Stuart Wilson and Love Culture are spreading the word worldwide.
The song that leads it all off is a collaboration with Jason Gilbert, recent Grammy winner, says Stuart.
“We have always dabbled together and done two songs before, working off and on since 2003. When I was finishing up my new album I bumped into him in a nightclub and he said he wanted to do one track on the album. I agreed and the rest is history – that track, Rule the World, has now become the title track on the album.
The single has been picked up to go on a compilation by Truck Back Records, a huge reggae label, along with songs by Maxi Priest, Sizzla, Jah Cure, Big Mountain, Bunny Rugs from Third World and Tony Curtis.
“It’s a US and Jamaica label and is coming out worldwide in July – the biggest release of my life so far.
“I’ve also signed on with VP records for digital distribution of all my material online which is working out quite well and the new website stuartwilsonofficial.com is now online; we sell music, pre-orders for dub plates from DJs and do bookings,” Stuart tells us.
So far, Rule the World has gathered a lot of interest worldwide – including a request for a dub plate all the way from Portugal.
Independence is key
The album, says Stuart, will not be offered in a traditional way with a physical release, album listening parties and so on.
“This will be something that people find out about; that they discover. I don’t want to just put it out there like everyone else. It is an album’s worth of material but the first thing is a digital EP and maybe another three months down the line. We are also shooting a video.
“I love my independence and do not want some guy telling me what songs to put on an album, where to go. Once you find your audience you do not need a label – all they are nowadays are banks you borrow from and then you pay them back as they recoup. I am not really interested in labels unless someone is offering buy-your-mum-a-house money.”
Love Culture is more than a band; within around 18 months the idea is also morphing into what will end up being a vehicle for talented artists who haven’t been given a break by the often cold and blind music industry.
“We are going to sign artists to the international label as writers and as performers. We have an ASCAP publishing company and are aligned with all major collection agencies. Love Culture will continue to grow and take its rightful place amongst other labels.
“We want to bring Cayman to the world and do it officially, not informally. We need more managers than damagers.”
Sparkling sound
Musically speaking there are elements of familiarity in the Love Culture sound but always blended with myriad influences to create a sparkling new sound.
“Reggae is the canvas: there are elements of blues, classical rock and jazz. It is progressive reggae – reggae pop. We really want to take away the stigma that reggae has had of late and bring music back – great chord progressions, good vocals and lasting sentiment not foolishness.
“We just want to take it back to music that is wholesome, that the whole family can listen to. This is music that can be played in a nightclub and in a church. It is universal and that is what we really want to communicate. You don’t have to join any one particular group – just be yourself, because the world is looking for new and innovative ideas and that comes through when people are authentic.”
Stuart and the band can be seen supporting Beenie Man at Margaritaville at 10.30pm Friday, 10 June. It’s a busy weekend for the performer, indeed, a busy Friday as he is also playing at the Laughter Lounge at the Attic at 7.30pm and Saturday at 7.30pm. The website is stuartwilsonofficial.com
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