Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. January 15, 2011 - Her sophisticated nature won’t stop her from generating a carnival buzz this season. R&B, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Techno and Dance music have all been done by T&T’s sunpop sensation Krystal Khayne, but as the island’s Carnival takes focus, the world had better prepare to experience the versatility of this super talented songbird.
Krystal Khayne’s vocals are presently being plastered from pillar to post alongside that of Umi Marcano in what is certainly the height of the carnival season. To many, this may be a bit strange as never before has the Belmont born vocalist ventured into the Soca spotlight.
On Sunday, January 9th, a single entitled, “Bring It” alongside Marcano, was released. The track, which was produced by Trinidad based Mad Men Productions is just a taste of what the young vocalist will offer for the high-energy season. Soon to come is yet another Soca collaboration with HD Family member, Zan. The track, which will be called “So Hot,” will be released within the next few weeks.
Khayne’s sudden leap into the soca spotlight wasn’t planned. She however felt the need to answer the call of her fan base. “Many people wanted to hear just how I’d sound, and even I was a bit curious to hear the final product,” she admitted. For Krystal – the girl who’s admired big name artistes like Whitney Houston Mariah Carey and Chaka Khan all her life, the decision to do ‘home’ was certainly a big one. She however knew it was necessary to show the Caribbean that no matter what, her appreciation for her roots, would never dwindle. “I had to show the world that I do have a strong appreciation for soca music. I love soca music. I love listening to it and ‘wining’ to it at parties,” she laughed. Krystal however prides herself as a strong R&B artiste. Having opened for John Legend on his visit to Trinidad in June 2009, Krystal’s talent immediately became known and embraced. Her vocal ability led to performances at the Tobago Jazz Festival last year and the Digicel Outta Conrol Tour shortly after that. Just after the New Years weekend, Khayne returned to Trinidad from Barbados where she lit up the stage at Carib Fest 2011. Now with all sights set on carnival, she’s turning up the heat, stepping onto the local scene with some very hot tracks that are guaranteed to make waves this season and well into the summer.
Currently, Khayne who works arduously at her craft is focused on the creation of three music EPs, which she explained, will be used to shop for international consumption in the months ahead. She explained that the EPs, which will fuse dance music with soca will be individually produced by three producers out of T&T, among them, the reputed Richard Charsu Ahong.
In the meantime however, she’s giving just a taste of what she’s got and what the world can look forward to, both in the carnival season and thereafter when her crossover hits are unleashed together with the her flavourful R&B, Reggae and Hip-Hop ballads her fans eagerly await.
Sexy vocals aren’t only for girls and it’s been proven.
From Kees Dieffenthaller to Shurwayne Winchester, Beres Hammond and Baron, Caribbean men have proven that their vocal pipes, when used well, can draw good attention and earn rave reviews.
Ahead of 2011, a new Caribbean voice is emerging.
A sweet, harmonious sound that’s capable of juggling genres but will make its official debut in the Soca season will come from Marc Mollineux- a corporate employee who’s ready to show just what he’s got.
With a track called “Get Ready to Fly,” Marc will unleash a new sound onto the market in just a few days. Produced by Richard ‘Charsu’ Ahong, the song’s melody meshes soca with an alternative vibe. For Marc, music has always been a possible career path but he’s always believed in the saying, ‘nothing happens before its time.’ For that reason, even though he’d been in and out of studios and among many of the respected artistes attached to the local industry, heexcercisedd patience, waiting for the right time.
‘Get Ready to Fly’ was one of many songs written by friend and fellow musician Andre Corbie. According to Marc, Corbie asked him to work with him on a demo track for the song.
“When I heard the lyrics and the melody, I immediately loved it and I decided to ask Andre for the track,” explained Marc, further revealing that he assured Corbie that he would make the song a bit more natural to suit his vocal tone and style. “I wrote the bridge after that and the rest is history,” he said.
Marc’s corporate background coupled with his passion for the arts make him quite an interesting person. He’s been a cast member in a number of theatrical productions, the most recent being the part of Jesus in the production, ‘Jesus Christ Super Star’. Marc’s been a winner at the Music Festival and during his 11-year tenure at Republic Bank he even won various talent spectaculars and calypso competition. With all that said, it’s no secret that Marc Mollineaux has been around.
Now, as he prepares to delve into the Soca market on a groovy ticket, Marc’s going all out. “I’m organizing a video for the track so that’s something people can look forward to in the weeks ahead,” he said. Already though, folks have taken a strong liking to the brand new vibe of Marc Mollineaux as he’s been booked for Gulf View All Inclusive and Bel Air All Inclusive parties in South Trinidad.
He said credit must be given to Fridge of H2OPhlo and local R&B songstress, Krystal Khayne who both did background vocals on the track. Marc also highlighted that Joey Rivers, formerly of Xtatic was responsible for the guitars heard in his music. All in all, he’s ready to erupt musically and with aspirations to thrill music lovers this coming season, Marc’s striking hard.
