It’s a quiet Wednesday morning; most people are still trying to get in the frame of mind to grind out another day at work. But in the heart of Belize City, Lindy D is already bumping Roots Reggae music out of his studio. The Internationally acclaimed DJ, who once won the Belize Heineken Green Synergy DJ Competition, took time to talk to BZHypeMeter.com about his upcoming Roots, Rock, Reggae Concert and the DJ scene in Belize.

Lindy D has been on the Belizean DJ scene for the best part of 15 years. As he explains, he came from a musical family and music was simply part of everyday life. Stating that, “Music is from your heart, when your heart pumps it is music, so music is instilled in you.”

After finishing school, because of the natural party surroundings he grew up in, it was natural for him to try his hand as a DJ. When asked about the early days he mentions, “Back then it was more about Block Parties and Souls; more lovers and couples and stuff. From back then to now there has been a big change, especially with the dancehall thing.”

What are some the toughest parts about being a DJ?

Lindy D: “I won’t lie, it’s hard to be a DJ and be in a relationship. You also have to be very versatile, especially because Belize is such a mix culture. So you have to do a lot of studying but the relationship part is definitely the toughest, especially because of the travels involved.”

When asked about what he got from being a DJ…

Lindy stated: I love seeing people happy at the end of the night after I Dj, that brings joy to me. Dj’s on a whole are a set of leaders because everyone listens to music, music is a part of everyday life, it is a necessity; so as a DJ you are kind of feeding the people. You also get to travel and meet a lot of people, so it’s really nice.

 

Are you conscious of your role as a DJ in terms of helping Belizean Artists?

Lindy D: Well, Artists depends on the Dj’s depend on the Artists. So when we go out or do a show we are always sure to push Belize to the world because a lot of people just play music not knowing that they are promoting other cultures and not promoting themselves. So I work a lot with them, for example, in the Roots, Rock, Reggae show we will be featuring the best Belizean Reggae Artists along with the International Artists. So we have to work with the Belizean Artist or else we will just be paddlers following everybody.

Lindy stressed that young DJ’s shouldn’t run behind the money and stated that if you can use music to change someone’s life or help the community thenyou are doing a lot, by uplifting people, cheering them up and making them feel good.

Who did you look up to?

Lindy D: You have Mr. Banks who played at Ex-Service Men, you had Stone Jam, used to go to his shop. Also, there is DJ Dolla who helped my career a lot and I also got a lot of inspiration from people like Stone Love and Renaissance Sounds. For me it was more Sounds, rather than DJ’s that inspired me; for example, Belizean Movements and now our Sound, Federation 501. 

FWhen asked what was his personal musical choice? Lindy cleverly expresses the stages saying, “My primary school teacher in music was Bob Marley, my high school teacher was Sizzla and my University teacher in music right now is Midnite.” Proving his point that Roots Reggae music is his motivation in life.”

Any last words?

Lindy D: Have to give thanks to Jah every time for blessing me with my talent, thanks to my parents for introducing me to music, especially my mom for being my back bone. Thanks to the whole Federation 501 crew, Stylie, Don Julio, DJ Fiya…my bedrins fi life. Big up all the Belizean Dj’s and people like CrossFire, Gramma D, Courtesy and everyone keeping the Industry going.

If you have not already made plans to attend the 2^ND Annual Roots Rock Reggae Concert this Saturday March 5^th, then be sure to go check it out at the MCC tennis court. As Lindy expresses, although Belize is very much into the Dancehall thing, he is reminding us that Dancehall is not the only movement that exists and assures you that this concert is meant to have a nice, chill, “free up” vibes.  Check out the Flyer below for more information.

Was cool to see Art be the highlight of the day for Belize; I always feel like Belize is brimming with Artistic talent because of our cultures but it always manages to just lurk in the background, so it was good to see it at the forefront for once at the Belize Bliss Institute of Art Street Festival which was on Albert Street, Belize City yesterday. There was Belizean art, food, and entertainment galore; here is a snip from my visit.

This lady totally got me. As my friend said, “it’s funny that the person doing nothing was the one that got all the attention” but as Jackie Chan said, “doing nothing and being still are two very different things.”

 

Cool jewelry by TLC based in Orange Walk, check them out if you are in the area.

 

Fred Trejo and his wonderful works.

But this was definitely my favourite piece at the whole festival, it’s from Debra Wilkes Gray . You can catch her in Corozal at their monthly Art in the Park (the next being March 12th) or if you are in the City she will be featured in the upcoming “Women In Arts” projects for March at the Bliss.

These guys were apparently from Hattieville and were keeping things live; that guy was apparently their biggest fan.

 

And more.

When you think of the Hype in BZHypeMeter.com, don’t think of it as high energy (truth is we’re  more laid back than most) but think of hype as in high quality…as in great…as that is what we try to reflect in our features. With that said, Deron Thompson, aka Deady on da Beatz (da Belizean Hitmaker) is a Belizean Producer of great quality. The hard working, self-made beat maker is responsible for Mc Melo’s BlueNote Hunter and behind the sound of your last Duets winners, Jeremy and Earlyn. Here is how to achieve a sound of greatness. 

Where are you from?

Deady: Born in Belmopan City but now I live in Camalote Village, that’s where I got my studio.

So how did you end up becoming a producer? Better yet…a hit maker?

Deady: Well this started off like when I was 8 years old. I started playing different instruments in the church and by the time I was 13 I was playing over 8 different instruments. At that age I started a rap duo with my cousin and we called ourselves 3D. We were doing some cheap recordings and using known riddims at the time and it wasn’t until one day my aunt told me “why unu no stop use people riddim and start mek yo own”. Then I decided to give production a try, got a copy of FL Studio and from ever since I have been making beats. I got the name Hitmaker from a guy off myspace, he used to always rap on my beats and liked them. He didn’t know a thing about Belize and said the name sounded unique and just stared to call me “Belizean Hitmaker.” That’s how I started.

Speaking of locally, everything I’ve heard from you has sounded extraordinary; where do you get your inspiration and what makes you stand out?

Deady: Well first of all, I read a lot. I study my craft, I study different instruments and I listen to a lot of different genres. I’m mostly known for producing crunk which is known for heavy 808 drums but I like to mix that with some reggae skanks or some ethnic synths. I can make any genre, so I would say my style is no style. I can do just about anything it’s all about mixing different styles together. My dreams are what inspire me. If you want to make it big you have to work hard. If you want to be the best you have to work the hardest. I’m not the best but I’m definitely one of the hardest workers in the game.

So have you worked with a lot of artists and if so who? Or do you guys keep it in house at Jag Camp?

Deady: Well I started working with a lot of artists when I just started. In the past I’ve even worked with minor artists on Def Jam and Shady Records on mixtape songs. Presently I’m working with JAG Camp artists in-house because we are about team work and we’re building a fortress from the bottom trying to make it to the top. But I also produce for any artists who are interested in investing in their career and buying beats.

How can someone reach you for beats?

Deady: Just email jagcampent@gmail.com (or check him out on facebook )

What are your personal thoughts on the local music scene?

Deady: Well locally there is a lot of work that needs to be done. Belizeans need to be doing quality stuff that’s the only way we will ever be heard. We need to get to a point where people won’t even know it’s a ‘local’ song playing. But the music industry is about to take off in Belize and I like the direction it is heading at the moment.

  

Compared to the usual local stuff, the stuff out of jag camp seems to be of higher quality….I don’t think that is by accident is it?

Deady: Well to have quality you have to be willing to spend and when you spend you have to know how to use what you have. We have invested in JAG Camp and that’s what makes our quality stand out. On the other side I’ve taken audio engineering courses, read over 50 books on audio engineering and I’ve also worked with a professional engineer from France who has shown me a lot when it comes to being a professional. So when it comes to mixing, our engineers are capable of bringing the best out of our artists.

So what current projects are you working on?

Deady: Well at the moment we are working on an album as a group entitled “JAG Camp Allstars” and also this year we will complete Jacob Diggz’s Album called “Rebel Music”. All other artists are working on mixtapes at the moment and also dropping singles through the year which will be distributed globally on  Itunes, etc through Universal Music Group. By summer we will start other albums as well but that’s all in the making.

What advice do you have for other young producer and artists?

Deady: Work hard. Don’t try to get in the game for money or fame because you are going to fade away slowly. Money might come, fame might come but be original and don’t change. Take risks while making music because music has no rules involved as long as it’s listenable. And most importantly, take time to study music. If you don’t know to play an instrument take some piano lessons, drums etc. That will shave off a couple years or experimenting with stuff; garbage in, garbage out.

Anyone you want to thank or shout out?

Deady: I would like to thank bzhypemeter.com for this interview. Also big up to my JAG Camp family, Jacob Diggz, Del Beatz, FiyaMan, MC Melo, Jeanie, Dertty Dhurr, Bird, So Smoove, our manager Wild Turkey and the ZMG Family and everyone who believes in us. Thanks for the support! 2011 will never be the same♦

Once again I introduce to you guys another tattoo artist of Belize and his artwork. His name is Karym “Wimpas” Sosa, and he is 26 years old. He currently resides in Benque and works mainly out of his house. Here is how it went:

How many years of experience do you have tattooing?

Wimpas: Professionally, 8 yrs.

Why did you become involved in tattooing and tattoos?

Wimpas: Grew up around tattoos and my older brother was a tattoo artist also. So I picked it up from him.

Where are you located, or where do you mainly tattoo from?

 Wimpas: I tattoo at Benque where I live but I also do a lot of traveling within Belize and sometimes to other countries such as Mexico and Guatemala. The easiest way to locate me is to give a call to 605-6470 or email me at wimpasink@yahoo.com and I let you know when I will drop by your area.

Lauren: What would you say is the most outstanding tattoo that you ever did?

Wimpas: Well every time I do something more outstanding than before. I always keep surprising myself.

What styles of tattooing do you use?

Wimpas: I do most it free hand cause I like to keep it original. I love black ink. And I would say my style is a little gothic mixed with things I see around me.

What do you get out of tattooing, or why do you do it?

Wimpas: Basically this is part of my hustle, but in time it became part of me. Tattoos pay good money and let me express my art.

Do you feel that it is well received in Belize?

Wimpas: Belize has now accepted tattoos as their own; I’ve had parents getting tattoos with their children like if it was a walk in the park. It’s not like before I think it’s because we are more than the ones that are not tattooed.

What would be your advice to someone who wants a tattoo but is not sure what to get?

Wimpas: If they’re not sure what to get they are not ready. Tattoos are for life, and they mark moments in life, just try to embrace the experience you want to remember on your design and you are ready.

Tell me something about yourself that makes you an outstanding tattoo artist.

Wimpas: Well I put my love into my work and try to read my clients mind so we are on the same page before we start designing. That’s basically all I need to start free handing.

By, L.Young

 Here is what’s cooking…first we travel to Camaloete to check out a Belizean HitMaker, then we’re in south side Belize City to observe a regionally accredited mix master and finally, we head to Dangriga to learn from an International Belizean Fashion Designer.