Sat down with the talented and beautiful Ms. Denise Castillo a few weeks ago to discuss her hit radio single ‘Til Da Mawnin’ and talk about the Belizean music industry.

Denise Castillo is a 22 year old singer, writer and University of Belize student. Denise acknowledged that she gets  overwhelmed when people compliment her on her track ‘Til Da Mawnin’ which has been getting steady radio play.

Her style, seen in ‘Til Da Mawnin’, is Reggae Souls mixed with hints of R&B and Dancehall; which is accompanied with a beautiful and classic voice. Like many others, Denise started singing in the church. But being urged by family, friends and even Tanya Carter has brought her to this point.

In terms of memorable moments in her young career, Denise cites coming in 2^nd in the Next Level Project at the Bliss. She talked about learning a lot in that competition and meeting artist and being a part of something that brought latent Belizean talent to the forefront, which she expressed a desire to see more of.

Denise surprisingly stated that Celine Dion was one of her biggest musical inspirations attributed to her parent’s musical taste and LOVE FM (thanks for all those old hits). As for now, she takes interest in artists like Alaine, Tammy Chin and Alicia Keys.

Currently the independent artist says she is working on more singles, so prepare to hear more of her melodic voice on the radio.

Last words? Denise Castillo: I want to shout out everyone that has supported me. Friends, family, everyone…especially my fans.

Listen to her track ‘Til Da Mawnin’ below

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.