Showing posts with label Reggae 69 Fan Club. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reggae 69 Fan Club. Show all posts

Saturday, December 22, 2012

2012: The Year in Ska - Jason Lawless (Lawless Street/Moondust Records)

Editor's Note: As the end of the calendar year sneaks up on me--as it always does, since the fall is always so damn busy!--I always scramble around to put together my "best of" lists of the ska singles, albums, reissues, books, etc. that I really enjoyed over the past year and want to highlight for all the ska fans out there. But I also thought it might be interesting to feature some other opinions, so I approached a diverse group of ska musicians, bloggers, DJs, and label heads to find out what their favorite ska things were in 2012. And thus the "2012: The Year in Ska" series was born! Thanks to everyone who is taking the time to participate--I really appreciate it!

Jason Lawless runs the extremely informative Lawless Street blog, as well as the excellent Moondust Record label

2012: The Year in Ska - Jason Lawless (Lawless Street/Moondust Records)

Top 5 Favorite Ska Releases
Jason Lawless and Doreen Shaffer

1) Skatalites - Walk With Me: This was released in the UK last year, but we just got around to getting a US release out. I think this collection is so tight and is one of their best modern collections. The band is still making tunes better than neary every other band in the land that say they play ska. Just so far ahead -- I mean they have been playing for a few years, right?

2) 2000 Tons of TNT - Reggae Mysteria: This is one of my favorite new artists. They're out of San Diego. Really exciting to hear 'em live and the tracks are tight (http://www.lawless-street.com/2000-tons-of-tnt-explodes-with-debut-collection).

3) Western Standard Time - A Big Band Tribute to the Skatalites: This goes without saying. The lineup in this band is unparalleled. A full orchestra doing Skatalites tunes with big band arrangements. It's just sublime.

4) The Lions - This Generation: This group of LA musicians is simple sublime. A true all-star collective that is making such sweet, sweet musical gems. The album isn't yet out, but it will be a real highlight of 2013 and take these guys to another level (http://reggae-steady-ska.com/the-lions-the-joy-music-brings/).

5) Los Granadians - Reggaelatico: These cats are doing the most exciting new music in the world right now. Everything they do is well thought out and fun. They make the music seem effortless, but there is a lot of depth and experimentation in their songs that is pushing the music forward. And yet it still seems classic. Love this album (http://www.lawless-street.com/granadians-new-album-reggalactico-is-out-now/).


Top 5 Ska Shows

I didn't go to too many actually, unless you count all The Skatalites dates I did this year! That and all the amazing LA shows we've had! WOW.

The whole tour with The Skatalites, Sammy Kay, and The Delirians in April was the best time I've ever had. Hands down, the number one most important thing I've done in my career. I was so happy and blessed to be a part of that tour. You can see a bunch of updates from that tour at the Echoes of Kingston site: http://www.echoesofkingston.com/.

There were so many legends that came through this year it's hard to say which ones were better than the others. They were all amazing. Here were a couple favorites:

Derrick Morgan in March

The Pioneers in June

The Gaylads in July

Mr. Symarip Roy Ellis in November

It's just so amazing that we can get these opportunities to see these legends perform. So many have been lost over the last few years.


Top Ska Merch

Gotta say getting to stop into Ska Brewing while out with The Skatalites was a huge highlight. Just a bunch of great guys and got treated to some of their outstanding concoctions and some nice swag to boot.

I continued to pick up every book that I could related to the music. I've got a pretty good collection, but there are a couple choice publications still missing (I'm looking at you "Studio One Covers"). 

I picked up the amazing "Soul Jazz The Label Art of Reggae Singles, A Visual History of Jamaican Reggae 1959-79",  and the new "The Encyclopedia of Reggae: The Golden Age of Roots Reggae," as well as Pauline Black's autobiography "Black By Design: A 2-Tone Memoir," which I just started reading.

The biggest get was one of the first run of the updated version of the now very rare and expensive "Boss Sounds" book. The updated version has a full color all new layout with tons more info than the first. I'd still like an original copy for my collection, but the new one is beautiful. If you love early reggae at all, this is a must have book. There were limited quantities of the first run and the next batch will take some time, but it's def worth it. This is a must have.

It's been great that it's the 50th anniversary of JA independence, 'cause so many things have been happening and with the celebration of 2 Tone the last couple of years, there has been a lot of looking back.


Top 5 Ska Regrets

There is only really one regret of the last year and it's a big one. That I can finally make good on a few things that I've had to put to the side this year due to health and financial issues that I've been dealing with. I've let the label fail on more than a few levels and I am very sad about that. I really want to make sure we do positive things and keep it moving forward. That's a promise.

There were more than a few good shows that I missed like Derrick Harriot in SF on NYE 2012. Luckily he'll be making a stop in LA in February.

This book. I need this book really bad: "Reggae Going International 1967- 1976: The Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee Story."


Top Ska Wishes for 2013

1) More bands getting out and touring, recording, and releasing music. This has to happen to remain vital and exciting. We need to get new blood into the music and the scene.

2) More legends getting a chance to perform before the specter of time catches up to them. Every month someone else passes away and getting a chance to see these great artists that have brought so many great tunes into the world is precious.

3) Getting to the London International Ska Fest again.

4) Echoes of Kingston Tour 2013 is even bigger than it was this year. This is very personal to me to create a tour that brings that sounds of vintage ska and rocksteady to to the masses.

5) A new Hepcat release!



Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Duff Interview: Jason Lawless of the Reggae 69 Fan Club and Moondust Records

Editor's note: Jason Lawless is the man behind the amazing new Reggae 69 Fan Club and its just-launched imprint Moondust Records. Modeled on music fan clubs from the 1970s, like the Trojan Appreciation Society, Reggae 69 Fan Club's mission is simple: "Release new music and help foster the sounds of '69 from today's modern bands." Everyone who loves ska and reggae and vinyl needs to know more about--and then join--this amazing club (samples of many of the Moondust Records releases are at the bottom of this post!).

The Duff Guide to Ska: What initially inspired you to start the Reggae 69 Fan Club and Moondust Records?  Why did you want to link the label to a club?

Jason Lawless: Why is easy. I love vinyl. I'm a junkie for it. I'm a collector and a selecter, so I have to have things on vinyl, of course. Which is why I've always been trying to get things going in the right direction to launch a new label. I knew it was going to be vinyl-focused (with some CD/digital at some point too) and with the right push behind it. There are plenty of “labels” out there, but are they doing things for the fans or for themselves? Everyone needs to make money of course, but I hope to be able to do some really interesting projects/ releases and not just because the band needs a CD out. There needs to be some passion behind it--a reason for it to be put out.

I got to thinking that there needed to be something that made fans want to participate more, too--sort of like back in the day with the Madness Information Service or Trojan Appreciation Society (which has now relaunched, too!). I really wanted to make that sort of exclusive and fan-driven aspect a big part of the new label. Back in the day, fan clubs were a big thing. You got special deals, exclusive releases, letters from bands, etc.--so that idea of making something special and exclusive appeals to me greatly. I think it can make for a really great package and promotion too. Especially in today's market. I envision the fan club being able to help market and distribute releases from other like-minded and musically-inclinded bands from around the globe too in the future--not just our releases, but a real collective of DJs, bands and labels working together to support the music.

DGTS: The first two releases from Moondust are reissues from the great, late Laurel Aitken (Reggae 69 b/w Big Fight In Hell Stadium and Apollo 12 (Skinhead Invasion) b/w Moon Rock). How did you ever manage to get your hands on these amazing tracks?

JL: Well, it was pretty easy actually. I licensed them from the label that is overseeing Laurel's catalog at the moment. Reached out to them and we worked out a deal. It went pretty smooth, in fact. The idea behind the whole thing really came out of my love for the work of Laurel Aitken. He was the first JA artist I started listening to via the old Moon Ska release and he is, after all, the Godfather. It worked out so well to come out swinging with some top tunes that fit perfectly into what I was trying to do, as well. It set the tone for what I hope to do in the future. It was just awesome to be able to do something with an artist I hold with such high respect.



DGTS: Down the line, which other ska or early reggae artists would you really like to reissue on Moondust?

JL: Oh man, so many. But the collector/ reissue market is very specific. I debated really issuing the Laurel Aitken tunes on my own label for instance. We all love the original labels deeply, right? I wanted to give people an instant idea of what I hope to do, so getting the Laurel tunes was a perfect way to do that. Trojan pretty much has a lock on so much of the original material, but as Rock A Shacka has proved, there are plenty more producers that are looking for outlets for their music. Should we have issued it on our own label instead of a true classic? Well, I felt strange really just taking an old label and reissuing a new release on it, especially if it was not a true repress (meaning tracks from different releases, but on the same label, for instance). I even asked the licensor what they thought about doing a New Beat release. They did not really say no, but that they didn't have the rights or anything for that art, so I decided that issuing it on the Moondust was the next best thing.

I also knew I was not going after the reissue market as much as I am the new collectors and DJs. No one plays modern records really, but if I could make some new releases that looked and fit in with all the old ones, maybe they'd be more apt to play 'em out. The DJs are a big part of everything I plan to do. Being one myself--getting that group on board was key for me. They are the ones keeping the music alive, playing it at clubs, collecting, and promoting it. That is why we've set up parties across the nation with a lot of them that I know. Most have been very enthusiastic about it and spreading the word.



So many times lately the fans have really been passed over by bands trying to get their music out. Sort of like bands saying, “well they don't have much choice, so they have to buy what I put out” and then dropping the ball on a lot of things that people do care about. This is a big part of why I think we're in such bad shape with modern band, really. So as far as orginal artists I can't say for sure, but Derrick Morgan and Dave Barker are high on my list since they are still active and more apt to do something. There are so many artists that I just don't have enough money to make deals with yet, but maybe one day. So going forward there are some new artists and releases already worked out --some more in the 70s style, rootsy stuff like more Irie Beats and Soulutionaries. I'm a big fan of the Rocksteady 7 stuff from David Hillyard too, so been talking to him about that and it's pretty much a go. Then more Delirians hopefully.

DGTS: All the Moondust singles feature a UK-style center punch (a brilliant detail!)—where did you find a record pressing plant that could still manufacture these?

JL: There is only one and in the US, in fact! I've been working for a few years to get more material to release. But it never seemed right or the music just wasn't there. It was something I wanted to do for a long time. But as a few of my collector/ label friends and I always said, "man, it would be really tight if we could have those UK centers." It was like the thing we never thought we could do. We always want things to be as original and old school as possible. Many of them like Rhygin Records, Axe or Jandisc record only to tape (no digital) or do silkscreened sleeves-- that sort of stuff to make it more original. We all want it to be super tight and outta sight--clean and 60s as much as possible. So I'm always looking at deals for pressing plants. One day I found this ad for the pressing plant talking about UK style centers and I immediately said, "perfect!" After this and some other things that are coming up, I think they might start getting more business from it.

DGTS: The Reggae 69 Fan Club was successfully launched as a Kickstarter project. With actual sales of recorded music increasingly limited to diehard music fans (since the vast majority of recorded music now acquired by the public is obtained through illegal file sharing), do you think that this is a viable model for indie labels and bands to utilize going forward? It seems like groups of dedicated fans will have to become investors in a recording project before it can be put into production and fully realized….

JL: I love KS! Been a fan for a long time--always looked at the site and the projects thinking, "wow, that's a really cool and fun way to connect with fans." So once I got some things lined-up, I dove into using it for my project. The first one failed by just a bit though, but I looked at it--figured out why and relaunched it to success. I think I'll be using that in the future. I've got some other ideas that I think will be fresh and fun, including new music, of course.

DGTS: What are your plans for the label once the initial eight limited-edition singles are all released? Are you going to expand the label’s focus beyond (mostly) California early reggae bands?

JL: More releases, for sure, as I mentioned! We already have two to four more in the planning stages. There is a punk label that releases a single a month every year --they pre-sell the year of releases and then go about doing it. That is the model that I would love to be able to do. Constantly releasing --there are still a lot of bands around the world keeping the flame alive, like The Granadians, Crabs Corporation, The Prizefighters, just to name a few.

DGTS: To state the obvious, you’re a big fan of vinyl. When did you start collecting records; how big is your collection, and what are some of your most treasured records?

JL: Not nearly enough--that will never end. Before I moved into my current place, I had a really small apartment. It was funny, because in the kitchen I didn't have dishes, I had records on the shelves! Now I have an extra room with shelves and more storage, so I've moved the records out of the kitchen. I started buying music in '94 in high school, and then over the last 16 years just kept collecting. I don't actually have a collection that some others have, like Nina Y Viktor (The Rocksteady Lounge) or Mark Morales (Hot Shot Sound System) or the SF Vintage Reggae Society guys-- these cats have been collecting a lot longer with more money than I.

DGTS: During the 80s and 90s, the SoCal/LA-area ska scene was massive—much bigger than NYC’s. What’s it like now?  What are some of the bands that you’re following now?

JL: Well, honestly there has been a massive drain over the last 5 years. Hepcat doesn't do much anymore and every other band has gotten older, had kids, etc. They still play every now and then, but the young bands have just disappeared in the traditional style. There are plenty of the Latin Ska crowd but that's not my scene too much. I think there isn't anyone for kids to look up to and idolize, so they don't go that way. For a while, there was a lot of good talent and they had something to emulate.

Then the Bluebeat Lounge and Chris Murray came along, For a time there was something to look forward to each week. Some were good, some were bad, but it was there. I think that really created a black hole of sorts once it was gone. We've got some promising talent here and there again. I can't say it enough, but The Delirians are just so tight. The Revivers/Debonaires are still working it. The Expanders, if you want that 70s heavy roots, but we need some of the older acts to really show the kids how it's done again.

Maybe Hepcat can hold a retreat or something. I kid, of course, but maybe not that much. Hepcat Camp where they teach some kids how to play or pass along their knowledge. Been trying to get a industry night together where we could have some of the people that have been around for a while talk about different aspects of the business and invite anyone that is in a band down. Still working on that.

DGTS: The graphic artist Chema created a limited-edition print for Reggae 69 Fan Club members who pledged at a certain level. Why did you select him/how did this come about?

JL: I've known Chema for many years now. Talked off and on and he would always ask me about doing art. I used to work for a large Latin music company that represents artists like Manu Chao and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, so he was a big fan of those artists. I really liked his work and def wanted something special for the Kickstarter. Just worked out great with his piece. I want to do more. As a art collector myself--I have some Shag and Manu Chao pieces--I want to support artists, make what is happening a joint art and music thing. There are some amazing artists out there doing very ska-centric art, so why not bring them into the fold? Just like working with the DJs to make sure the artists join in the fun. It's all about being creative and fun for the fans.

DGTS: Since these releases are all in limited-runs, are there spots still available for fans to join the Reggae 69 Fan Club, make their pledge of $45, and receive this series of singles?

JL: Of course! We're doing launch parties around the nation during November and have a pre-sale going on 'till that time. You don't get everything that the KS supporters do, but you can get a really great deal on the first series. Just go to http://moondustrecords.bigcartel.com and you can see the packages available. Once that is over, the prices go up on each release. Then stop by our Facebook page at facebook.com/reggae69fanclub and say hello. Got some more surprises coming up, too. It's all really about showing the love for the music of a young Jamaica and for fans around the world. It's Reggae for the People! Thanks so much for chatting with me.

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Check out some Moondust Records tracks here...

Irie Beats People Need People

Ocean 11 Miss Understanding
 
Delirians Musical Remedy

Revivers Reggae Fever

Impalers Mr Uppercut

Soulsteppers Bout Time

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Music Junkies

From a recent article in The New York Times:
"About 95 percent of music downloads in 2010 were unlicensed and illegal, with no money flowing back to artists, songwriters or record producers, according to Alex Jacob, a spokesman for the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry."
I have to admit to being completely bummed out after I came across that paragraph in The Times. How can bands and labels--particularly those on the underground scene--ever hope to survive (let alone thrive) if they can't expect to even cover their expenses? Why should they ever bother to go through the huge effort to put out recorded music if they're just going to be ripped off by the "fans"? (As many of you know, I'm old school and believe that people should actually purchase recorded music--and have written extensively about the evils of illegal file sharing here, here, and here.)

But then I came across the picture below today and it makes me think that everything will be alright! The music fanatics like Jason Lawless (and many others) will always find a way to keep things going!


This photo is from the pressing plant where the first Moondust Records release is being readied from the late and absolutely great Laurel Aitken: "Reggae 69" b/w "Big Fight in Hell Stadium." I'm a member of Reggae 69 Fan Club, which funded this project through Kickstarter--yes, a whole bunch of us ska and reggae fanatics got together and put up our money in order to make a whole series of 7" releases happen. So, I'll be receiving one of these sweet babies in the mail soon! (Get in touch with Jason to find out how you can join, too!)

Perhaps this is really the only feasible way forward for the independent side of the music industry--the new (and somewhat awkward and unorthodox) model for selling recorded music: the fans have to become investors in a project before it can be put into production and fully realized. It may be the only means for recorded music to re-acquire value and significance in the digital era. Collectively, we have to pay in advance, in terms of both cold hard cash and an unshakable trust that the band will make the most of our faith in them and create some amazing music. It's sort of a Darwinian way approach to making records and CDs--only the strong will survive to reproduce. But I suppose it's much more preferable than the slow slide into oblivion. (Really, the future is now: I've already helped to sponsor Portland, OR's new ska/rocksteady act The Sentiments in their effort to record and release two 7" singles...)

Is this the only way back from the brink for all of us?

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Laurel Aitken 45s From Reggae 69 Fan Club/Moondust Records!

I think Jason Lawless may just be my new hero.

First of all, his whole new Reggae 69 Fan Club is simply brilliant (check out some of the details here). Essentially, a whole bunch of us ska and skinhead reggae fans made pledges in various amounts to the Reggae 69 Fan Club through Kickstarter and Jason is using these funds to print up the series of six exclusive, limited-edition vinyl singles (featuring Ocean 11 w/Queen P & Malik of The Bullets, Queen P & The Apologies, the Irie Beats, The Bullets, Roger Rivas, The Revivers, and The Impalers, amongst others), plus pins, stickers, patches, posters, and more. The cool thing is, if you don't have a lot of disposable income in these down-and-out times, you can still participate and have Jason send you a nice care package from the club; should you have a little more change weighing down your pocket, your Reggae 69 box can be considerably heavier...

For someone like myself whose love of vinyl 45s has been re-kindled in the last year or so (there have been a slew of really good ska singles recently, including a bunch from the Ska is Dead 7" series), Reggae 69 is a freakin' dream come true!

Now comes word from Jason that Reggae 69 Fan Club and its new imprint Moondust Records have just struck a deal to re-issue four Laurel Aitken skinhead reggae-era tracks on two double-A sided singles: "Reggae 69" b/w "Big Fight In Hell Stadium" and "Apollo 12 (Skinhead Invasion)" b/w "Moon Rock"! (Listen to these cuts via the videos posted below.) As a huge Laurel Aitken fan, I'm particularly thrilled by this development. I've had the honor and pleasure of knowing and working with Laurel (during my stint at Moon Ska Records) and he really was the best--an incredibly gifted songwriter, musician, and performer, and a true gentleman.

So, you may be asking yourself, why is The Duff Guide to Ska pushing this club if the pledge period is over? Well, even though the project is fully funded, you can still join the Reggae 69 Fan Club to enjoy the fruits of Jason Lawless' labor (he'll just print up more copies of everything)!








Thursday, January 27, 2011

Reggae 69 Fan Club Rewind--Pledge Now (or Again)!

Since the first effort at establishing the Reggae 69 Fan Club didn't quite reach its goal, Jason Lawless has reworked things a bit (the goal is now $3,000 in pledges instead of $5,000) and re-launched this extremely cool project. As you can see from the widget in our sidebar, things are going well and I am very hopeful that this version will make it into orbit!

The video below will give you a good overview of the Reggae 69 Fan Club, but essentially it is a early reggae-skinhead reggae-dirty-reggae 7" vinyl record club: if you subscribe at the $45 level, you will receive six exclusive vintage reggae style vinyl singles featuring Ocean 11 w/Queen P & Malik (of The Bullets and The Lions), Queen P & The Apologies, the Irie Beats, The Bullets, Roger Rivas, The Revivers, and The Impalers (plus some other fan club goodies, like a sticker, patch, pin, digital downloads, a poster, and much more). Of course, pledging at higher levels entitles you to even more swag (and if you're strapped for cash, you can still have a piece of the action at lower levels, too).

Visit the Reggae 69 Fan Club Kickstarter page for all of the details and to make your pledge!

I've pledged--will you?

The deadline for the Reggae 69 Fan Club is Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 3:08am EST. (If the pledge goal is met by then, the project goes forward!)

Thursday, January 13, 2011

The Time is Now to Pledge to the Reggae 69 Fan Club!

If you've paid any attention to the blog feed in the sidebar, you've noticed that Jason Lawless (of Lawless Street) is spearheading an effort to launch a record club called the Reggae 69 Fan Club. Their mission is this:
Our MAIN GOAL is simple: Release a limited edition collection of (6) 7" vinyl records to celebrate the music of Jamaica and UK sub-culture youth.
You can join the Reggae 69 Fan Clubs at different levels of support--at a basic level, you'll receive the vinyl singles; at a higher level, you're entitled to lots of extra goodies like exclusive club badges, a patch, a poster (by Chema Skandal, who also created the artwork for Jump Up Records'/Chuck Wren's Club Moonstomp and the cover of Pama Intl Meet Dub Professor's Rewired! in Dub), t-shirt, etc. (and the list of add-ons seems to grow daily!).

One of Reggae 69 Fan Club's first releases will be a double A side from the Irie Beats band of "lost" tracks produced by Brian "Boom Boom" Dixon of The Aggrolites! The flip side will be a vocal cut featuring Malik "The Freq" Moore, singer for The Lions and The Bullets!

Subsequent Reggae 69 Fan Club releases will be from the Impalers, Revivers, Ocean 11, Roger Rivas, and The Bullets.

To make all of this happen, reggae and ska fans need to pledge a total of $5,000 through Kickstarter. They are well on their way--but the deadline to get in on this deal is Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 11:00 pm (East Coast time). So you need to act RIGHT NOW!

For more info and/or to join the Reggae 69 Fan Club, click here!

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PS: One of the interesting things with Kickstarter is that you can see who has pledged to become a member of the Reggae 69 Fan Club (...like Victor Rice!).