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I-Octane: "I can run a session with dancehall artists, as well as with cultural artists; it makes music broader."

I-Octane will be touring with Tarrus Riley, Duane Stephenson and Dean Fraser on 18 dates in Europe.  We'll be lucky to have them in Gent on the 11th of februari.  So make sure you check this brand new artist with a brand new vibe. This interview was recorded after I-Octane’s first European perfomance at the Reggae Sundance Festival in Eindhoven Holland in August 2008.

I Octane has been performing alongside Tarrus Riley, Jimy Riley and Dean Frazer’s Band and received great appreciation from the audience.

Can U tell us something about yourself?

Well, I Octane is a just new sensation rising from Jamaica now, with a lot of crazy positive vibrations, positive songs.  My music aimed at defending people who face global struggle across the world and believe inna themselves.  I Octane is just one of those individuals who write positive songs that people around the world can relay to.

Did you already release an album?

Well, I get a promo CD not an album… because my career is still in a foundation stage.  What me and Junior Arrows are doing now is working on singles and getting the name across the border and whenever the album drop and get released, people can gravitate to it and go and buy it. Because we take time to promote the songs and take time to write good songs.  By the end of this year you can expect a real good album from I Octane.

What’s the meaning of the name I-Octane?

I wanted a name that would represent the energy and consistent work same time.  Because that’s the way of my input into music.  So I changed the name of gasoline “High Octane” and make it become I-Octane.

You’re playing mostly reggae but also dancehall…

Yes, both styles are necessary because dancehall have a different side of fans and reggae music have its part of fans too.  What I do if I get a dancehall riddim, I do positive vibrations, still on that dancehall riddim so I can reach another side of fans.  But I do mostly reggae..  I can run a session with dancehall artists, as well as with cultural artists.  It make music broader.

Who are the people helping you to rise out there?

Well I sign to Arrows Records, I have Junior Arrows, Miss Rose and the crew.  I also do some songs for other producers like Liquid, H2 Productions, Purple Skank, …

We see you on stage with Tarrus Riley and Jimy Riley.  Are you teaming with them?

No I come on the show as a solo artist.  But Tarrus Riley has been an inspiration to me.  And you know, Tarrus, Jimy Riley and I Octane are born on the same month, April.  So basically, Tarrus is like a bigger brother to me and Jimy Riley like a father.  So we just fuse together, like a family thing.

Have you ever travelled to Africa?

No man, never yet, but hope it could be soon… Anyone have a show in Mama land, me not after the money or nothing at all.  Me just go and represent, because Africa is where everything start.  Singing the type of songs we sing, we need to go to Africa to get them across.

I-Octane on Myspace

I-Octane on YouTube
STAB VAMPIRE
DIFFERENT PAGE
GUNRISE Feat. TEFLON
POVERTY
HURT MI Feat. Spragga Benz
MAMMA YOU ALONE
RUN YET

Published on 07/02/2010 by Irie Nation