Planet Thirty

Episode 50: Dameon Gayle and Zbek Nelson

Hello everyone, welcome to the 50^th Episode of the planet Thirty Podcast. We would first like to thank you for your support over the past 6 months. Thank you to everyone who shared, downloaded, streamed or even recommended our podcast to a friend. To all, we are truly grateful.

This 50^th episode also marks the start of our monthly partnership with VP Records. VP Records is legendary. They have been pioneers in the production and distribution of Caribbean music for over 4 decades. If you like reggae and dancehall music, trust me you have heard music touched by VP records in some way.

Each month Planet Thirty and VP Records will collaborate to provide fans with music, conversation and exclusive interviews with artists.

This our 50th episode, features an exclusive conversation with Music Producer and Director Dameon Gayle and actors Zbek Nelson, TV Boss and Paul Haughton.

Enjoy episode 50, presented by Planet Thirty and VP Records.

Episode 49: Denecia Niles

Denecia Niles is a multi-tasker. She grew up in the Caribbean with a passion for football. As she says, Football was my life. She also grew up with all brothers. Denecia was crushing stereotypes from the very beginning. She was fearless on the field and had no problem facing the best among the boys, whether at home or in school.

She took this forward approach into what would become her second passion: music. Several church concerts as a child gave Denecia the confidence to start fiddling around with songwriting. Her music teacher Mrs. Daphne Jacobs Richardson, a legend on the island of Anguilla, encouraged her and would correct and advise her on her compositions. A chance school project with her cousin Diction Edwards would allow her to enter a professional studio for the first time. She was hooked.

Denecia was determined. As a teen, she dedicated much of her time to what she imagined would be her career as an artist. Upon researching however, she became more intrigued by the business segment of the industry. Her interest became even stronger when she attended college in Miami. Her exposure to sports, event planning and entertainment management solidified her love for the biz.

With work opportunities in Australia and Los Angeles, producing a basketball camp and dozens of events, coupled with her music production company The Black Jetty and her Café The Tea Box Lounge, Denecia is the definition of a creative entrepreneur.

She, however, has no plans of slowing down. Wait until you hear what she plans to do next.

This is the story… thus far… Of Denecia Niles.

 

 

Episode 48: Nicholas de Toranto

Nicolas de Toranto is a world traveler. But seeing the world from different perspectives is nothing strange for Nicholas. Nicholas grew up in Germany his mother is English, his father is half English, half German. However, his last name made its way to England all the way from Italy. With such complexity in his family, Nicholas was destined to become a storyteller.

After high school in Germany Nicholas attended University in England. His interest in History and English literature developed into curiosity and he found himself being attracted to cameras and the process of filmmaking more and more. After university, he co-produced a film in Germany with a friend about two brave persons in a small town. That film garnered much praise and encouraged him to continue along his path.

Years later, Nicholas has mastered the art of producing documentaries and docu-series’. He has traveled to the Caribbean to document the culture of the tiny island of Anguilla on a BBC series. He has also explored the intriguing world of Mexican cartels and the Italian mafia through his other work.

His love for filmmaking continues to be fueled by his interest for all things human. The people and the stories from other countries and other cultures are always foremost in his mind. He is by all means highly intelligent with the heart of a humanitarian. Nicholas’ stories expose characteristics of their subjects that allow us the audience to identify with even the most subtle bits of their personalities.

Though he has done much, Nicholas continues to find new stories and new places to explore. This is the story …thus far …of Nicolas de Toranto.

Episode 47: INOJ

INOJ knew that she was destined for a career in music. She blames her parents. She recalls her mom and dad putting a radio in her room as a very small child in order to keep her quiet. This she credits with allowing her to feel the magic of music and thus her love affair began. Her childhood was also filled with singing, and stories from her favorite musicals and plays. If ever she was naughty and as a result was grounded, INOJ would use that time to write songs of her own.

Although music was foremost in her mind, she postponed her dreams and heeded her parents’ advice to pursue a Plan B. She left her home in Wisconsin to attend the University in Baltimore. INOJ, was on her way to becoming an engineer.  

Although math and figuring things out is one of her passions, music continued to tug at her heartstrings. Yes, she was attending a great University, but she admits that she chose Baltimore because of its proximity to both New York City and Washington DC. Two cities where she knew that her chances of pursuing music were higher. A chance assignment with a new roommate in her sophomore year, would introduce her to a girl group which eventually led to her being signed by a major label in Atlanta. INOJ was now tasked with explaining to both of her parents why taking a shot at her dream was a better idea than engineering.

When her group disbanded, she decided to become a songwriter. She was asked to sing a reference track for an upcoming compilation. When the producers heard her vocals, they refused to allow anyone else to sing the track. It was not INOJ 's intention to become a solo artist. However, without full marketing or promotion her track took off. INOJ the solo artist was born: Complete with tours with the likes of NSync and The Backstreet Boys and talk show appearances including Regis and Kathy Lee. INOJ has had an awesome career to date, creating some of the most memorable dance tracks of our time.

INOJ, is not done, however. Her love of experimenting with new sounds, new producers and writing about new experiences continues.

This is the story ... Thus far ... Of INOJ!

 

 

 

Episode 46: Brad Hemmings

Brad Hemmings’ father is Jamaican. His mother Trinidadian. Both islands are rich in culture and history. Jamaica has gifted to the world reggae music, while Trinidad and Tobago has gifted the steel drum, Calypso and Soca music. It is with this portent blend of music, food, knowledge and vibe that Brad Hemmings was raised. Brad grew up being influenced by and understanding the beauty of Caribbean music. He saw how Caribbean music could affect and change the world.

When Brad was a teenager, he moved to South Florida. While South Florida may have had a similar temperature, the Caribbean it was not. Brad, was forced to adjust to many things that he was not used to. However, he was introduced to facets of American culture that would aid in his development. He recalls getting a full and true understanding of hip hop and being able to truly identify the relationship between it and the music of the Caribbean.

Brad knew that a career in music was in his future. Growing up in a musical family and around one of Jamaica's premier stage in lighting technicians, he quickly learned the business and formed relationships at all levels. Unbeknownst to him at the time, those relationships would usher him into what would become one of the most successful companies to represent Caribbean artists globally. Brad’s company, Caribbean Entertainment, has booked and represented some of the top artists in the world. In addition, he has been the catalyst to getting artists into countries on every inhabited continent. Caribbean Entertainment is also the company that introduced China to its first Soca concert. With a who's who of artists on his roster, Brad can book you virtually any top Caribbean artist at virtually any venue in the world. Brad has also done the reverse, bringing some of the United States’ top acts into the Caribbean.

Now Brad and his team are adding to their already stellar accomplishments. They have now embarked on artist management, starting with global Soca sensation Mr. Killa.

But like any ambitious Caribbean entrepreneur, Brad Hemmings is not done yet.

This is the story ... Thus far ... Of Brad Hemmings.

Episode 45: Niik

Niik is perhaps one of the most demure artists that you will ever come across. She is very soft spoken and well… quite shy. But there are several layers to Niik. You should in no way allow her shy appearance to dictate your total opinion of her.

Niik grew up competing in pageants and singing competitions. Winning many of them of course. In her teen years her star really began to shine as she was crowned Miss Talented Teen and Junior calypso Monarch for her island. She was junior Calypso monarch two years in a row, might I add. Niik remembers long summer days rehearsing for the stage. Little did she know… or maybe she did, this discipline and work ethic would prepare her for life as an artist.

Niik was raised in the Caribbean surrounded by the rhythms and sounds of everything from Soca, Reggae and Zouk music. She has tremendous respect and admiration for those genres; however, it was R&B that really spoke to her. Her sound is soft and sensual, yet her melodies, harmonies and delivery force you to hang on to every word. Niik is backed by an exceptional team called The Black Jetty. Their attention to detail both in Niik’s sound and her visuals are second to none.

Niik worked on her first album ‘Die for Love’ while attending University. Talented and Smart. ‘Die for Love’ shifts the listener emotionally. It is the type of album that requires soft candlelight and a glass of wine while playing it. You see… one doesn’t merely listen to a Niik record, one experiences a Niik record.

Niik has so much more music to offer the world and plans to deliver it. In the meantime, take a listen. This is the story…thus far… of Niik.

 

 

Episode 44: Jason Edmund

Jason Edmund is the definition of enterprising. Born and raised on the island of Antigua, Jason learned the value of hard work and to always insist on the highest levels of customer service. You see, Jason’s dad was the manager of one of Antigua’s top resorts. Even as a child, he marveled at the way guests’ faces would light up upon being treated well. Whether he knew it or not, these experiences during his childhood were preparing him to be the person that he is today.

By his teenage years, Jason picked up work on construction sites during school vacations. He fell in love with the process of designing and building. His interest took him to Howard University in Washington DC where he studied Civil Engineering.

After college, Jason started work as an engineer. In addition, he started a successful part time gig selling high demand items such as Air Jordans and Video game systems online. Life was good and he was on his way to fulfilling all of his dreams. And then 2008 came around. That’s right. The great recession. Like thousands of others, Jason was laid off.

He decided to go back to Antigua for a few weeks to clear his mind and decide on his next steps. An afternoon in solitude on his porch lead to him being hungry. For some odd reason he was craving a Honey Bun, a vending machine staple in the United States. Jason could not find the snack anywhere in Antigua. Nor was he able to find many vending machines. A lightbulb went off… Without hesitation, Jason started researching. By the next day he had made contact with a vending machine manufacturer in Iowa. Jason Edmund aka Machine Man, was on his way to becoming the King of the vending business on Antigua.

What I have offered thus far is just a snippet. The details of his story are even more intriguing. In his own words, this is the story, thus far… of Jason “Machine Man” Edmund

Episode 43: Charla Hobson

France’s Coco Chanel is famous for creating the Little Black Dress and the Skirt Suit. Detroit’s Tracy Reese is one of the most important African American designers of our time having dressed A list actors and at least one first lady. Meiling is widely considered the mother of modern fashion in Trinidad and Tobago. Charla Hobson is just that for the island of Anguilla.

Growing up she remembers matching and picking her outfits as soon as she could express herself. Although her primary school wore a uniform Charla always found the urge to alter it in whatever way she could.

One year, Charla’s mother encouraged her to attend a sewing class during school vacation. She was hesitant. By the end of the class however she had learned much and was now excited about what she could create. Although she had been taught the basics of sewing by one of her grandmother’s the class opened up new possibilities and was perhaps the catalyst for her creative genius.

By the time Charla was a teenager, influences from some of the island’s most fashionable women, album art from pop artists and designers such as Zac Posen were bursting in her mind and erupted in the form of her first clothing line, Panache Couture.

On an island with virtually no fashion industry, Charla defied the odds. She began to design original pieces and took it a step further by producing and promoting her own fashion shows and recruiting and training a team of over 30 models. What never existed before, came into fruition because of Charla’s vision and execution. With no existing industry to pull from, Charla built the foundation for the designers and models on the island today.

With several local shows, regional exhibitions and a degree from the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design, Charla continues to evolve and teach the creative entrepreneurs of the future.

But the show is not over yet. This is the story…thus far… of Charla Hobson.

Episode 42: Crystal Waters

I can’t say that house music was a staple over the airwaves or on deejay sets in the Caribbean when I was growing up. However, I do remember hearing the pulsing rhythms and deep steady basslines on TV and sometimes in stores. What was this music? It made me feel happy the way Soca music did, but it sounded so different. As the 90s dawned upon us I heard this genre more and more. But how could I get my hands on this music? My local record store, Ellie’s, was stacked to the ceiling with offerings from every calypso, soca, reggae, dancehall and hip hop artist that you could imagine. But this thing… this music that I had fallen in love with proved elusive. What was it even called? The pre-teen me had given up. One day that would all change. There it was a commercial on TV advertising a CD with several tracks of this mystery music. Dance Mix USA. Living on a British island I could not simply ask my mom to dial the 800 number on the screen. There was no access to such numbers from our territory. The solution. My aunt who lived in the US Virgin Islands could source it.

After months of waiting. It arrived. I popped it in my dad’s stereo system and turned those Aiwa speakers up to their max. I liked all of the songs. But there was something about track number 8 that grabbed hold of me. “Gypsy Woman” by Crystal Waters. I was in love with this song.

I would not hear from Crystal Waters again until some time later when she dropped 100% Pure Love an absolutely infectious record that captivated the world and shot to number 1 in several countries.

By this time, I had discovered that this music that I was enamored with was called House Music. I was a fan of it and an even bigger fan of Crystal Waters. With her writing and vocals she has caused many to fall in love with House music. Over the years the internet has allowed me to follow her work and not miss a beat or a hit. When I created this podcast, I had a list of persons, outside of my network, whom I really wanted a chance to interview. A list of persons whose work I admired deeply, but whom I thought would probably not respond to my invitation. Crystal Waters was on that list. To the contrary, she responded and obliged. Not only is she a phenomenal artist, but she is truly a phenomenal person.

This is the story… Thus far… of the legendary Crystal Waters.

Episode 41: Melissa Mussington

Melissa Mussington is passionate about fitness and pizza. One, slightly more than the other. Whether it is pizza or working out, one thing is for certain, Melissa is disciplined and driven when it comes to what she likes.

Melissa grew up surrounded by a family of musicians on a Caribbean island. Though she loved music she and her family realized that she had tremendous talent in sports. Tennis, volleyball, track, if it was to be played Melissa was on the team.

After high school, Melissa secured jobs as a tennis coach and as an assistant tennis pro at one of the island’s resorts. For the most part life was good. But Melissa was facing some difficulties. After some soul-searching she decided to purchase a one-way ticket to the UK. She wanted a fresh start, she wanted to fulfil her dreams, she wanted to become the best version of herself that she could possibly be. She was not sure if the UK was the place for her, but she was willing to take the risk. She took a bet on having a change of scenery, but more importantly she took a bet on herself.

In her short time in the UK, Melissa has completed a degree, become a personal trainer, created a fitness brand (Mussbefit) and expanded her training and nutrition offerings, gained over 70 thousand social media followers, has been featured in the UK version of Cosmopolitan Magazine and is on the verge of starting her own athleisure clothing line. Whew! Please note, she has done all of this before age 30.

Melissa is a burst of energy, knowledge and positivity. As she speaks, she drops gem after gem. Don’t believe me? Just take a listen.

This is the story… thus far… of Melissa Mussington.