Reggae Lover History part 2 – The Evolution

In the previous Reggae Lover episode, we described the foundation of Highlanda Sound. This show chronicles what happened from our first gig to present.

In the late ’90s, the three young lions that started Highlanda Sound vowed to become one of the most dangerous sound systems that played mostly 45s. We committed to learning and practicing the arts of selecting and juggling in the dancehall arena. We set out to bring a different level of energy to the scene in Atlanta. We prided ourselves on being versatile enough to entertain any type of crowd.
We accomplished all that and more. Listen to the evolution that led to this podcast.

 

 

 

 

 

Reggae Lover History – The Flashback Episode

AGARD and I are the special guests on this episode. As the hosts, we took time out to re-introduce ourselves, talk about who we are, where we come from, and how we got into the music industry.  This is part one of this “flashback” conversation.

Reggae Lover Podcast image

Click to Access Podcast Episode Page

PLAY THIS EPISODE NOW

 

 

 

#reggaelover

#reggaeloverpodcast

Roots in the West End – Saturday, Aug 31 @ Gallery 992

End of Summer edition of Roots in the West End featuring Highlanda Sound, Farinheits Creation, Cosmic Lovebeat and Buddy Folks!

Roots in the West End

Highlanda Sound live at Reggae in the Park

Live audio recorded at #BeReggae6 featuring Highlanda Sound on stage.

This event was crazy fun! It was 90-100 degrees in ATL, but I’m not complaining – I love the summer vibes.  I played familiar songs to set the pace, and then featured new music (nuff Lila Ike, new Buju, Koffee, Tarrus Riley etc.) for the last half of my round.

 

[Podcast] Reggae Promotion Best Practices with David Driveway Cam

This episode of the Reggae Lover podcast produced by Highlanda Sound features a discussion with top-rated reggae promoter and videographer David “Driveway Cam.”

CLICK HERE TO PLAY THIS EPISODE NOW.

Click Pic to Play this Episode Now.

Driveway shares best practices for networking, marketing, and building a community using social media.  We talk about his passion for dancehall culture, the mission to showcase Atlanta talent, and much more.

If you want a movement to go a certain way you need other people to help you get there.  It is never on yourself.

 

No matter how much blood sweat and tears you put into it, If you don’t have a team or supporters, you only can go so far.

It’s a marketing strategy.  If people know you’re willing to support them, then they’re more likely to support you.

DURING THE INTERVIEW WE TOUCHED ON:

  • 5:38 – Driveway Cam’s dancehall videography explosion.
  • 6:23 – The narrative: Atlanta selectors have talent.
  • 7:29 – Difference between the NYC and ATL dancehall scenes?
  • 9:37 – Difference between Jamaican and ATL dancehall scenes?
  • 11:44 – Planning themed events & choosing talent (Rewind Sundays)
  • 18:50 – Driveway’s Summer 2019 playlist & ATL top 5 artists.
  • 22:23 – How to support and build a community using social media.
  • 26:01 – Importance of having a strong network.
  • 29:31 – Recruiting supporters and a good team.
  • 31:41 – Prospects of Atlanta as a sound clash market.

CLICK HERE TO PLAY THIS EPISODE NOW.

Resources:

Sound System Chat with Webba

Once one of Kingston’s most sought after selectors, Webba talks about his time playing some of Jamaica’s top sound systems including Stone Love, Metro Media, Black Stone, and African Star.

Once one of Kingston's most sought after selectors, Webba talks about his time playing some of Jamaica's top sound systems including Stone Love, Metro Media, Black Stone, and African Star.  We talk about how he got his start in music, why he transitioned to promoting reggae events, and more. Catch all the stories and insights in this fun Reggae Lover interview.

Click the image above to download podcast Mp3.

We talk about how he got his start in music, why he transitioned to promoting reggae events, and more. Catch all the stories and insights in this fun Reggae Lover interview.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN AND/OR SUBSCRIBE.
CLICK LINKS BELOW FOR MORE WAYS TO LISTEN AND/OR SUBSCRIBE:

Buju, Koffee, and Kahlil Wonda Interview

I discuss Buju Banton’s triumphant return to the stage at the Long Walk to Freedom Concert. There’s no way I could fail to talk about this historic event.

Also, Koffee’s debut EP release and the placement of her single “Toast” in the box office blockbuster movie “Us.” Stream or download her EP “Rapture,” now.
Reggae Lover episode 137, Buju #LWTFC, Kahlil Wonda interview, Koffee - Toast.

Click for Download

This episode includes footage from when I was a guest on the Dash-A-Fire podcast. You learn where I was born and raised. You learn where and how Highlanda Sound got started. I talked about my love for vegetarian food and where I go get it in Atlanta. I list some of my favorite artists and explain my inspiration for starting this podcast. All good stuff.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN AND/OR SUBSCRIBE.
CLICK LINKS BELOW FOR MORE WAYS TO LISTEN AND/OR SUBSCRIBE:

K9Boss (Atlanta K-9 Solutions) Interview – Reggae Lover Podcast Episode 108

REGGAE LOVER and MASTER DOGTRAINER🐕K9BOSS™️ is my Guest on this episode.

REGGAE LOVER and MASTER DOGTRAINER🐕K9BOSS™️ is my Guest on this episode. Listen to find out the story of his #reggaelover journey.  Find more information on his world-class dog training solutions: ~www.atlk9.com ~678-360-8168 ~atlantak9solutions@gmail.com

Click to Download Interview Audio

Listen to find out the story of his #reggaelover journey and find out about his world-class dog training solutions.

Contact www.atlk9.com, 678-360-8168, atlantak9solutions@gmail.com.

IHEARTRADIO: LISTEN AND FOLLOW HERE.

STITCHER RADIO: SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN HERE.

GOOGLE PLAY MUSIC: SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN HERE.

TUNE IN RADIO: FAVORITE AND LISTEN HERE.

SOUNDCLOUD: CLICK TO DOWNLOAD OR PLAY EPISODE.

APPLE PODCASTS: SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN VIA ITUNES.

 

The Ultimate Weekly 90s Dancehall Experience Every Thursday

Strictly 90s Dancehall and Hip Hop all night at Paradise Louge.

✅ Beautiful People  ✅ Great Music    ✅ Great Vibes

#Throwback Party vibes by Highlanda Sound and Miami’s Heavy Hitter DJ Springer.

Late night Happy Hour: $5 Cocktails & $2 Beer.

Doors Open 9pm. Ladies Free Before 10PM with RSVP.

Come let your hair down after work each Thursday at the Paradise Lounge.

Paradise Lounge

2400 Satellite Boulevard

Duluth, GA 30096

 

MARLEY | Reggae Lover Podcast Episode 84

A promotional mix featuring Ky-Mani, Damian, Stephen, Ziggy, and Cedella Marley among other heavy hitters for the BobFest ATL event in Atlanta, February 15 – 18.bobfestatl.com

 

BOBFEST ATL 2018 FEATURING JAH9 – MUSIC, ART, FILM, YOGA, FOOD, FAMILY

REGGAE FANS! YOGIS! FOODIES! FILM FANS! AND ALL OF ATL!! YOU HAVE A LOT IN STORE FOR THIS YEAR’S BOBFEST!

BobFest 2018. 7th Annual Festival, a special celebration of Bob Marley and reggae music.

Thursday: Yoga with Jah9 and friends Feb 15

Friday: Concert in the Village (and village marketplace!) featuring Jah9 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ATL, lyrical genius SaRoc and More- Feb 16

Saturday: AFRICA UNITE Film Festival- Feb 17
Sunday: Stir It Up Farm to Table Feast!- Feb 18

Purchase tickets at bobfestatl.com.

Email bobfestatlinfo@gmail.com for information.

STITCHER RADIO: SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN HERE.79 - Reggae Lover Podcast - King Jammys Tribute (2nd Volume)

GOOGLE PLAY MUSIC: SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN HERE.GOOGLE PLAY MUSIC: SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN to reggae lover HERE.

TUNE IN RADIO: FAVORITE AND LISTEN HERE.TUNE IN RADIO: FAVORITE AND LISTEN to reggae lover HERE.

SOUNDCLOUD: CLICK TO DOWNLOAD OR PLAY EPISODE.SOUNDCLOUD: CLICK TO DOWNLOAD OR PLAY EPISODE 80

APPLE PODCAST: SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN VIA ITUNES.APPLE Music PODCAST: SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN to Reggae Lover VIA ITUNES.

Love LIVE Reggae Music? #ATL #concert

(CRCS) Conscious Reggae Concert Series at The Hanger 2435 South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, Lithonia, GA 30058

(CRCS) Conscious Reggae Concert Series

You want to hear lyrics and melodies that move your body while elevating your levels of consciousness.  You look forward to seeing a solid reggae band sending out vibrations from the stage to stimulate your senses.

You need to join the masses at the Saturday, October 14th staging of this CONSCIOUS REGGAE CONCERT inside The Hanger – 2435 South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, Lithonia, GA 30058.

Take in performances from PZED, Ijahknowah, and Ras Fraser Jr. backed by the noteworthy band of the moment, B.R.A.P.  Highlanda Sound will be kicking in the lawn to pump dancehall vibes before and after the show.

Classic Highlanda Sound early warm with Kahlil Wonda selecting, mixing, and eventually talking followed by DJ Passport of THC International and DJ Hourglass from the WERC Crew. #rubadubatl

Rub-A-Dub ft. HIGHLANDA SOUND, DJ Passport and DJ Hourglass – 5.14.17 – Live Audio

Listen to Rub-A-Dub ft. HIGHLANDA SOUND, DJ Passport, and DJ Hourglass – 5.14.17 at Wildpitch in ATL, GA.

RUB-A-DUB LIVE AUDIO FT. HIGHLANDA SOUND

Rub-A-Dub ft. HIGHLANDA SOUND, DJ Passport, and DJ Hourglass

I pressed record after I had played the 1st song, “Heptones – Get In the Groove,” but essentially this recording begins just as the state-of-the-art WildPitch Music Hall sound system turned on.  What you will hear is my opening set in its entirety, but in addition to the cool, original song selection, you should pay attention to the “vibe” – the energy that travels from point zero all the way to a mid-tempo dancing situation almost 2 hours later.  It is not a frenzy because of the timing of the set and the theme of the night – RubADub.  This is a textbook early warm set where a few things happen:

  1. Each patron who entered through the door stayed for a few hours and thoroughly enjoyed their experience.
  2. Each party-goer felt sure that the I was purely focused on making a connection with them from the DJ booth, and personally encouraging them to have a good time while inviting them to free-up and dance.
  3. Each performer that followed me encountered an audience that was, not burnt out, but already primed and poised to interact, exchange energy, and dance.  This meant the party’s energy flowed exceptionally well from start to finish regardless of multiple DJ rotations, and some technical difficulties (Serato software – DJ controller – laptop communication issues I suspect).

In today’s Atlanta reggae scene, the early part of dancehall events & concerts is being overlooked.

In my estimation, this costs the promoters more money because patrons have gradually been conditioned to intentionally arrive later and later.  This results in “Primetime” being pushed back to the early morning hours.  If your session is ram pack early in the evening with an ever-increasing vibration of energy, your door and bar sales can be maximized.  Currently, everyone is obsessed with “Star time” and many events lack the energy of entertainment and good value for money until it’s far too late.

I say it’s time to refocus on the early warm.

Staging quality DJs, Sound Systems, and opening performers who can entertain early arriving guests while prepping them to explode in a high-energy fashion at the appropriate time for the climax, later on, will help us all.

Shift the focus away from looking cute for pics and create a space where dance partners take the night and full-joy the moments they have together.  This is the way dancehall used to be back in the days when dance was nice.

I would love to hear your feedback about this topic.  What has been your experience with showing up early to events?  Were you happy with what you encountered?  What is the difference you feel with going out late?  Which do you prefer and why?

More ways to listen to Rub-A-Dub ATL live reggae music audio:

  1. Listen on iTunes
  2. Listen with Google Play Music
  3. Listen/Download via Soundcloud

What to Do on Mother’s Day in Atlanta – Reggae Music

Rub-A-Dub ATL Mother’s Day Tribute, Sun, May 14, 2017 at 6 pm

Come and join us to celebrate Mother’s Day. For this special edition of Rub-A-Dub Sundays, we’re bringing 3 female guest DJs juggling tunes for reggae sound system lovers! WildPitch Music Hall will be the place to pay tribute to the women in all of our lives and celebrate all mothers in ONE LOVE and harmony!
image: Rub-A-Dub ATL Mother's Day Tribute by Highlanda.net and The Honorary Citizen

Rub-A-Dub ATL presents: THE 2nd ANNUAL MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE | SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017

Sound System / DJ Sets: (6pm-12am)
  • Highlanda Sound with Kahlil Wonda
  • Empress Movements
  • DJ Passport
  • DJ Hourglass
  • DJ Rasyrious
WildPitch Music Hall
255 Trinity Ave. Atlanta 30303
Live Audio | Highlanda Sound blog art

Live Audio: Rub-A-Dub ATL ft. Highlanda Sound | Sunday 4.9.17

Here is a curated segment of live audio played by Highlanda Sound with Kahlil Wonda selecting and mixing recorded on April 9, 2017, at Wildpitch Music Hall in Atlanta.

Live Audio from Highlanda Sound | Rub-A-Dub blog artwork

Audio links are below:

 

Where to find a Conscious Reggae Concert on Memorial Day Weekend | ATL

If you have been looking for a spectacular night of live reggae music infused with the cultural flair of conscious lyrics and unforgettable rhythms, then look no further.  

RBG Alliance presents a CRC for you – a Conscious Reggae Concert.

The event will feature Ijahknowah backed by the BRAP band and special guest artist Endel i.

Highlanda Sound will open the night from the DJ booth with musical selections related to the event’s theme.

Find details on this new Conscious Reggae Concert Series page, event page here and ticket site here.

Reggae Night at Live EDGE ATL | Live Music and Highlanda After Work

It’s finally here!!  Live Reggae on the South West side of Atlanta, 10 minutes from Downtown and right in your back yard! Come enjoy “The Worlds Favorite Music” at the West Atlanta Beltline Jewel, Live EdgeATL Restaurant & Bar.

Reggae Night at Live Edge ATL Restaurant/Lounge 

Atlanta Reggae DJ Kahlil Wonda from Highlanda Sound will be mixing roots and lovers rock reggae tracks with a touch of Soca for dancing. Performing live with his band will be Tijani Concious , a premier local Reggae artist making waves all over the world.

LiveEdge ATL invites a diverse audience to enjoy the vibrant music and arts scene that Atlanta has become known for.  792 Cascade Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30310   |   404. 758. 0015   |   Events: reservations@liveedgeatl.com  |  Weekly Live Entertainment  |  $5 Valet Parking

Rub-A-Dub monthly, a catalyst in Atlanta’s conscious reggae scene

Patrons braved the early March cold snap for a live reggae vibe in the city, #rubadubatl.

Listen to the audio stream or download the mp3 for on-demand listening.  The recording starts as I played a set of culture and lovers rock songs from the 2000’s and 90’s.

Highlanda Sound featuring Kahlil Wonda live DJ set at Rub-A-Dub ATL, Sunday, March 12, 2017

Highlanda Sound featuring Kahlil Wonda

Sound International selected a foundation round dominated by 70’s anthems and climaxing with a memorable ride on the Baltimore Riddim.

Sound International featuring DJ Chung live DJ set at Rub-A-Dub ATL, Sunday, March 12, 2017

Sound International featuring DJ Chung live DJ set at Rub-A-Dub ATL, Sunday, March 12, 2017

Dawit Selassie delivered a personal reasoning with soulfully warming vocals over accompanying acoustic guitar.

Webba selected and featured mostly 1980’s era shots in a creative pattern.

Webba live DJ Set at Rub-A-Dub ATL

Webba live DJ Set at Rub-A-Dub ATL

DJ Passport kept vibes high in a similar fashion as Webba took over the microphone station.

DJ Passport live DJ Set at Rub-A-Dub ATL

DJ Passport live DJ Set at Rub-A-Dub ATL

I anchored the night freestyle juggling one-drop songs at a mid-tempo pitch.

Kahlil Wonda x Highlanda Sound live DJ Set at Rub-A-Dub ATL

Kahlil Wonda x Highlanda Sound live DJ Set at Rub-A-Dub ATL

GARNETT SILK TRIBUTE, SUNDAY, APRIL 9 AT WILDPITCH, 6 PM (RUB-A-DUB ATL) 

For this celebration, joining Highlanda Sound featuring Kahlil Wonda and DJ Passport, the resident DJs of Rub-A-Dub ATL, the Reggae Party, will be Aba Shaka alongside Archangel SuperPec.
Promotional Image for event Rub-A-Dub ATL. Come and join us to commemorate one of reggae music's all-time greats Garnet Silk, the celebrated singer who died tragically 22 years ago. > Similarly to The Notorious B.I.G., whom many hail as the greatest rapper ever, Garnet had a short run within the timeline of music history yet his legacy continues to grow. For this celebration, joining the resident DJs of Rub-A-Dub ATL, the Reggae Party will be Aba Shaka of Cosmic World Beat and the Musical Ark of the Covenant, alongside Highlanda Sound co-founder, Archangel SuperPec. Theme: Tribute to Garnet Silk | RUB-A-DUB ATL - Second Sundays at WildPitch Music Hall Date: SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 2017...

Click Image for Discount Tickets

Rest In Peace to one of our favorite artists, Garnett Silk. Many may remember Garnett’s silky smooth voice and powerful lyrical content that captivated us in the early nineties and left us wanting more after he flew away home to Zion.  Garnett Silk was a Jamaican reggae musician and Rastafarian, known for his diverse, emotive, powerful and smooth voice.

Similarly to The Notorious B.I.G., whom many hail as the greatest rapper ever, Garnett had a short run within the timeline of music history yet his legacy continues to grow. We remember Garnet’s legacy and celebrate his widely acclaimed musical contributions. Garnet Damion Smith (Silk) Sr was born April 2, 1966.

Get more information, sign-up for the VIP list, and get tickets here.