Ananda/Sokah2Soca
This post first appeared on Sokah2Soca, where Caribbean music meets wit, rhythm, and real talk. Island Vybe Radio spins the tunes—we decode the culture.
I have long wondered about song structure and the "magic formula" that leads to properly structured songs. This post answers that inquiry: This blog entry is our follow-up from our previous post on Corrie Sheppard’s interview with Kasey Phillips of Precision Productions. I was especially intrigued when Kasey called out today’s producers for overlooking the foundational structure of songwriting—verse, chorus, hook, and bridge—the very elements that give a production its chance at longevity. His insights remind us that memorable music isn’t just about vibes; it’s about architecture.
That “magic structure” Kasey referenced is foundational to songwriting across genres—including Soca—and understanding each part helps decode why some tracks stick while others fade.
Inspired by Kasey Phillips’ insights on songwriting structure… We took the essence of his conversation, dug deeper into the craft, and distilled the fundamentals into a breakdown that speaks directly to your musical lens. Whether you're producing, curating, or simply vibing with Soca’s evolution, here’s a clear look at the building blocks that give a song its staying power.
? Verse
- Purpose: tells the story or sets the scene.
- Structure: Typically varies lyrically with each repetition, providing new details or progression.
- In Soca: Verses often build the narrative—whether it’s Carnival anticipation, romantic tension, or social commentary.
? Chorus
- Purpose: This section serves as the emotional and musical climax, featuring the part that everyone remembers.
- Structure: The same lyrics and melody are repeated each time.
- In Soca: This is where the energy peaks—crowd chants, jump-and-wave moments, and the anthem-like feel.
? Hook
- Purpose: The catchiest line or musical phrase that grabs attention.
- Structure: Can be part of the chorus or a standalone phrase.
- In Soca: Consider the chant that DJs repeatedly loop or that fans enthusiastically shout—“Famalay lay lay!” or “Like ah boss!” It’s the branding moment.
? Bridge
- Purpose: Offers contrast—musically or lyrically—to break the repetition and add depth.
- Structure: Usually appears once, often before the final chorus.
- In Soca: Might introduce a tempo shift, a chant, or a moment of reflection before the final hype.
Kasey's assertion about producers disregarding structure resonates profoundly, particularly considering that Soca's reputation is based on enduring, expertly crafted compositions. That, dear reader, is the key and one only has to ask this question of any ardent Soca music follower: Can you name 12 songs from the hundreds released two years ago? Need we say more?
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Podcast Episode: The Corie Sheppard Podcast: Episode #256/Kasey Phillips - Song Structure
Podcaster/Guest: Corrie Sheppard/Kasey Phillips
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
?Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca Thrive!
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫Please click the small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
Dive deeper into Caribbean music and culture at Sokah2Soca—your go-to source for Soca, Calypso, and Carnival coverage. First published on Sokah2Soca, now streaming live via Island Vybe Radio.
"Totally Unexpected" is a beautifully written, executed, and delivered love song that pulses with the heartbeat of Soca. Some songs arrive quietly and last a lifetime, and this one fits the bill. The song lives up to its name—it caught me completely off guard, and I loved every second of it. "Totally Unexpected" by Lujoe and The Gifted is one of those rare gems—a love song that doesn’t chase Carnival hype but instead embraces the emotional depth Soca is capable of delivering.
Written by Gregory Fernandez and produced by Richard “Charsu” Ahong, this track is beautifully crafted, from lyrical intent to vocal delivery. It’s a song that feels like a heartbeat—steady, sincere, and full of feeling. While it may not be built for the road, it’s exactly the kind of production Soca needs to keep listeners coming back beyond the season.
Every year, Carnival brings a flood of new music—hundreds of tracks, most of which fade within months. But Totally Unexpected has something different. It’s a love song with inviting vocals and vivid imagery, the kind that makes you want to drift away in the music.
This song is a time capsule in the life of a young couple and the journey they share in life. The song captures the struggles, the good and bad times, and the moments we cherish for a lifetime. I love the idea behind the song, the feel of the music, and the joy it gives me; I am also pleased to feature a song that was written with love and emotion. These elements will connect the listener and create lasting memories.
Flowers are due. The production team and the creatives behind the video concept deserve their praise. From sound to visuals, everything about this release feels intentional and appealing—even to this Soca blogger watching from behind a screen. Keep bringing us quality like this. Soca music needs more sweetness, like Totally Unexpected.
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Totally Unexpected
Artist/Performed by: Lujoe and The Gifted
Written by: Gregory Fernandez
Produced by: Richard "Charsu" Ahong
Video Directed by: Charsu
Co-Director - Gennisa Gutierrez
Lighting by: Stephen Rovedas
Cinematography and Editing by: Charsu
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
?Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca Thrive!
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫Please click the small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
Corie Sheppard Podcast Episode #256: Kasey Phillips on Building Soca’s Sound
in
Blog
October 15, 2025
This post first appeared on Sokah2Soca, where Caribbean music meets wit, rhythm, and real talk. Island Vybe Radio spins the tunes—we decode the culture.
In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we get the full frequency of Precision Productions’ mastermind. Kasey Phillips breaks down his journey from engineering Soca’s biggest anthems to collaborating with Ciara and K-pop stars—all while keeping the Caribbean sound front and center.
This episode isn’t just a producer’s story; It is about a toddler who crawled in his father's studio, pulling out a plug that influenced the production and then growing up to become a global music producer. It’s a blueprint for creative ownership, sonic innovation, and cultural elevation. If you’ve ever chipped down the road to a Precision rhythm, this one’s for you.
From Machel Montano to Ciara, Kasey Phillips has shaped the sonic DNA of Caribbean music. On this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, he opens up about his journey from the early days of Precision Productions to global collaborations—all while staying rooted in Soca’s soul.
Hear how he engineered Road March winners, built riddims from scratch, and stood firm on ownership and fairness in the studio. It’s a masterclass in creativity, culture, and Caribbean ambition.
It’s a joy hearing Kasey break down what makes a riddim unforgettable—and how to craft albums that stand the test of time. From Machel Montano to Ciara, he maps out the sonic blueprint behind Soca’s evolution. He also doesn’t hold back, calling out today’s producers for neglecting structure and longevity in their work. Listen now: Kasey Phillips on Building Soca’s Sound: From Machel Montano to Ciara
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Podcast Episode: Kasey Phillips on Building Soca’s Sound: From Machel Montano to Ciara | The Corie Sheppard Podcast: Episode #256
Podcaster/Guest: Corrie Sheppard/Kasey Phillips
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
?Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca Thrive!
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫Please click the small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
DJ Mark Mixtape 2026: Just under 21 Mins. of Pure Soca Fire to Fuel Your Day
in
Blog
October 15, 2025
Dive deeper into Caribbean music and culture at Sokah2Soca—your go-to source for Soca, Calypso, and Carnival coverage. First published on Sokah2Soca, now streaming live via Island Vybe Radio.
This one is short and sweet and it's also our second mixtape for Trinidad's upcoming 2026 carnival. The seasonal change and chill in the weather mean Carnival is calling—and this mix answers with pure fire. In just under 21 minutes, DJ Mark delivers a high-octane Soca experience that captures the pulse of the season. From brand-new 2026 releases to power-soca classics that still mash up the road, this mix is your go-to soundtrack whether you're prepping for fetes, heading to the parade, or just craving that sweet island energy wherever you are.
No fluff. No filler. Just vibes. Let the rhythm of the music take over.
? Mixed by DJ Mark
? Featuring the hottest 2026 Soca and timeless power classics
?? No rules, no breaks—just nonstop vibes
Whether you're warming up for the road or bringing the island to your headphones, this is your Carnival soundtrack. Press play and let the riddim take over! ????????
YouTube Video Notes:
Get ready to feel the vibes of Carnival 2026 with this nonstop Soca mix! ??this mix is packed with pure energy to keep you dancing. Whether you’re warming up for fetes, heading to the road, or just need that island vibe anywhere in the world—this is your soundtrack to Carnival 2026!
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
MixTape Title: DJ Mark Soca 2026 Carnival Mix Pt. 1
? Mixed by DJ Mark
? Featuring the hottest 2026 Soca and timeless power classics
?? No rules, no breaks—just nonstop vibes
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
?Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca Thrive!
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫Please click the small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
