Ananda/Sokah2Soca
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!!
Soca music pulsates throughout the Caribbean, and today we head to the USVI for some awesome music from Spectrum Band. Music has the remarkable ability to transport us to different places, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories. In the case of “Time for Bacchanal,” a vibrant and pulsating Soca track by Spectrum Band, the journey is one of pure celebration. Let’s dive into the infectious rhythm, the talented artists behind it, and the magic that unfolds when live instruments come together.
Spectrum Band has a long history with some awesome singers. At the heart of “Time for Bacchanal” is the captivating voice of Hugo “Trash” Hodge Jr. His vocals are a blend of raw energy, charisma, and soulful expression. Trash’s ability to connect with listeners is unparalleled, and in this song, he invites us to join the revelry, to let loose, and to embrace the spirit of Bacchanal.
The voice begs listeners and partygoers to feel the vibe, but none of this could happen without a good song writer. Everyone knows that behind every great song lies a brilliant songwriter. Figgy O’Garro, the creative force behind “Time for Bacchanal,” weaves a
tale of joy, freedom, and uninhibited celebration. His lyrics capture the essence of carnival, where inhibitions melt away and the streets come alive with color, music, and dance.
Putting the pieces together to bring you the final product is the job of the music director and producer. In the studio, the magic happens. Malvery V. Gumbs and LeRon "Stretch" Lake, the masterminds behind the production, infuse “Time for Bacchanal” with infectious beats, grooves, and layers of sound. Their collaboration brings the song to life, ensuring that every note resonates with the spirit of carnival.
Live is the vibe, and it will always sound and feel different from a studio production. “Time for Bacchanal” stands out because it’s not your typical studio-produced track. Instead, it’s a celebration of live instruments—the heartbeat of Soca music. The brass section blares with exuberance, the drums pulse with urgency, and the bassline grooves with infectious energy. When you listen, you’re transported to the heart of the Caribbean, where the sun shines and the rhythm never stops.
After all is said and done, our ears tell us if we love what we are hearing; it is all about the vibe! From the opening notes, “Time for Bacchanal” grabs your attention. It’s impossible to sit still; your body instinctively sways, and your feet tap to the beat. The chorus is a rallying cry—a call to revel, dance, and lose yourself in the moment. Whether you’re at a carnival parade or dancing in your living room, the infectious vibe is irresistible.
To conclude our love story about this song, “Time for Bacchanal” is more than a song; it’s an experience. It’s the feeling of warm sand beneath your feet, the taste of rum punch on your lips, and the joy of being part of something bigger than yourself. So, turn up the volume, let the rhythm take over, and join the bacchanal—it’s time to celebrate life, love, and music.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Time For Bacchanal - feat. Hugo "Tash" Hodge Jr.
Artist/Performed by: Spectrum Band
Produced by: Malvern V. Gumbs and Le'Ron Stretch" Lake
Written by: Figgy O'Garro
Vocals: Hugo "Tash" Hodge Jr.
Background Vocals: Wendy Joseph
Bass: Tabari Lake
Guitar: George "Freresoul" Thomas
Live Drums: Nyere "Drive King" Francis Jr.
Live Horns: Trumpet - Kasim Pemberton | Saxophone - Akeel A. Breedy
Mixed and Mastered at MVG Studios by Malvern V. Gumbs
For Booking Contact: 340-643-2788 or 340-690-0569
Origin: USVI
Genre: Soca
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music; it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!!
What Carnival Tabanca are you talking about? With so many upcoming Caribbean-style carnivals in the Caribbean, North America, and across the pond in England, there is no limit to the 'feting' for the rest of 2024. We have also provided a list of states in the US that also have small but growing Caribbean-style festivals and carnivals that West Indians living in the US have created and continue to grow. These smaller carnivals provide an avenue for Soca stars to tour year-round, earning income while performing in venues across the US.
Having said that, please note that in the USA, there are many small West Indian style carnivals across the country, apart from Brooklyn and Miami:
Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Arizona, Orlando, South Carolina, Philadelphia (Philly), New Orleans, Hollywood, Charlotte, Charleston Carifest, Houston, and Baltimore Washington One Carnival, Virginia Beach, Twin Cities Carifest, Jersey City Carnival, Jacksonville Florida Caribbean Carnival, WIIC Hartford Parade, Chi Carnival Weekend (Chicago's Carnival Experience Weekend), Caribmask (Raleigh Carnival), Boston Caribbean Carnival, Columbus Caribbean Festival, Virginia Caribfest, Cambridge MA Carnival, Dallas Carnival Caribbean Fest, Long Island... phew!
Then there are other carnivals that we failed to note above, and those are from the US Virgin Islands: St. Croix Festival, St. Thomas, and St. John Celebration. US carnivals are sourced from: Joanna E/Where to Celebrate Caribbean Carnivals in the US.
The following list provides the name and scheduled dates for the major carnivals that revelers look forward to attending.
- Bacchanal Jamaica - April 12th - 18th
- Vincy Mas (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) - June 28th - July 12th
- Saint Lucia Carnival - July 10th - July 17th
- Crop Over (Barbados)July 31st - August 6th!
- Caribana (Toronto's Caribbean Carnival) - August 1st - August 5th
- Antigua and Barbuda Carnival - July 31st - August 7th
- Spicemas (Grenada) - August 7th - August 14th
- Notting Hill Carnival - August 24th - August 26th
- West Indian Labor Day Parade - September 2
- Belize Carnival - September 7th (Tentative) - September 21st
- Miami Carnival - October 5th - October 13th
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora:
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Soca Mix-Tape Title: 2024 Trending Soca Mega Mix Vol 1 Caribbean
Curated/Mixed by: Dj Ice Kid 473
Via YouTube: Indego World
Genre: Soca
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music; it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!!
If you are looking for a catchy and witty song to jam to during the upcoming carnival season in Trinidad, you might want to check out Trinidad is Not a Real Place by Hammond Slick Bruce. This clever calypso tells a tale about how Trinidadians live every day. When family members tell these stories, expatriates on the outside are in awe. This Calypso encapsulates these stories with witty social commentary with political implications.
Trinidad is not a real place. It is a satire on the current situation in the country, where corruption, crime, poverty, and environmental issues are rampant. The song uses irony and exaggeration to mock the government, the police, the media, and the people for their complacency and hypocrisy.
If we had to sing along to the song, we could sing along and add the following: Trinidad is not a real place. It’s a fantasy island where anything goes and nobody knows right from wrong. Trinidad is not a real place. It’s a comedy show where the jokes are on us and we laugh till we cry, but we don’t want to go.
The song also references some of the recent scandals and controversies that have plagued the nation, such as the horrendous condition of the roads and the world-famous pitch lake in our backyard. The land is flooding with so much rainfall, dams, and desalination plants, yet there is a shortage of water for personal use. Gas prices are high, and we were once producers and refiners of oil and gas. "God is a Trini" was once an anthem but is no longer the case as "God" has moved on to a new land! The song is really a call to action; social and political calculations have to be made to make things right. Change is needed, but, as a people, we are mired in political wrangling and race bashing that may make certain elements of society feel good but place progress in a pool of mud that is difficult to escape.
"Trinidad is Not a Real Place" is a clever and catchy song that captures the mood and spirit of the times. It is a song that makes you laugh, think, and dance at the same time. It is a song that all Trinidadians and Tobagonians, as well as anyone who enjoys calypso music, should hear and appreciate.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora:
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Trinidad Is Not A Real Place
Artist/Performed by: Hammond Slick Bruce
Written and composed by: Hammond Bruce
produced by: HB Entertainment Trinidad
visuals by: HB Entertainment Trinidad
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Genre: Calypso
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music; it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Trinidad is Not a Real Place: Touch De Mic Podcast with Calypso Nite.
Soca Explosion Part 1 by Selecta Adrian & Addo Addi: Your Ultimate Carnival Cure
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Blog
March 04, 2024
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!!
Yes, now is the moment to let loose and shake off your Carnival Tabanca. Let's groove and forget about the carnival blues! Carnival season has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable memories, vibrant costumes, and infectious rhythms. But what happens when the music fades, the feathers are packed away, and the streets return to their everyday hustle? That’s when the dreaded “carnival tabanca” sets in—the longing for those euphoric moments, the pulsating beats, and the electric energy of the parade.
But fear not! We’ve got the perfect remedy to cure your carnival blues: “Soca Explosion Part 1.” This mix tape, curated by the talented Selectah Adrian and hyped up by the charismatic Ayo Addi, will transport you back to the heart of the festivities, even if you’re miles away from the nearest soca fete. This is it. Soca Explosion Part One is "the ultimate Soca vibe mixtape": From the first beat, you’ll feel the rhythm of the Caribbean coursing through your veins. Soca music is more than just melodies; it’s a feeling—a celebration of life, love, and freedom. And this mix tape captures that essence perfectly.
So, what are you waiting for? Press play and enjoy some classic Soca music. We recommend that you just find a cozy spot, put on your headphones, and hit play. Let the music wash over you, and let go of any post-carnival blues. Go ahead and dance like nobody is watching. Don’t be shy! Dance your arse off in your living room, your kitchen, or even in the shower. Let the rhythm move you. Just remember to spread the love! Now is the time to stop being selfish; invite your friends to share this post and inform them that Sokah2Soca has a boss mix tape that they can distribute to their carnival crew. Go ahead and reminisce about the good times you had together.
So what can you expect? OMG, I am not going to spoil it for you. Why? Simply put, you will be pleasantly surprised. If you don't listen to the entire tape, somebody will horn you for sure. Whether you’re a seasoned soca lover or a newbie, these anthems will have you singing along and moving your hips. Expect to hear "feel-good vibes." Soca music is all about joy, and this mixtape delivers. Whether you’re cleaning your house, working out, or just chilling with friends, these tunes will lift your spirits and put a smile on your face.
So, what are you waiting for? Press play and enjoy some classic Soca music. We recommend that you just find a cozy spot, put on your headphones, and hit play. Let the music wash over you, and let go of any post-carnival blues. Go ahead and dance like nobody is watching. Don’t be shy! Dance your arse off in your living room, your kitchen, or even in the shower. Let the rhythm move you. Just remember to spread the love! Now, don't be selfish; call your friends and share this post, and tell everyone that Sokah2Soca has a boss mix tape to share with your carnival crew. Go ahead and reminisce about the good times you had together.
So, my fellow carnival revelers, let’s banish those tabanca blues and keep the spirit of carnival alive. “Soca Explosion Part 1” is your ticket to reliving the magic whenever you need it.
We conclude our post with this disclaimer: Side effects may include spontaneous dancing, uncontrollable smiles, and an overwhelming desire to book your next flight to Trinidad and Tobago. You can visit now and learn more about the people and their culture as you prepare for 2025!
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora:
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Mixtape Title: Soca Explosion Part 1
DJ and Hype-Man: Selecta Adrian & Addo Addi
Presented on YouTube by Optimus ProductionsTT
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Genre: Soca
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music; it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
