Pandora’s Diego Herrera on Reggae Lover

We caught up with Diego Herrera, the Reggae/Caribbean Music Curator and Programmer for Pandora Media. He curates the popular New Reggae Now playlist.  

Diego is entrenched within the culture and has been for a long time. As you may know, we’ve been working with Pandora to help push reggae music. Our podcast is featured on Pandora and we curate playlists on Pandora as well.

We had a very interesting, informative conversation. You will love it. We loved it! Diego works in the ecosystem touching the artists, labels, and the distribution channel. We pull back the curtain and shed some light on what happens on the back end at digital streaming services. 

New Reggae Now cover.

We all use these platforms to listen to content, but how do they really work? What are the inner workings? We learn about that plus get Diego’s refreshing perspective on new reggae now and the state of the culture. He comes from a very knowledgeable point of view. Of course, after the main segment, we present the Buzzworthy, Tastemaker, and SoundClash update segments.  

Buzzworthy

  • Buju Banton denounces mask-wearing.
  • David Rodigan and Cedella Marley receive Jamaican Order of Distinction honors.
  • Barrington Levy in the studio with DJ Kahled.

The Tastemaker

  • Official music video for Koffee’s “Pressure” Remix featuring Buju Banton.

Soundclash Update

  • Downbeat pays epic tribute to fallen reggae icon Bunny “Striker” Lee on LP International’s Real Talk IG Live Show.
DJ Kash on Reggae Lover

DJ Kash Credits Jamaican Sound System Culture with Shaping his Sound

Special guest DJ Kash shares his perspective as a DJ/producer who has worked with various artists in the diaspora. 

DJ Kash just released a new single called All Night Long featuring Tifa and is working on his debut EP. We get his take on the industry, artists, culture, and how his contributions propel the music.

During this conversation we uncovered:

  • How did the song with Tifa, “All Night Long,” come about?
  • How was DJ Kash able to champion Caribbean music on ATL commercial radio?
  • How did Kash get popular on the ATL club scene and start touring?
  • How does the Jamaican sound system culture influence his style of DJing and MCing?
  • How did he get into music production?

“The best DJs in the world are Caribbean DJs …because we are the king of genres.”

DJ Kash
DJ Kash ATL on the Reggae Lover Podcast 2020.

Buzzworthy, Tastemaker, and Sound Clash Update

[Documentary] Chasing the Sound: Major Lazer – Travel with Major Lazer to Ghana and Nigeria to make the world smaller by making the party bigger.

[Single] All Night Long by DJ Kash and Tifa.

[Soundclash News] The No Jing Bang clash tournament Grand Final was Saturday, October 10th. Sponsored by the world’s #1 DJ software platform Serato, the final featured Tek 9 from Brooklyn versus Kanabis from Antigua.

[Podcast Interview] Sean Paul responds to criticisms for labeling dancehall clash culture as “slavery mentality.” – Watch Now via The Fix

[Sound Clash Audio] Eagle Force vs Love People vs Super Gold vs Inferno 10/20 (45 Shop Lock) JA ( Finals) – Listen

The Journey Chosen

The Journey Chosen review

A review of The Journey Chosen by Spragga Benz, the new album. Nick from the Jamaican State of Mind podcast links up to defend Spragga, his favorite artist.

The Journey Chosen by Spragga Benz

Buzzworthy

  • Koffee becomes Mastercard’s brand ambassador for Jamaica.
  • Buju Banton featured on FIFA 21, performs for launch.
  • SoundChat Radio launches a new website with a premium subscription model.

The Tastemaker

  • Koffee and Buju team up for the “Pressure” remix.
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