Black Ice

 

Black Ice is captivating audiences with his originality, distinct lyrical style and edgy reggae production, on full display in his new radio single ‘Hotta Fyah’. We wanted to find out what drives this dedicated reggae artist to push the limits of the genre.

You can generally tell when an artist is ready for the next stage of their career. It shows up in timing and tonal certainties, and there's a sense of conviction that just can't be faked. Black Ice's catchy new track ‘Hotta Fyah’ has that audible conviction, but its sheer inventiveness and mainstream digestibility fulfill the other half of the equation that determines who gets radio time and who goes home unheard. It also doesn't hurt that the critics have raved about his award-winning work: ‘Sub Zero' deals in themes consistent with the reggae genre, but far surpasses other fare of that style in the sheer reach of its melodic inventions; Black Ice has a talent for songcraft that would be remarkable in any context.’ Independent reporter Alexis Adams recently caught up with Black Ice to talk about his new single and the passion for home-grown reggae that gave rise to it.

ALEXIS: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
BLACK ICE: Performing a song live that wasn't rehearsed with the band. Opening for Wailing Souls! The drummer, Blunt, listened to the track about ten minutes before show time in the parking lot of the event and yet we were able to pull it off! Yeah very crazy.

ALEXIS: Your song ’Hotta Fyah’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
BLACK ICE: WOW! This is simply awesome. Makes doing music worthwhile.

ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your radio single?
BLACK ICE: 'Hotta Fyah', a burning desire to tell the truth. 'I cry and you cry.' The message is within the song itself! A song about the tribulations currently facing mankind!

ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
BLACK ICE: To tell the truth, I haven't really had any difficult experiences! Just life experiences. Coming from humble beginnings, growing up in Jamaica/US experiencing and seeing the worldviews from a wide spectrum.

ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
BLACK ICE: Well, I'm fun-loving, charismatic, down-to-earth, joyous, hard-working, caring yet at times I can be very serious!!!

 

ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
BLACK ICE: Working with others for the most part has been good, sharing a bond that will last forever! Most of whom I work with love music and what they do is a vital part to make the music sounds great!!! Quality is the key ingredient. However at times working with others can be difficult! Especially when egos are involved. One tends to not see the bigger picture! I always believe that good will come of anything that you do if you're willing to wait, and one can only dream/vision for themselves and not for others.

ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
BLACK ICE: Not necessarily, but music has always being a vital part of my up bringing! Whether it's a dance, backyard party, and festival or even at church there was always some type of music in the background. Yes, I have a wonderful cousin who's also an artist- Mr. Suprize. Very extremely talented.

ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
BLACK ICE: Being able to write/perform a song or two and do it from the heart. Sharing the gift of music with the world! Priceless. The most challenging thing is to not waste such a precious gift.

ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
BLACK ICE :The love of JAH, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Denis Brown, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, etc. Just to name a few! Countless artist has paved the way for today's artist like Black Ice to be able to have a platform and for that I say, 'thank you!'

ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
BLACK ICE: I would say when I did a cameo with Toots and The Matals with some friends of mine years back including Toots son, Jr Toots in front of 60,000 plus people, Santa Monica, California. It was very electrifying!!! Largest crowd to date.

ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
BLACK ICE: I will say first and foremost, congratulations and welcome as a fellow gifted artist! The journey has begun!!! Sit back and enjoy the ride. You are in control; please make the best of it! Stay the course and always remember that as long as you believe in yourself and the music it will be a great experience. Naturally attention to detail will help along the way, the little things do count but please don't be too hard on you. It's a constant learning and adaptive experience. Study/practice your songs! Evolve with each song and opportunity. Create melodies, be open-minded, listen first then execute!!! But most of all is be humble always!!!

ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
BLACK ICE: The Grammys!!! Shows, touring, create more of a social media presences!!!! Continue writing and recording new songs (Currently working on a song called Havana Nights), do some videos?Take the music to the world. Yes, there's an album, looking to turn the EP Sub Zero into a full fledge Album. Putting the songs together now. This Album will be Epic and Dynamic! In the sense that Black Ice will not be holding back anything, whether it's style, genre of music, audiences a like will get a chance to listen to the full Black Ice experience. 'Music is Life'.

ALEXIS: Wonderful! Thank you sharing some insights into what makes you the artist that you are. I wish you continued success in your career.

http://www.theakademia.com/artistkit/BlackIce1.html

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