Army (Fritzmaurice Williams) was born and raised on St. Croix, Virgin Islands. He began his musical journey at the age of five as a member of the youth choir at the church his family attended. Little did he know that he was laying the foundation for what would become a very promising musical career. Determined to explore a variety of styles, he learned to play the saxophone, became a member of a jazz band and sang in various local bands. After relocating to the New York City, completing his education, and serving in the US Army (which is how he got his name), Army returned home and became deeply involved in the local reggae scene.
In the early 70's, Jamaica was bubbling with an incredible amount of untapped musical and vocal talents. That same level of energy, enthusiasm and potential is present today in the Virgin Island of St. Croix. Army is to be counted among the many conscious singers and players of instruments from St. Croix who are worthy of international recognition. The voice of Army first surfaced several years ago on the famously vital (though obscure) compilation “Eastbound”. Soon after, Army contributed several selections to the “Homegrown” compilation album. In 2000, Army's first album -”Yesterday's News” - was released on Glamorous Records, with production provided by Dean Pond. In 2002, Army linked up with Dub Rise Records who released his second album, “Struggler”, along with a re-release of “Yesterday's News.” 2003 saw Army releasing the single “Calling Jah Army”, a powerful duet with Luciano. In 2004 Army went on to tour the U.S. stopping DC, VA, NC, CO, NM, CA, OR, WA and capping off in the Hawaiian islands repeating this with Igrade Records in 2005.
With this solid foundation of tunes under his belt, Army embarked on the recording of his highly anticipated third album, “Rasta Awake.” Largely produced by legendary guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Tuff Lion (of Bambu Station), ”Rasta Awake” is a masterpiece of all-live instrumentation roots reggae. The 13 tracks on the album capture Army at previously unseen creative heights. His poetic songwriting challenges and connects with the listener in a way that few other songwriters are able. Army's voice - while influenced by such artists as Nat King Cole, Dennis Brown and Freddie McGregor - is unique in all of contemporary reggae with its amazing ability to be both deeply soothing and intensely energizing.
Army then relocated to Ca in 2007 and went on to release yet another album with the legendary guitarist Tuff Lion entitled Zion solders chant. Army has since had the good fortune to return to the mother land performing shows in Senegal& Gambia along side VI artist Abja and Satta Sound system from Vermont. Army has worked alongside many main stream artist like Luciano, Sizzla, Junior Reid, Ky-mani Marley to name a few, from the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the east coast, middle America and in the West. Army has played on the San Diego Bob Marley fest, the SNWMF, Reggae on the River, Garborville Ca and at Streamboat Co and keeps adding to his portfolio. His latest musical rendition Dredlocks Time is his crowning achievement, having done production on the album and being the executive producer. He is currently working on another album to be released in 2016 and is in collaboration with artists in Brazil, France and Sweden.
With a voice as invigorating and free as the wind, and with word sound utterances that penetrate hearts and minds, Army's mission is clear. He is firmly committed to using his music as a weapon in the war for spiritual renewal and justice for all peoples. As Army describes: “I want to send positive universal messages to people through my music, without the commercialism we see so much today… For me the music is a healing. I feel that the music healed me, took me to places where I could have not necessarily have been without it. I also feel that if someone could walk away with some type of healing, (that) they could be touched in some kind of way, they could associate themselves with some aspect of the music and then say 'wow,' maybe I'll make it after all. If I could shine some light some how, I would know that I have done something.” Army continues to do something special for all those with ears to hear this unique and much-needed voice.
The list of reggae artists hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands is long and seems to get longer for each and every year. Army – a former soldier, saxophone player and one of the scene’s veterans – has recently put out his fifth album Dredlocks Time, a set produced by himself and Higher Bound Productions with mixing magic courtesy of illustrious producer Tippy I of I Grade Records.Army is not one of the most well-known artists coming from this group of islands, but he has been remarkably consistent over the years. As many other reggae singers he started his career as a little youth in the church choir. Acclaimed producer Dean Pond helmed production on his 2000-released debut album Yesterday’s News, a set re-released a few years later.
This new 15 track set is a prime example of VI-reggae. The riddims are original, the tempo is slow, the mood is eerie, the lyrics are conscious and the atmosphere is meditative. Army’s voice is soothing and the harmonies are set to a minimum.
There is however a short detour from the VI-reggae recipe. On There is Life the tempo increases and the hip-hop flavored riddim is bouncy and electronic, on an album that’s mainly based on live-instrumentation, including some very nice horns arrangements.
Today Army has relocated to the U.S. mainland, but he has kept the VI reggae scene close his heart.
'Even More': A review of "Dredlocks Time" by Army
Ammunition. Looking back, just as it was for a variety of different sources, 2012 was an amazing year for Reggae music from out of the Virgin Islands. Besides maintaining a general level of consistency which has seen it become, by far, one of the most dependable outlets of Reggae music in the entire world over the past fifteen years or so, we also saw some truly big VI albums which made an impression lasting right into the new year. To my opinion, the biggest of them all was definitely Ras Batch's MAMMOTH "Know Thyself" for I Grade Records. However, just as Batch would return, also returning was a conquering Bambú Station with the heavily anticipated "Children Of Exodus" as well Harry Mo with "On My Way". Not enough? Ras Attitude and Mada Nile would also turn in big work and we, potentially, witnessed the coming of a major new impacting artist as the blazing Reemah would check in with the second best debut album I heard from anyone (biggup Jah Marnyah), "Check Your Words". WHAT! And, of course, Vaughn Benjamin and Midnite were ever-active as well and delivered two winning moments in "In Awe" and "Children Of Jah". And that's just the albums - while he didn't have a full set, Pressure Busspipe may've just had one of the strongest years of his entire career and also active and impressive was NiyoRah. DAMN! The year would leave rather large shoes to feel and cast an even larger shadow on the year to follow, but as we take a look at the concluding first quarter of 2013, it has maintained and it has been a joy to listen to! Again, Midnite has been active and has delivered a big moment in "Free Indeed" (more on that in a minute) and a dubbed out version of the aforementioned "Children Of Jah" - and we likely won't complete another quarter without the releasing of two further Midnite albums, "Lion Out Of Zion" and the followup to "In Awe", "Be Strong". Ancient King also shot out with "Ethiopie" and even Abja has returned with "Songs Fa Jah" (which I really need to get because I haven't heard it yet). Also very worth mentioning is Empress Ima, whose debut album "Ah We Deh Ya" also arrived this year. If it was December and we were saying this things, that would be a good year in my opinion, but something REALLY nice has also reached as esteemed vocalist from out of St. Croix, Army, now returns with his own first album in half a decade.
"Rasta Awake" [2005]
Army's name is one which is synonymous with CLASS. He has a way of going about making his music which really just sets him apart from almost everyone else in the genre. It is a style which has taken awhile to grow on me but now, at the relic-like old age of thirty-one (…when did I get so damn old!), it is one of which I am very appreciative. Although the singer previously had four (now five) albums to his credit, it was within the time frame of the most recent two when I became a fan. Back in 2005 he would deliver the mighty "Rasta Awake" for the aforementioned I Grade Records and a few years later he would come back with the arguably even stronger "Zion Soldiers Chant". Both of those albums would see him, largely, working alongside the most venerable Tuff Lion, who may actually be back this time (we have the digital version) (but this music here is GORGEOUS, so I think I'd be somewhat surprised if he does not play on it), but for his new album, Army takes us in a most familiar direction in 2013.
"Zion Soldiers Chant" [2008]
Following releases from the aforementioned Midnite, Ancient King and Abja, who else has their hands on Army's new album??? Of course it is Ishence & Higher Bound Productions (FAR and away the most impressive label of the first quarter of the year) at work once again as they help to bring "Dredlocks Time" to fruition. I had absolutely no idea that this album was even in the works (which is odd because HBP has also done a strong job in promotion this year as well) and it just seemed to pop up, credited to 382 Music (which, I think, is Army's own label). That's absolutely fine, however, and it comes as a very pleasant surprise in the still young year. Army's style is one which certainly took quite awhile to grow on me (I had to become wayyyyyyyyyy more mature in order for that to happen) (though I still have very far to go), but these days I'm a big fan and though the time wasn't very long from the time I heard of it until the time I actually heard it, I was well looking forward to "Dredlocks Time". Although the connection in terms of his delivery is relatively easy - Army does sound a bit like his close friend, Danny I (who also has a new album, which I believe is a full Spanish language set) - his actual style is one of a kind. The supremely gifted vocalist is a poet who makes music. I'm still at a point where I am full-on dazzled by Jah9's MASSIVE new album, "New Name" (and I do not figure to be leaving that state at some point) (and that album is in stores now) and she is a literal poet who makes music, this isn't the same thing. Army is someone whose roots, I believe, are as someone who very much intended to become a musician - he just has this amazingly effective poetic quality to what he does which is so unique and so COMFORTING that it is something that kind of leaps out before you hear it. I saw 'new album from Army' and I immediately thought of how nice it would to be able to hear that once again and, as was GUARANTEED, he doesn't disappoint. Like the "Rasta Awake" and "Zion Soldiers Chant" albums before it, "Dredlocks Time" proves to be DAMN strong throughout and, though it'll likely take you more than a few spins to find out exactly HOW strong it is, the trip through will be worth it. Actually, I'm taking another - you can go with me.
Army will almost surely never make an album which is a great deviation from the sets which preceded it. Because of that, which is a good thing in his case, you get the feeling that his music is always a part of a bigger and continuing theme. The latest 'chapter' of it, "Dredlocks Time", gets started with a piece which kind of made me adjust my expectations for the entire album which was to follow it. 'Push De Limit' is GOLDEN.
"So much criticizing
Love no exercising
How you gonna find the calm?
We won't be here to stay
No matter what the size is
Got to realize this
You've got to take this on
That we for sure will pay
Likkle youth better hear me now
No bodda go disturb the town
Nuh tried get pained and sorrow
Make sure your promise keep
Not like snake inna grass ah keep
Don't you accept defeat
Some people push the limit
They're sitting on the edge
Waiting for time
Some people go on turning round
Round and round
But they keep on tripping over
Some people push the limit
Sitting on the edge
Waiting for time
Some people go on turning round
Round and round
But they keep on tripping over
So much likkle warriors
Cowboy, gun followers
Ready now fi tek it on
Out in the streets they play
Is dem fi exercise and you fi minimize
Is dem waan fi eat di corn
Yours will come soon one day
All your food come from di ground
Nah bodda mind dem circus clown
THEY ALL WILL FADE AWAY
Make sure your roots are deep
Cause late night dem still ah creep
Your goods they'll take away"
It isn't the case that I was not expecting much from this album, but as soon as I heard its opener (which is probably my third, or so, favourite song on the album), I thought that maybe Army had outdone himself. Let's continue. Next up is another fine effort in 'Jah Will Guide' which, at least to my opinion, has all kinds of 'hit' potential. The track is a dynamic one and it is one which Army uses to really deliver an excellent message telling people to be mindful of what they do, of course, but to actually DO it, because no matter what you do, if your intentions are righteous and if you are prepared ["Fittest of the fit survive"], Jah will guide. I should also mention the wonderful FREE vibes of that song. It is a quality I'll speak more on later, but you definitely get the feeling that Army was feeling really good when he sang the tune. 'Can't Pause' is a song which took a bit of time (the first of its kind on "Dredlocks Time"), but eventually did get on to me. What I take from this song is that is one which, at its core, is about being prepared for things which happen in life. I think Army is that if you do well IN THE MOMENT, then that is the best that you can do, because you can't slow down or "ease" every situation, so it is best to as prepared as you possibly can be. This song might keep my mind busy for a few years and I'm not complaining as it rounds out what is an excellent start for the new album.
Now is as good of a time as any, I suppose, to make my prevailing point in regards to the music on this album. THERE IS NOT A SONG ON THIS ALBUM - NOT ONE - WHICH ISN'T AT LEAST 'GOOD'. The body of "Dredlocks Time" really shows itself to be full of songs of a seriously impressive quality. So much so is this the case that I don't feel the need to block and categorize this review in the way that I typically do (because it's fun) and instead, I'll just continue to go right down the line and review the next twelve songs sequentially, as I did the first three. They're all some sort of fantastic. So, next would be 'Run Run Run', which is in the upper half of songs on the album in my opinion. This piece is a call to action, but it isn't one in the way I would typically use such a descriptor. What Army is saying is to, essentially, participate and be more active in life in general.
"If you say you inna di race - well start fi run
Cause di man weh start di thing ah press di gun"
He takes it in different directions, but through it all he's calling for people to make attempts and persevere when you have to, to survive in life. Now, after you've done all of that running, Army is mindful of you 'Tripping Over', which is the next song. What I took from this piece was probably something a little different than its original intent by the artist. I think it is a song about staying focused and thus NOT "tripping over". He uses the idea of people putting their trust in more material things and then ending up in situations where money either cannot help or it, specifically, fails you ["try fi roll di dice, but di dice no tip"]. And then there is 'Blood Deh Seek'. PROBLEMS! First of all, the riddim on this song is SO beautiful and bouncing (and I would love an instrumental), that I had to listen to it several times to get to the point where I could actually tune in to what Army was saying and what he was saying was just as crucial as the building track behind his vocals.
"Jah gave us the rain, so that the crops might grow
He gave us the land to share, so let his people go
Your foolish pride believing that you - Your king
YOU'VE JUST BEEN TALKING, BUT YOU'RE NOT LI…LISTENING
Beg you Jah fi release dem deh demon
Some a di youth dem, dem no tink, dem no reason
It's so easy fi dem trigga finga
No pause fi no cause, dem no linga
It's a struggle, it's a battle fi dem hearts dem
Babylon, you know, won't just release dem
It's soon time for facing di judge, whose begging the pardon
Mi seh run!
Mad man inna yuh city, wid dem weapon no boy coulda hold dem
Politician dem ah laugh, you dem sell out
Rasta know seh only money control dem
Blood deh seek
Oppress di meek
All the spoils they keep
Blood deh seek
Oppress di meek
All the spoils they keep"
It registers very highly here and is definitely one of the biggest pieces on the whole of "Dredlocks Time". Next we have the cleansing 'Tru Luv Come Down', which definitely takes its time about it, but does grow on the listener after awhile. It isn't, at all, the type of piece which I imagine generating a great amount of response, but if you really tune it in, especially lyrically, it unravels itself and is one beautiful piece. 'Tru Love Come Down' is not, however, as good as the tune which it precedes on the album, 'Slow Down'. I hesitate to call this one a love song, but that is basically what it is. Where this track differs from most of its kind is that it is very specific, although relatable. I suppose it is Army's style to take such a course, but where 'Slow Down' really makes its statement is in its sound. This song is so COOL that it is candy to your ears if you follow along (and you do). Things continue to be nice to the senses on "Dredlocks Time" as 'There Is Life' rolls in next. Another winner - 'There Is Life' is a composition which, again, has a big message and a wonderful song melding together to the tune of one of the best songs on this album in my opinion. And wrapping up the album's first two-thirds is another impressive piece in 'Stayin On The Line'.
"Fast car in a fast lane
Dem still nuh find it strange -
Looking through dem windowpane
Running every hour, dem ah try fi chase it down
But still face di ground, dem still ah run it round
High stakes, caan run in vain
Got to realize, things won't be the same
Go now, it's truth and rights
Got to check some speed, got to strategize"
For me, this was a piece about just taking your time and being PATIENT in life and, particularly, in the decisions you make. And while I do not know for sure, but I think I've listened to enough of the man's music to say that I would be some form of surprised if Tuff Lion isn't on this song and not just because of the dominant guitar throughout (and it is dominant),
As for the final lot of tracks on "Dredlocks Time", to my opinion they hold quite a few very interesting moments, including its prevailing moment. First, however, we get the song after which the album is named (sometimes I just get tired of saying "title track"), which despite checking in it a blind and CRAWLING pace, is a genius piece of music. This one is just about being proud of who you are and your lineage ["tell dem dis dreadlocks time. Ithiopia you stay in mind"]. Of course, it goes further than that and Army mixes in more than a little social undertones (like I said, he can be very specific), which makes for a very unique composition. 'I'll Return' can be rather complicated, but I take it as a repatriation song of sorts. Just as in the case of 'Slow Down' and 'Run Run Run', however, I can't say that in the usual way in which I would use such a term. I think even more so than an actual physical repatriation, here we find Army singing about a mental one to a way of more unselfish and familial/community type of thinking. Also, 'I'll Return' is not entirely without its own more 'shiny' gifts. It is a very nice song to just listen to which goes purely instrumental, and THRILLINGLY so, in its latter stages. I was REALLY looking forward to hearing 'Bid Dem Goodbye' and it doesn't disappoint in any way. As its very nice title would suggest, the song is about letting negative influences and people in your life go and, by extension, stripping away respect and power from similar forces throughout society. You get that and you get it over such a clear and lovely backing track as well. And then things go even higher.
"Mama Afrika, to you I must go one day
Land of milk and honey - well it no dun deh
They say it's not a deal, but won't drop dem guns deh
Wasting all your time, tell you bout 'some day'
In dis ya modern life
Dis ya modern world
Dis ya modern life
Dis ya crucial time
Modern world, modern time
Modern world, modern time"
'Modern World' is a song which GLOWS so brightly that you can hear it (and that makes no sense, not even a little, but I mean it!) and to me it not only takes top honours on this album, but is one of the best songs I've heard from anyone thus far in 2013. Finally is another excellent track - 'In Time' - which wraps up "Dredlocks Time" in a fine style. This thing is HEAVY and really finds a sound which is somewhere in the middle of the album, which is strong and, in terms of its quality, it's closer to the head than the tail which is saying a lot here.
I did want to just mention something about the entirety of the vibes of "Dredlocks Time". As I alluded to in reference to one song, 'Jah Will Guide', this album has a really nice and easy feel to it. Army isn't necessarily the most emotive of vocalists anyway and his music tends to follow a more familiar course, for the most part (you know what to expect when you buy an Army album), but this project seems exceptionally unplanned and un-programmed - and I mean that in a good way - it seems more like an album which was just vibed and organically created.
Army
Overall, did I mention that it was also fantastic? To my opinion, "Dredlocks Time" is all the album that "Rasta Awake" was and it's very close to "Zion Soldiers Chant" (a borderline 'modern classic' in my opinion). It does hold its own place as well. As I said, Army's continuing themes are generally quite similar, so I don't think he'll ever make something which so greatly leaps outside what he typically does, but this album has different qualities which will identify it apart from either of its two most immediate (great) predecessors. "Dredlocks Time" is big and although I have to give it a somewhat conditional recommendation (because I don't think newer fans should make this their starting point), I'm going to have a hard time believing that the name Army won't be mentioned by many in December when deciding the best albums of 2013. Exceptional.
Rated: 4.70/5
382 Music/Higher Bound Productions
2013
CD + Digital
Review #429
Posted by Achis at 9:40 PM
Labels: Ras Army, Reggae, Review, Virgin Islands
Army's "Rasta Awake" is the second album coming from the I Grade New Release Trilogy, and just like it predecessor -- Ancient King's "Conquering Sound" -- it's a worthwhile collection of tunes coming from St. Croix, Virgin Islands, the little island that has brought us some fresh and impressive roots music in the new millenium, including releases from Midnite, Bambu Station, Yahadonai, and Dezarie, to name a few. For those who have never heard of Army, here's a brief introduction to one of the many conscious singers and players of instruments from St. Croix who are worthy of international recognition.
Army (real name Fritzmaurice Williams) was born and raised on St. Croix, Virgin Islands. He began his musical journey at the age of five as a member of the youth choir at the church his family attended. Little did he know that he was laying the foundation for what would become a very promising musical career. Determined to explore a variety of styles, he learned to play the saxophone, became a member of a jazz band and sang in various local bands. After relocating to the New York City, completing his education, and serving in the US Army (which is how he got his name), Army returned home and became deeply involved in the local reggae scene.
The voice of Army first surfaced several years ago on the famously vital (though obscure) compilation "Eastbound". Soon after, Army contributed several selections to the "Homegrown" compilation album. In 2000, Army's first album - "Yesterday's News" - was released on Glamorous Records, with production provided by Dean Pond. Also in 2002, Army linked up with Dub Rise Records who released his second album, "Struggler", along with a re-release of "Yesterday's News". 2003 saw Army releasing the single "Calling Jah Army", a powerful duet with Luciano. This year (2005), Army's song, "I Don't Know" is included on Bambu Station's acclaimed compilation, "Talkin' Roots II."
And now Army delivers his third album, "Rasta Awake", largely produced by legendary guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Tuff Lion (of Bambu Station), with I Grade also contributing three riddims. "Rasta Awake" is a great, if not amazing album, which we've been playing a lot in the past week. And we're still enjoying it to the max, because each track on this album is truly above par, with some classic anthems like for example the killer tune "Don't Move My Mountain" and the title track >"Rasta Awake" around as well. Army, who is influenced by such artists as Nat King Cole, Dennis Brown and Freddie McGregor, has a distinctive, silky voice, which is complemented by appealing all-live instrumentation. Main ingredients that make this album worth of hearing are Army's songwriting and vocal delivery, the mellow sound and the well structured original riddims. Besides the already mentioned "Don't Move My Mountain" and "Rasta Awake", one should listen to tracks such as "Jah Reveal It", the awesome "Mr. Monday", the impressive"Men Will Doubt" and "Preying Mantis" to experience that a major talent has arrived. Definitely a strong contender for roots album of the year 2005!!
Fitzmaurice Williams, better known as “Army” has worked his way onto the reggae music scene for over a decade. The St. Croix native was blessed with a breathy Nat King Cole-like voice that needs to be heard – a voice that only enhances his positive messages and humble stance on life. Joining a force of other roots reggae artists of this time, Army has collaborated with talents such as Luciano and the Virgin Island’s own Bambu Station to offer hope in times of struggle and strife. His last album, “Zion Soldiers Chant” was released in 2008, and from here, it can only be said that the best of Army is yet to come.
IW: Who is Army?
Army: Army is an artist hailing from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands (V.I.). That is where I grew up and went to primary school (or early education). I left V.I. and went to New York City and went to high school and different things. I went to the military. After the military, I returned home and began playing with a band called… uh… ((what is the name of my band?))… ((laughs)) the name of my band is “Sacred Science.” That is the band I grew on. I started singing songs like Luciano, Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor… those types of cool and warm and easy type songs. Then I gradually progressed into writing my own music. I’ve been pursuing that since about 1990. So it’s been quite a while.
What made you join the army?
When I was younger, everyone was looking toward the future, trying to figure out what they wanted to do; trying to figure out what path they wanted to take. I’m the adventurous type. I love adventure, whether it’s climbing hills, mountains, jet skiing, snow mobiling.
So that drew you to the army?
Yeah. Adventure. That sense of adventure. Wanting to go out into the world and doing it on your own. That would be a good way to make that happen. But I wasn’t aware of the path that I would follow later ((laughs)). It just happened.
How did the army affect you? How did it affect you spiritually? How did it shape your global views?
I am empathetic with the soldiers who are in the military because I served. I was fortunate to serve at a time when there was peace. There weren’t any conflicts to send me to ((laughs)). I went in the military back in 1983. So I went through and did my training. I trained and trained. I did my time and then I went home.
I saw that you began singing in church. Why did you decide to make a career out of music?
After coming home from the military, I tried to find my place in the world; tried to find out where my mind was. I was buttressed with a bunch of questions. I suppose from that time I went on a quest to find who I was… and it led me toward the music. I surrounded myself around a certain set of people who happened to be musicians.
It just kind of happened? In a way it was destiny, you think?
Yeah, I was actually invited to a band—the same band called Sacred Science—my lady friend said to come over. I said “sure, I’ll come see you play…” When I checked it out, I fell in love immediately. It was a life-changing experience, I have to say, because from that moment onto this day, I’m still pursuing music.
I can see that. Just listening to your songs I found some of my favorites. I also noticed that you sing a lot about struggles… you speak of struggles and still offer some kind of comfort, or hope, for people. Why is that something that’s important?
Music is a healing for myself. I have to confess that originally it was a selfish thing. I didn’t do music for anyone to hear me and think that I was good at it or anything. I did it because it brought me healing. When I was with the band and working with them, I wasn’t even singing.
What were you playing?
I wasn’t playing anything. I was just there… I had a very good friend who was the lead singer of that band. I didn’t know he was in a band. He didn’t tell me that! I couldn’t believe it. And he was very good. So, I would just stay behind him, and he used to take the music for granted. He wouldn’t show up a lot of times, and a lot of times the band would be there just playing. From the day that I arrived at that band I wouldn’t miss anything. I would fill in. Once I started to sing, the band members looked at me and said “well, you have to sing.”
So what about your lyrical content?
What I’m singing is a social commentary, because I don’t think people necessarily want to be lectured to. They don’t want to hear “you should do this” and “you should do that.” I feel that our struggle is universal. It happens all over the world and anyone can relate to these things. But, you know what, there’s a brighter day tomorrow. You can get up from where you are and be in a better place.
Is there anything going on in V.I. that you’re particularly concerned about?
Like a lot of different urban communities we have been decimated with a lot of gun violence. It’s really tragic, you know? I remember if someone died a violent death, we would all be shocked. And now it’s like a regular occurrence and it’s really bad, it’s hurtful.
Why do you think that is?
From my humble perspective, I think crack and cocaine has devastated all the urban communities and it has done no less in mine. Crack and cocaine has come in and created a mindset in the type of [lifestyle people live]. It might not be as [predominant] now as it was then, the vibe that it created has spiraled into this type of mad behavior that goes from one extreme to the [next]. I think that’s reflected in all the different communities that crack and cocaine [invaded].
This may be just hearsay, so please don’t quote me, but I hear that rape is an epidemic. Is it happening more?
I don’t think it’s happening more, but it has been happening and it’s still happening. [In fact, three other friends and I] wrote a song about [rape] to address [the issue], because it’s still a plague in the community.
Let’s move away from the heavy stuff. Outside of the V.I., where do you feel that your music has been well-received?
I feel it’s been well received universally. The thing about it is marketing and promotion. Those things are very important. If you’re not connected to those things, it can be hard for people to access [your music]. But we’ve been able to grow a community in V.I. where we can go and have little outlets to send out our music, like North Carolina, Colorado, California, up in New York. We have this little outlet with Brazil… we’re starting to be more prominent in Europe. So, I’m trying to add myself to that stream. Another thing is independence. Trying [to navigate through the music industry independently] is very hard. It’s a taxing thing. You need money to do everything. You have to find creative ways to get yourself out there. It’s a work in progress.
Isn’t it always? I know you’ve worked with Bambu Station, Luciano, and on other compilations. In the future, is there anyone you really want to work with?
Well, I would be happy to work with any prominent producer with whom I can vibe. I’ve been to Jamaica and to different studios all over the United States and have been able to do many different projects. BUT if I could get to work with, like Studio One…? I would feel like… Wow… I would feel good about that. Not to look at people and meet people at Studio One, but to do work there? Wow. I would love that.
Since your last album, Zion Soldiers Chant, in 2008, what have you been doing on your four-year hiatus?
I moved to California. Once I was there, I had to settle down and get a few things going. You know, when you’re independent economics plays a certain part and you have to “square with economics,” so it took me a little while. Then it took me close to eight months to put the music together, because it was my project, my baby that I was trying to groom… to get this thing going… to make the live drums, horns, music, etc. sound and feel a certain type of way. I didn’t want people [to get a rushed project after not hearing from Army for a while]. No, I want to be very happy about the album once we got it out. I wanted to be able to promote the way I wanted to.
Do you have another album coming out soon?
As a matter of fact, I have an album that’s going to be out maybe in a month. At the same time, I have a smaller album with eight songs with Brazilian producers that will also come out. So, it’s actually going to be two albums.
Why not put both albums together?
Well, I’ve been working with producers in Brazil that come from “lesser means.” So, my contribution to helping them was helping them with a solo project. You give me the music; I’ll sing these songs for you. I know where those guys are coming from. I know the struggle. It’s probably worse for them and much better for me.
Are you satisfied with your journey in music so far?
With everything in life there’ll be trials and tribulations. You can’t run into anything and expect that it’s going to be all nice and daisies and things will go fine.
((Laughs)) So is that a yes or no?
Well… uh…
((Laughs)) So you plead the Fifth?
Yeah I do. ((Laughs))
So from here on out, what can people expect from Army?
Well, we’re just going to be pushing hard. We’re trying to bring the music again; brand new music. We’re just going to try to go around the country again and get new promotion. We will revamp my website, ArmyReggae.com. I’m working here with Cleon from Mountain Lion. We’ve made some other connections in Denmark and Brazil and hopefully we can travel to these places as the album comes out. Hopefully you’ll hear a lot more from us because we’re definitely coming back to Colorado, Denver, Aspen, Boulder, Ft. Collins. The people in Vail made me feel really good.
Last question, what message do you want to leave with the people?
Everything is positive. Think, positive. Things are going to come at you and you have to move positive, you know. Quitters never win and winners never quit.
- Christy Jeziorski
dubmarket show
humbolt ca