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OctaviaMusic “Keeping Music Real,” is probably a cliché borrowed from the nineteen sixties and seventies.  But nevertheless, it is just as important today as it were then.  I once were told, by a producer, in the 1970's that if you were going to cover another singer music, you either do it in a different arrangement.  But if your were going to copy the original singer and arrangement, you need to do it brilliantly or not at all.  I remember, we were in a studio, with the group I were co-managing at the time, doing a cover version of "Born too Late." by the Poni Tails (1958)  That stayed with me going forward with my singing and songwriting.  So in our view, musicians and singers playing the music in its genre, elevates that genre but also develope that genre to potentials that keep that genre fresh and evolving.  Reggae music, in my view suffered from the simplification that follow after it's success in the British pop chart.  In the 1960's & 70's when Reggae music were grass root.  A music derived from Ska and Blue Beat music in Jamaica, and West Indians in London were part of its evolotion after visits to clubs dancing to groups like “Burning Spear, Toot and the Mattels and others.  Even the early releases of Bob Marley records were in the infantcy of Reggae's development.  With tracks like "I shot the Sheriff, and Live 'n up yourself." Then, Reggae music was intuitive and inspiring.  There were lots of ideas that were in the mix that got left behind, when those with their eyes on making money stepped in.  To be earnest, you could say that about all the genres in music, like Jazz, Soul, Gospel, Country.  That happens when those shooting for investment return, needs to make the music commercially acceptable.  There's no objection to Jazz/R&B mix and that goes for all other genres.  But that should not be the death of the original idea. It is true that genre stem from other genre, but that should not be the death of the genre that gave life to the new brand.  

Classical and Jazz, for instance have maintained their originality and continue to grow whilst contributing to new genres, like the Motown Sound, Funk, Rap, Hip-hop etc.  It is true that their supporters are far less than in their hay days, but they continue to inspire new commers, performers and supporters are able to get the venues support and finances and because of that, they can and do develop ideas with new artists.  It does not stop those that took inspiration from them building their own identity.  We believe the misrepresentation started with the hip-Disc Jockeys of the nineteen sixties and seventies, the life blood of the pirate radios, which mainstream presenters have adopted.  They (the pirate radio Disc jockeys) wanted to shake up the establishment.  Which they did when the majority of listeners were tuning on to them.  But it was destructive changes without a plan, as to what comes after.  And as history would tell you, it leaves ciaos in its wake.

Music is part of the symmetry of life.  I would not say civilized society.  Because music was around long before those holier than though idealist came about.  Every being on earth creates music, the wind, the rain, fire, and clouds.  Indeed, all creatures of our world live and conduct their lives by musical sounds.  Us humans has lost sight of its meaning, but the creatures intuitively instruct their young, how to create and apply their musical ability.  We believe it would go some way if we were to apply the same with our youths.  If we only look at creating music for monetary gain or to be famous, then I believe we are missing our on the joy of music. 

We have no problem with writers and performer, describing their music as Middle of the road or a variation of Country, Soul, funk, Pop, Jazz, Reggae etc.  But when you describe singing soul or jazz or funk or reggae, we expect that to be so.  We expect and accept variation and inspired interpretations.  But describing your music as Gospel, Soul, Jazz, Reggae should be a true representation.  That is what we mean by “Keeping Music Real.

We love and appreciate all genre of music when it is performed in its true sense.  We also appreciate and encourage skillful interpretations and variations.  Which is the reason why our “One Stop Shop Music Platform,” is constructed to support and promote all genre.  Ordinary, one would say they are a Rock music platform or a Pop music Platform.  But for us, music is music is music.  And each genre gives ideas and meaning to each other.  This is a new concept and expect, some may think it strange.  But all we are asking, is for you to give it a chance with your support.  And who knows, good may come out of it and lots and lots of hopeful creators and performers, just might benefit from it.  And wouldn’t music and its future be the better for it?  The answer is left with you.

 

© 2021 Octavia Multimedia Group.  Writer: Michael Alexander