Asante Amen (Dubroom MP3 Artist Review)

ASANTE AMEN
DUBROOM NET LABEL REVIEW

WWW, September 2014 - Talking about a singer, you're talking about Asante Amen. A crucial voice he has, especially when he's using it to go in all directions like a roller coaster. On top of that, he gives praises to the Most High which is of course the Source of all singing. Asante Amen, this is not the only place where you'll be reading about him.

Should you be wondering about Jamaica and slackness and the way that so-called crucial combination is called in especially the MTV's of this world, wonder no more. It's not that wonderful combination and there are a lot of Jamaicans who rather see a combination of Jamaica and Righteousness. Say that, say Asante Amen. Forget about the slackness kings and queens, make way for the positive vibrations of today's Jamaican conscious singers like this brother.

Heartically felt!

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SITES FOR YOUR MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS PART TWO

SITES FOR YOUR MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS PART TWO
MESSIAN DREAD REPORTS FOR STUDIO DUBROOM

WWW, September 2014 - In Part two, Messian Dread continues to report on his experiences with uploading his music to a number of Online Music Distributors (OMD's). This time he revisited MYSPACE.com, LAST.fm, ICOMPOSITIONS.com and talks about creating an artist page at AMAZON.com. And, oh yes, a small website called "You Tube".

The memory hole. It's an absolute hole and it can give you quite a bit of surprises. This is what I got when I tried to upload my music to the revamped My Space website. I know, I know, it's obsolete and for many years I just did not pay any attention to my account. In the mean time, I had forgotten to pay my bill for dubroom.com (about 40 dollars or so) which I used for my email and the folks at NXS Amsterdam decided to sell it to another company which is now trying to sell it for about 2400 dollars last time I checked. Good to know Dubroom.org survived NXS. They shouldn't be in business anyway.

MYSPACE.com

It looks good, especially when you consider that My Space has been bought by the good folks at Fox, known for their love for humanity and truth in general. I thought it would be nice to just revamp my account at that revamped My Space website but to my chagrin I discovered I could not log in due to the fact that I no longer had access to my old email account. 

Problems.

Apparently, I am not the only one with this problem because My Space has this standard link that you can click when you lost access to your old myspace account. I filled in the form, and wrote the proof that I am who I am. That's pretty easy when you are Messian Dread at the Dubroom. Still it was really complicated for the person at My Space who was assigned to my case. He, she, it, did not understand what I meant so I wrote back that I would love a human reply. I got it and I got access. It took several days.

When you have a fast computer running Windows 8 or something like that, my Space is nice but it's not that nice. The reasons are obvious. "Everyone" knows, My Space is a ghost town. There simply is nobody. I have zero plays. Zero.

https://myspace.com/messiandread/music/songs

LAST.fm

I had a page at LAST.fm but because of the nature of my recent productions I wanted to change things a bit more. After all, my new productions are definitely not just about me and I want to title my productions the way I title them. That's not possible at LAST.fm without creating a new artist, or in this case, label. 

So I did. 

I started to upload my new production and I got a notice. I had uploaded my Dennis Alcapone tracks and the system had recognized that name as being known. My account was blocked until it was reviewed by LAST.fm staff. Perhaps you think I was annoyed, but that was not the case. I thought this was a very, very good thing because it doesn't just give credit to the LAST.fm website but also to the artists and producers who upload their tunes. 

Of course everything was easily cleared. This was a very pleasant experience.

The website itself gives you the possibility to upload your music and make it available for free download. Nice thing, right? Even nicer is the fact that they let you deeplink to your uploaded MP3 files, just like I do on the music download page at my website. There's no limitation like with Sound Cloud, so there is another reason why it is a mystery to me why Sound Cloud is that popular.

http://www.last.fm/label/Dubroom+Productions

ICOMPOSITIONS.com

When you're looking for plays and feedback, you should definitely try out ICOMPOSITIONS.com. This website is clearly aimed at musicians and can serve as intermediary vehicle for collaborations. You need to really look, as it is assumed people know their way with computers a little bit more than, let's say, My Space. And they do. I have zero plays at My Space, now look at what I got at I Compositions (click to enlarge):

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Ibel - Love Fe Life (EP) (Dubroom MP3 Review)

IBEL - LOVE FI LIFE (EP)
DUBROOM MP3 ALBUM REVIEW

WWW, August 2014 - Three vocals, four dubs: Love Fe Life is a joyous collaboration between Jamaican vocalist Ibel and Med Dred based on another island, namely that of Cyprus. The Mediterranean vibes are there, undeniably. The Jamaican vibe, too. There's even a UK Dub vibe coming in the form of a Dub by Dub Caravan. Get this one for some Ireness!

Ibel Campbell (b. 1967) is a conscious, peacefull Rastaman who loves to share good vibes, because he knows that this is so much needed. Not just on Jamaica, not just on Cyprus, not just in the UK but everywhere. Love Fi Life comes with three vocal tracks, all equally conscious. Four dubs, too. The last track, dubbed by Dub Caravan in the UK is the heaviest, the other three dubs are more dub counterparts to the vocal tracks, giving you some time for meditation on the words you just heard.

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Dubophonic (Dubroom Net Label Review)

DUBOPHONIC
DUBROOM NET LABEL REVIEW

WWW, August 2014 - With the Dub Key Net Label based on Malta, Dubophonic is the next step in a Mediterranean Roots Reggae and Dub take-over. Based in Cyprus and founded no earlier than June 2013, the Net Label has been on steroids when it comes to their (free) output.  In August 2014, the counter stood at sixteen free releases while they recently started putting out their first "VIP" (buyable) release.

One thing is for certain: Dubophonic take their net label serious and so it should be. It's not just the amount of releases in a certain quality, it is the work on their website, liner notes and massive press feedback. Centered around Dub Thomas, but not limited to him. A look at the artist names reveal a variety of styles and genres, from heavyweight Dubwise to a more lighter variant, Dubophonic strives to cater to all lovers of (conscious) Reggae and Dub. 

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Messian Dread Presents A Heavyweight Dubwise Selection Without Objection (CD Edition)

MESSIAN DREAD PRESENTS A HEAVYWEIGHT DUBWISE SELECTION WITHOUT OBJECTION (CD EDITION)
DUBROOM CD ALBUM RELEASE

WWW, August 27 2014 - About a week after the release of the Net Album, here came the CD edition of Messian Dread Presents A Heavyweight Dubwise Selection Without Objection. No less than 16 tracks, a special license for all DJ's and full high quality cover art: it most certainly transcends it's online version. On top of that, obtaining this physical product will show that you are not just serious in your support for (DUB) Reggae Music, but about your own record collection as well. After all, this is a selection of very special tracks featuring legendary names like U Roy, Prince Jazzbo and Dillinger.

Of course, when you're just interested in the music and satisfied with burning your own CD you can simply jump to the Net Album download page and get the CD Quality wave files from there. No problem. This is not a release to make money, this is not even a promotional tool for Messian Dread and/or Dubroom Productions, while most of the vocalists featured on the album absolutely need no promotion either. This is simply an opportunity to get your hands on a physical presentation of the 2014 developments in the Dubroom studio and the reasons to want that can vary.

The reasons for the creation and eventual release of this album didn't vary. It's a selection without objection, after all. A selection documenting the enormous improvement in sound and other quality when compared to pre 2014 Dubroom productions. One reason. A selection that deserves to be presented with the special designed cover art because it tells a story. Another reason. A very special way of saying thank you to all those who have been supportive in one way or another. More reason. A physical quality product that more than justifies the price because it is a valuable addition to any Reggae record collection. Nuff reason.

This is a high quality product like any audio CD. The full color cover art (including on the disc itself) is printed in superior quality and the tracks are exact duplicates of the CD Quality Master Tapes (16 Bit, 44.100 Khz). The album itself was created in a special process at AMAZON.com called Create Space. The musical works, the cover art, getting a UPC number: it took several days of working, tweaking, and reviewing both at the side of the Dubroom and at Amazon's. The process was concluded when the physical review copy was sent to the Dubroom via very snail mail and subsequently approved before it went live at Amazon. In fact, Amazon is the only place where you can actually get the album. 

The price is set at $12.50, which is quite reasonable for 70 minutes of pure heavyweight Dubwise and since Amazon has all these special shipping offers, it's even possible to have it shipped to your doorstep for close to no costs. The CD and cover art are printed on demand exactly like the copy that was physically reviewed and approved at the Dubroom, so you'll have the sign of approval from the Dubroom. Since Amazon is responsible for creating and shipping the exact high quality duplicate of the approved copy, you will have all the Amazon guarantees when it comes to the quality of the physical product itself. In short: The Dubroom approves the album, Amazon certifies you'll get what we approved. 

A labor of love for (DUB) Reggae and the many vocalists present on the album. Purchasing it is an equal "labor" of love for the very same. 

Nuff said.

TRACKS:
01. Dennis Alcapone - Dub the Dub you Dubwise (4:15)
02. Dan Man - Blaze the Dubwise (3:41)
03. Dillinger - Dwell in Love and Dubwise (3:45)
04. Trinity - Light of this Dubwise (3:55)
05. Kojak - Prevailment of Dubwise (3:43)
06. Messian Dread - Loving Dubwise (3:46)
07. Prince Jazzbo - Rastafari Dubwise (3:29)
08. Seamus Ikonya - Babylon Dubwise (5:15)
09. U Roy - Mash Down Satan Dubwise (4:00)
10. Horseman and Dan Man - Robber Dubwise (3:39)
11. Messian Dread - Crazy but Dubwise (3:43)
12. Lone Ranger - Rock and Come in Dubwise (3:48)

BONUS TRACKS:
13. Messian Dread - His Imperial Dubwise (4:03)
14. Dennis Alcapone - Dub to be Conscious (3:54)
15. Horseman and Dillinger - Dangerous and Dubwise (4:16)
16. Dillinger - Dwell in Love and Dubwise (Extended Dub) (5:26)

 

COVER ART (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Booklet Front

 
Booklet Back

Booklet Inside

Tray Outside

Tray Inside

The Disc

LISTEN TO A NON-STOP MIX OF THE ALBUM:

Radio Dubroom Extra Chapter 4: MD Presents A Heavyweight Dubwise Selection Without Objection (CD) by Radio Dubroom on Mixcloud

 

Moa Anbessa presents: Prince David - Watch Them/Jules I - Jah Jah Calling (Dubroom Vinyl Review)

MOA ANBESSA PRESENTS: PRINCE DAVID - WATCH THEM/JULE I-JAH JAH CALLING
DUBROOM VINYL REVIEW

WWW, August 2014 - After five years of silence in the vinyl area, the Italian Dub collective MOA ANBESSA has scheduled a 12" release for September 15 in this 2014. The Dubroom had a chance to listen and wholeheartedly recommends all vinyl addicts to go and order the 180 grams of Roots Reggae Ireness from the Venice crew before it's sold out.

It's almost impossible to follow the Dubroom and not know about Moa Anbessa. This collective of conscious Singers and Players of instruments (including the mixing board) stood at the root of the -now online legendary- Italian Dub Community Showcase series, while their productions are well sought after by selectors of major Sound Systems like Aba Shanti-I and Jah Shaka. This is Roots Reggae (Dub) in it's finest form, namely that of the conscious kind. It comes with the kind of communication that actually fits the massive sounds of the drum and bass lines. 

They have no need to be introduced when you have downloaded the Italian Dub Community Showcase series. Solid as a rock, the Rock that is that solid foundation. The musical vibes go straight to your heart, and so does this vinyl release. Even more: those who know their vinyl usually prefer it over MP3 or even CD because of the lower frequencies and they definitely want these tunes. 

Actually, we're talking about two vocal tracks with their (separate) Dub/Instrumental counterpart. Two singers, too: Prince David and Jules I. Both are part of the Moa Anbessa collective, and both tracks have served as Dub Plates for the well known Aba Shanti-I Sound System until they were printed on this 12 inches of Righteousness. In fact, this release is not planned to be anything else but what it is: a stricktly vinyl release.

Both Prince David and Jules I deliver a very strong message. Actually, it is a call and a message. A remembrance call to all people, that is. A remembrance call to praise the Creator, to start following His ways rather than the vanity that Babylon has to "offer". It's a message of strength and encouragement to all those that are already aware that we have a Creator and that He must be praised. Yes, this is the kind of Roots Reggae that is so desperately needed in so many places all over the globe. Both singers deliver their call in a very heartical way, a way that can never be matched by the Babylon Industrial voices pushed into our ears each and every day.

Now, the music and especially the Dubs. Both tracks are steppers. "Watch Them" would musically be the sugar part, "Jah Jah Calling" the spice. Of course this becomes all too clear when you're listening to the Dubs. Or, to be more precise: an instrumental and a Dub. "Watch Them" comes with a pure instrumental (often called "pure riddim"), "Jah Jah Calling" is followed by it's militant, hard stepping Dub version. The production itself is clear yet fat, evidently mixed for vinyl. 

A very, very fine release that is expected to be in the better Reggae stores both online and offline from September 15, 2014. Phasebookers (and non-phasebookers) should visit https://www.facebook.com/MoaAnbessaItaly/ or http://controltower.fr to (pre-) order the release. Unfortunately, Moa Anbessa does not have a website of their own but these two links destroy that excuse not to buy the vinyl. Also, watch out for another release planned for November 2014.

 

Pato Banton (Dubroom MP3 Artist Review)

PATO BANTON
DUBROOM MP3 ARTIST REVIEW

WWW, August 2014 - Pato Banton has his way of dealing with his voice and lyrics: he is a master of saying the serious thing in a funny way without making fun of the situation itself. Yes, intelligence galore in his many releases, of which Mad Professor Captures Pato Banton remains to be a standard of UK based sing-jay or toasting.

During his decades-long career, Pato Banton voiced for UB40 and many other UK based famous acts. His sense of humor, his usual focus on social and spiritual topics, he combines everything in an undeniable special and personal style that has -in the mean time- lifted up the souls of millions of listeners and viewers of energetic concerts. Check out this remarkable talent!

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Studio Dubroom Review: Don Goliath Presents Reggae & Dub Acapellas

DON GOLIATH PRESENTS REGGAE & DUB ACAPELLAS
STUDIO DUBROOM SOFTWARE AND SOUNDWARE REVIEW

WWW, August 2014 - Introducing what can easily be called the best line of Reggae Vocal Sample packs until this date: "Don Goliath Presents Reggae & Dub Acapellas". Obligated material for every self-respecting (online) Dub/Reggae producer in need for vocals, without apology and exaggeration. Yes, that's a description and not a slogan. And here is the proof and reasoning to back it up. 

When you go to the various websites where the online (DUB) Reggae artists/producers upload their material, it will not take too long before you stumble upon a tune that has one of these well known jingles from Mikey Dread's albums, or Prince Far I, or Jah Thomas. Just three, you know. But "everyone" knows them and even though non-commercial releases will usually not be objected, using such vocal samples is not really a sign of dignity.

Producing your own (DUB) Reggae and releasing it in a legal way: let's call it the Dignity Combination.

Sure, there were times when it was simply not possible for your average online Dub producer to obtain vocal material in a legal way and not get bankrupt. Even stronger, there simply was no vocal material available for use in your own productions until more recently, when DUB DROPS released their excellent "SOUND SYSTEM VOCALS" featuring Dennis Alcapone and Horseman. Three releases, all three reviewed in the Dubroom and used in the productions of the studio that is attached to this website. 

And now there is the line of Reggae & Dub Acapellas by Don Goliath.

Or, to be more specific, presented by Don Goliath, who also contributed vocally.

When you've never heard of Don Goliath, and you're looking at names like Horseman and Dennis Alcapone as an alternative option, you can make the enormous mistake of overlooking this line of Reggae Vocal sample releases. A mistake which can easily be overcome, though, by continuing to read this (first) review.

Let's carry on dropping names, just to make some points:

• Dillinger
• Trinity
• Kojak
• Lone Ranger
• U Roy
• Prince Jazzbo

All six names have, like Dennis Alcapone and Horseman, legendary status. U Roy can be considered the founding father of DJ-ing, not just in Reggae but in every style of music including Hip-Hop. Lone Ranger has been voicing for Studio One, the starting point of too many careers to mention. Dillinger had a world hit with "Cokane In My Brain", Trinity voiced the classic "Jesus Dread". Before Kojak chanted as a DJ, his got a name as part of the duo Kojak and Liza. Prince Jazzbo features on classic albums from Black Ark and has many essential productions on his own name. And that's just a little name dropping to set the tone.

The tone of Roots Reggae as authentic as authentic can be.

Yes, you've guessed it. Don Goliath's series has all six of these famous vocalists included. Among much more, that is.

Read on.

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