L3 Magazine January, 2013 Features - Busy Signal

Busy Signal made international headlines when he was arrested upon returning from his European tour in May 2012. The artist made even bigger headlines when he was released in November of 2012. His charge was absconding bail, his impact – significant! Tricia ‘ZJ Sparks’ Spence sat down with the artist for an intimate interview in which the artist bared his soul.

How did Busy respond when Tricia asked him “When they slam that door behind you and you are locked in darkness with only a sliver of light, what does Busy Signal think?” Find out the artists response which is intensely honest, and will shock you.

UK Pop sensation and icon, Misha B is one of the fastest rising stars not just in the UK, she’s growing in North America. Our UK editor, Portia Clarke sits down with Misha for an exclusive look into her thought process when making music as well as her fine eye for visual details. As she says ‘the visual has to match the song!’

 Fans will love Misha’s candor, especially when Portia flipped the topic of music into the topic of food! What did Portia commit Misha into cooking for her, and what’s Misha’s must have fashion piece?! Read the exclusive! The most called on name right now from the newer generation Reggae artist is Chronixx. His music connects, his performances connect and he is totally connected to his creative process. He speaks to Tricia ‘ZJ Sparks’ Spence marking his first major magazine interview. Find out why performing on tracks makes the artist physically ill as opposed to performing with a band which allows his energy to flow! Rounding out the January issue, we look at the talents of Nickieshia Barnes, Jesse James and Nova Scotia’s Jazz sensation, Kirsten Olivia. We also take a fresh look at Soca through the eyes of Houston’s Fire Kyle from Rhythm International as well as Toronto’s own Soca Sweetness! Jerome Dupont of Neu Era Photography delights fans with his photoshoot of Ms. January while Jamaica’s JJ Wizzle is featured as one of the hottest DJ’s on the world map!

Junior X collaborates with Clive Hunt and Demarco

Richard Whyte aka Junior X is rated by many music industry insiders as one of the best writers in reggae music today. The hard hitting cultural deejay who is signed to the US based record label Revolutionary Entertainment is now determined more than ever to take his rightful place in the reggae music industry.

Over the last five years he has consistently delivered some of the most lyrically potent hits including Plead My Cause, Freedom, Gangster Life, The Pill, I’m Not Afraid To Live, Destiny ft. Gyptian and Look No Further done in tandem with Queen Ifrica.

Junior X is ready once again to deliver more of his trade mark lyrical onslaught on the system. He recently recorded two brand new tracks, Dem Caah which was produced by top flight dancehall artiste/producer Demarco for Revolutionary Entertainment and White Line which produced by legendary music producer Clive Hunt and Fontano Thompson for Bonner Cornerstone Music.  

According to Junior X he expects big things to happen with both tracks. “These tracks are going to do very well, the vibes on these songs are different the fans have never heard me like this before, it’s a new sound, stronger energy, it’s like everything is just stronger. 

I know the fans are going to love them, we went all out on these tunes, I always try my best to give my fans a hundred percent or more,” said Junior X who is also known as the Prince of Battlefield. Junior X also stated that he intends to take his career in a new direction. 

As over the years he has recorded mainly exclusive tracks and he thinks the time has come for him to branch out and record on some of the more commercial and popular rhythm projects. “Since the start of my career I have been working with some of the best musicians and producers in the business but most of my songs are on exclusive tracks and I think it’s time to change that approach and record on some of the more popular rhythms projects and just go all out with my career. For 2013 it’s going to be a different vibes because I’m going to release a barrage of hits.”

One Love, One Life reaches #1 on U.S. Billboard Reggae Chart

Beres Hammond's new album One Love, One Life reaches #1 on U.S. Billboard Reggae Chart after five weeks in the market. One Love, One Life (VP/Harmony House Records) has been Top 5 on the Reggae albums chart since its November 13th release, with sales climbing the past two weeks.

This success comes off the heels of his recent U.S. concert performances at Brooklyn's Barclays Arena on December 12 and Hard Rock Cafe in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on December 14. While in New York City, Beres also sat in with The Roots on December 11 to make his national late night television debut on NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

"Beres' touring and the national media exposure played a major role in this increase," states Aaron Talbert, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for VP Records. "CD sales at the venues and the in store appearances in New York and Miami really put the album in front of the fans," he adds.  

"We hope to continue the momentum through Christmas and into 2013. We are happy and proud to see Beres at the top of the chart," states VP Records President Chris Chin. One Love, One Life is Beres Hammond's first studio album since One Moment In Time, which was released in 2008 on VP/ Harmony House Records. Beres had a hand in producing 19 of the 20 songs on this new double-disc collection. 

The first disc One Love includes his signature classic lover's rock sound on new singles like "No Candle Light" and "Keep Me Warm," while the second disc One Life contains more of his socially-conscious, spiritually-empowering tunes including "You Stand Alone," "Truth Will Live On" and "Prime Time."

Bertus Gets Attention With New Single

Fast rising reggae/dancehall artiste Marlon Ainsworth aka Bertus is determined to take his career to new heights. Since his emergence on the local music scene he has been working hard to make his name in the music industry. The versatile recording artiste and song writer has so far he compiled a very impressive catalogue of reggae, dancehall and lovers rock tunes.

He has also made his mark on overseas reggae fans having done several performances in countries such as Turks & Caicos, Grand Cayman, Bahamas, French Guiana, Suriname, Antigua, St. Kitts, Wales, France, England, Switzerland and the USA. Bertus recently scored his first number one hit with his single titled Pray For Me Mama earlier this year. The single which was done in tandem with Florida based reggae singer Don Christopher peaked at number one on the Jamaica Music Countdown Top 25 Reggae Singles Chart.

Bertus is currently promoting a brand new single titled Generate Love featuring Tabeta Cshae on the C Spring Productions label, the single is accompanied by a music video. Since its release a few weeks ago the hot lovers rock track has been enjoying strong rotation both locally and abroad, its supporting video is also doing well.  

As expected Bertus is extremely excited about the response the song has been getting. “I’m very happy with the response that Generate Love has been receiving, it’s getting a lot of support from DJs all over the world and the people really love it,” said the artiste. According to his manager Mr. Michael Smikel of C Spring Productions, he believes that Generate Love has the potential to place Bertus at the top of the charts once again. 

“This song is a very good song both Bertus and Tabeta did a great job on this track and I personally think it’s going to be a very big song in 2013. I think this one can bring Bertus the success he deserves and help to make him into a household name in Jamaica.” Before the end of the Month Bertus will be performing in Suriname and St. Kitts. He is currently in the studios working on an album that is slated to be released next summer.