1984.  I was mesmerized by her grace, poise and command of the stage without hoopin and hollerin… such power. I was 8years old.  I guess these moments affected me more as an individual… my music is not outside of me; it is me.

AAAmusic: Many people credit you with breaking the dubstep vibe to the US; do you think that is fair praise?

J: Haha, who are these people?  Well, I’m a part of Dub War NYC.  We were instrumental and influential in breaking the dubstep vibe in the US.  That is fair praise.

AAAmusic: You started your on stage career at a young age; do you think this early exposure has helped you as you’ve gone on to perform more and more?

J: Definitely.  I learned professionalism really early on. I was with a dance troop, we rehearsed 2-3 times a week, were never late and gave the best performance we could whenever we hit the stage.  I took some of those lessons with me to the spoken word/ hip hop group I was a part of in New York City.  Still today I put my best foot forward, work on my craft regularly and be as professional as I can be.  On stage I learned about space, time and light.  I have learned how to know without knowing.  It’s difficult to explain, but I’m aware of everything while I’m up there and that sensibility comes from ‘being’ on stage.  You can’t learn it any other way.

AAAmusic: You have taken part in a few collaborative projects; do you enjoy working with different people all the time?

J: I love collaborating.  In truth, since I don’t compose my own music, I’m always collaborating.  Whether I give my vocals to someone or they send me a beat, it’s a dialog with the song and another between artists.  Some dialogs are easier to have than others, some never get past the song. There was only one time that I was upset with a collaboration… the producer released a tune I didn’t approve without my consent.

AAAmusic: Your music has taken you all around the world; are there any places that you have enjoyed more than others?

J: There are places and then there are shows in these places.  Last year I made it a point to vacation in some places when booked to perform.  I had a time in Bristol when last there with Pinch and I always have a good time in Prague.

AAAmusic: You are playing Outlook festival in September this year; do you have any more plans for live shows?

J: Outllook is the only official booking I have made this year.  Lately I have been more interested in recording and making the transition form MC/Host to recording artist.  I have considered myself the later from jump, but it’s time to push it out there.  So you won’t catch me doing much hosting from here on out unless it’s with/for fam.  Time to perform these songs I’ve been releasing.  I think folks are ready to hear/see “Brighter Day”, “Yeah”, “Mash Out”, “Revolution Now”, “Dem City”, “Reasons”, “Freak You Back” live…

AAAmusic: Are there any current artists you are enjoying at the moment?

J: A few days ago I caught Adele’s live acoustic set online.  That was inspirational.  I’m fellin Jillionaire, Poirier, Falty DL, Terror DanJah, Janelle Monae, Spoek Mathambo, Wrexile, Memory 9, Cardopusher, Maga Bo…

AAAmusic: What are your hopes for 2011?

J: Hopes… I hope to have a few more festivals booked in the Fall. I hope to perform my songs. I hope to get an album out.

Author: Josie Payne