There are now many exhaustive studies in the works, investigating the link between Electronic Dance Music and Reggae. I have heard from graduate students working on Masters theses and Doctoral dissertations. I’ve been told of a few documentaries being developed, looking to chronicle EDM’s progression. Reggae simply cannot be left out of such discussions.
As the Disco era was supposedly brought to a close and radio shock jock Steve Dahl blew up disco records in Comiskey Park, a newer, simplified version began to emerge from the Chicago underground. House Music, as it was called, eventually became the official format of the global dance floor. Anything after that would either draw from or fight against House’s pervasive 4/4 rhythmic pattern. Disco never went anywhere.
The reason I am being asked to speak on these subjects is because I happened to be in the WRONG place at the right time. My early days as a live performer were spent aimlessly wandering Chicago’s (1990’s) club scene. I tried recreating Jamaica’s sound system ethos by singing over Reggae, House, Blues, Hip-Hop, even Rock.
Anything a band or DJ was playing… was considered fair game. Initially I was getting booed off stage, but as the new millenium, electronic genres developed I started giving out free acappellas. Soon after, I found a place in the world of music.
Electro Reggae, in my opinion, has origins in Jamaica, circa 1972. The reason it’s so significant is that Reggae techniques and aesthetic can be heard throughout most genres. Even the most popular Top 40 hits utilize reverb or rhythmic elements that give it away. In the DANCE MUSIC market however, the influence is even more pronounced.
I intend to keep building out the “History” section of this site and having conversations wherever interviewers will let me. My intention is to highlight the pivotal artists and songs that got us to where we are today. Electro Reggae is a musical revolution that broadcasts on all frequencies.