Support Independent and Conscious Artists

Plaease help reggae artist and Conscious Comments editorial writer Rocker-T win The Guitar Center Singer/Songwriter 3 contest by watching, sharing and commenting on his amazing video. No one deserves it more. Give thanks.

Reggae Icon Rocker-T Readies New Album “The Hurban Warrior of Peace” with 5 Song EP “From Brooklyn to Oakland” due for release in Late December 2012

I have the honor of interning with one of my favorite reggae artists (although he is definitely a multi-genre musician). What's special about Rocker-T is that he lives the conscious and spiritual life of which he sings. Musically, he is a creative and clever lyricist, an innovative producer, and a dynamic performer. It my pleasure to support him and his music. Read more about him and his new EP from the press release below and find the link to purchase his EP "From Brooklyn to Oakland" on iTunes. For only $3.99....you certainly won't be disappointed.

For Immediate Release – December 5^th, 2012

Oakland, California - Over Nine years in the making, with over a dozen guest artists and many different genres represented, Rocker-T will release his new full-length album project “The Hurban Warrior of Peace” in 2013. The first release from this album will be a digital only 5 song EP titled “From Brooklyn to Oakland”. With the EP “From Brooklyn to Oakland”, to be released December 18, 2012, Rocker-T embarks upon the largest musical journey of his 21 years in the music industry. The EP from the forthcoming album “The Hurban Warrior Of Peace,” which will be released early 2013, encompasses tracks from the East, West, and International music realms. “From Brooklyn to Oakland” includes Dancehall and Roots Reggae, Hip Hop, EDM, and even some Alternative Pop, including featured special guest artists Gappy Ranks, Terry Ganzie and Zahira Soul.

Throughout his career, Rocker-T has always had an eclectic musical appetite. He has had Punk Rock, Rock, New Wave, Ska, and Reggae bands, and Hip Hop has consistently had an influence on his music. Rocker-T originally hails from Brooklyn, New York and currently resides in Oakland, California and the title track of the EP showcases his Hip Hop talent and influence while his track “Neva Chat Slack” with Terry Ganzie is decidedly Roots Reggae. “From Brooklyn to Oakland,” and the full-length album “The Hurban Warrior Of Peace,” are a reunion of the genres he has influenced and the artists with whom he has made meaningful connections.

Nine years in the making, the album “The Hurban Warrior Of Peace” is a songwriting and production collaboration that embodies Rocker-T’s diverse musical experiences, knowledge and tastes.  Featuring friends and family from every era of Rocker-T's career including; Skadanks, Boogie Down Productions, Jah Warrior Shelter Hi-Fi, International Rastafarian Transport Band, Version City Rockers, Zion Train, and Dubsmashers, it is indicative of his musical objectives. “I am an hurban warrior of peace, a product of the city environment who sees the small green branch pushing through the cement and cries for Mother Earth. The magical plant music is the healing of the nations. I can fight without fighting,” Rocker-T explains.

Rocker-T says he has “A profound desire to see all humans choose a peaceful life with each other,” and “…to bring healing to the minds and hearts of humankind whenever and wherever I sing and/or otherwise cause the divine sound to be audible.” “From Brooklyn to Oakland” and “The Hurban Warrior Of Peace” is an amalgam of Rocker-T’s musical journey with something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information, or to set up an interview with Rocker-T, please contact Luvinnitt Productions at luvinnittpro@gmail.com

download here: "From Brooklyn to Oakland" on iTunes

The Mean Girl/Bad Boy Attraction

Today I heard a song called "Some Kind of Woman" by Rocker T, that really got me thinking about what men and women look for in relationships.This is a bluesy/country/folksy reggae song (I love fusion style music) in which Rocker T asks "how does a mean hearted woman find such a kind hearted man?" but continues, "You know I work so hard just to keep you satisfied." Now I'll admit, at first this song caused an old question that always brought confusion and dismay to resurface in my mind.  I've always wondered why "kind hearted" men chose "mean hearted" women, and vice versa. But I listened to the song several times and I realized that in part of the chorus he sings, "you must be some kind of woman, I've got to keep you by my side." I thought, she must be, and this must work for some people.

I, personally, like a kind hearted man, but I'm not a mean hearted woman. The real question that arose for me, and always has, is do I have to pretend to be mean in order to attract a kind hearted man, and could that even be sustained? I could be mean, trust me, but it would eat me up inside very quickly to be that way towards someone I care about. I certainly couldn't stay with a mean hearted man for any length of time. I suppose, however, it is not always the case that these different types of people connect, but it clearly happens.

As I pondered what would make a "kind hearted man" (or woman) go out of his/her way to keep a "mean hearted woman" (or man), I quickly dismissed the love is blind theory.  He's not blind to her mean heart, he overlooks it. Perhaps he holds on to the good in her? Once upon a time, I figured these types of women must have a magical (read sexual) hold on these men...maybe they had talents in the bedroom? Maybe they create balance within the relationship, providing something the kind hearted mate lacked or needed. I'm not here to judge or provide definitive answers, but to create dialogue and gain understanding...so feel free to comment.

Different people have different definitions of "mean."  Perhaps a woman is hard to get and even harder to keep and that provides the challenge that a man likes. Maybe what others might observe as "bitchy" or "overbearing" another might experience as encouragement and guidance. Strong independent women often get labeled as mean, even in a world that requires them to be strong and independent. A lot of women like the "bad boy" persona, and some men like the "bad girl" persona. I guess what I've come to realize is that we always have choices, all of us. 

There must be something about that type of relationship that is fulfilling for some. They say opposites attract. I've had friends with "mean" mates, and I've never asked them what the attraction was...so I'm asking you. Do you have a mean hearted woman/man? If so, what makes you work to keep them by your side? I love music that makes me think. Give thanks Rocker T. Peace and blessings.

Groundation: "Building an Ark"-A Fan's Review

Click here to listen to full album


California reggae band Groundation is a reggae/jazz fusion band influenced by many other genres. One thing I can say for sure is that they are consistent in their regard to quality and growth. They are diligent about evolving their sound, they stay true to conscious roots reggae music, and their musicianship is always on point. Do not, however, confuse this consistency with a lack of diversity. Although fans can always recognize Groundation’s rich sound, one can never say one album sounds like the next. Their seventh and latest studio album release Building an Ark is a perfect example of this diversity and consistent growth.

The album, much like Groundation’s collection as whole, progresses like a story. The title track “Building an Ark” starts off as a ballad-like acoustic with Harrison Stafford getting as close as you may ever hear him get to “crooning” a love song in a traditional sense. The lyrics, of course, have a myriad of meanings, so those of you not wanting a ballad from this roots man will be satisfied.

The story continues with chapters about judgment, “Flames burn hot and red, a fierce fire for them” (Merry-go-round), and corruption, “Robert Mugabe led the people dem astray/Bruce you know you lead the people dem astray” ( Payaka Way). It arcs with “The Dreamer,” a song with a clear country influence (Willie Nelson in particular). Harrison Stafford (the dreamer) sings of himself “As a cowboy I come riding my golden chariot” and emphasizes the album’s hopeful tone, “So plant your seed and teach your children of all unseen/for we have not lost sight of the dream.”

In true roots style, the album has a few biblical references. Besides “Building an Ark,” there’s “Daniel,” a reference from the book of Daniel in the bible. In this funky tune, Harrison Stafford recounts, “Just like Daniel heading out of the lion’s den/When all of his bredrin, they all left him for dead.” But also true to roots reggae, there are songs that are prophetic, and a commentary of the times. “Payaka Way,” speaks directly to the greed occurring around the globe and could be an anthem for occupiers, “Recession you can feel is all about money/So much pressure you can’t deal it is all about money/Oppression of the poor it is all about money/The rich is getting richer still they want more Money.”

Any Groundation fan will tell you that nothing compares to a live performance, primarily because of the lively solos. Building an Ark, the album, comes close to being a live album. Rife with solos, the members of the band stretch their musical chops, giving the listener a taste of the scope of their skills. “Daniel” even has a soulful guest guitar solo by Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson.

As much as the album name contains a tapestry of meanings; “Ark” referring to Noah’s Ark in Genesis, the Ark of the Covenant (the sacred chest which holds the Ten Commandments), and ark as a place of protection or refuge, so does the music. Each track is intricately built with levels of all seven instruments and music from more exotic instruments like the conk shell on “Humility.”  Although Groundation is loyal to unadulterated roots reggae, their music is not your father’s reggae. With the characteristic reggae “riddim” as the base, Groundation cooks up a thick musical stew with the lyrics as the “protein.”  Staples are then added to this musical banquet in the form of horns, bass, keyboards, drums, and timbales to create hearty comfort food that fills the belly of the soul. Harrison Stafford, Kim Pommell, and Kerry Ann Morgan add flavorful seasonings with the broad range of their voices to finish off this rich musical feast. The album closes with another more melancholy acoustic “Sun Light Reflection” which laments, “And what if our history, Is but the endless struggle of wolves and sheep?” signaling Groundation is not done telling this story.

Purchase album at groundation.com, groundation.fr or iTunes

Bob Marley's Birthday 2012: Groundation Tribute

February 6, 2012, Bob Marley's 67th birthday. What better way to celebrate (and you have to celebrate)than to hear Groundation pay tribute to the Legend. I made the drive down to Santa Cruz, Ca. happily singing Bob Marley tunes in anticipation of another phenomenal show...and Groundation would not let me down. As the crowd trickled in, I noticed the usual Groundation/Bob Marley audience of young and not so young mingle and compare concert stories. Some travelled great distances just for the show. One couple chose to celebrate their anniversary by driving from Reno, NV. to hear Groundation sing Bob Marley's spirit lifting tunes.

Something I find to be unique about this band is that they are humble, friendly, and just plain good hearted people. I wonder if it is the positive music they play that makes them that way or if they play positive music because they are that way. I suspect it's a bit of both. Many of the band members hung out in the audience and talked with fans before they played. They behave more like hosts welcoming guests into their homes than a world famous music group. It really sets the mood.

It's been 30 years since Bob Marley left here, and his songs are still relevant, evocative, and touching younger generations around the world. That is why he is a Legend...that is what signifies great music.  Artists who sing about materialism, superiority, or negative ideas will be long forgotten because those things will not last. Groundation will be like Bob Marley in that their music will be around long after they're gone (which I pray is a good long time from now). They graced us with a song from their forthcoming new album "Building an Ark" (Due to be released March 20 in Europe and March 27 in the U.S.), called "Daniel". I'm already in love with this song. Set to a funky groove, it talks about future redemption and hope as in the book of Daniel in the bible. If that's not Bob Marley-esque, I don't know what is.

Harrison Stafford clearly channelled Bob Marley last night. Skankin and passionately wailing Bob's tunes, he set the crowd on fire....and "no water can put out this fire." Bob and Groundation's music speaks to me partially because it is empathetic. The world is in crisis, and individuals go through their own personal crisis, and their music speaks to these crisis and gives hope. I can feel that Harrison understands and feels Bob's words and it was as if he knew my trials and was speaking directly to me. The message is in the music, and the message is clear...equal rights, justice, peace and love for all. I am grateful for Groundation and Bob Marley. I thank you Lord for you made them sing. Peace, blessings, and music.

Music: Rx for Happiness

Considering the economic downturns around the world, unemployment rates, poverty, hunger, corporate and government corruption, and violent and senseless crimes, it's no wonder many find themselves reaching for a prescription to ease their woes. Prescriptions, however, come with their own set of issues such as a dozen side effects and the risk of addiction. There is one prescription whose only side effect is an improved mental, and physical state; music. I've been reading a lot of studies written about the effects music has on the brain and the body, and these studies have found some amazing things.

I wrote briefly in a previous post about how music increases intelligence, i.e.  reading and literacy skills, spatial-temporal reasoning, mathematical abilities, emotional intelligence, and it even improves memory and concentration. (Musicians  really should be the smartest people on earth). Studies have also found that music is effective in pain therapy, slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, speeding post stroke recovery, and even boosting immunity. I'll go into those studies more in another post. Today I would like to concentrate on the effects music has on one's mood and mental status.

We've all used music to relax and sometimes to fall asleep. The reason this works is because relaxing music reduces sympathetic nervous system activity, decreases anxiety, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate and may have positive effects on sleep via muscle relaxation and distraction from thoughts.*  For this reason, using music to reduce stress is a valid and useful tactic. Slow classical music has been proven to reduce stress, even on newborns.* One can play it in the background while performing other tasks, and it will still work. It's not just classical music that does this. Any relaxing music can relax your muscles, including your brain. Using music while doing yoga, guided imagery, or just soaking in the tub will aid in the relaxation process. Upbeat music can also help reduce stress by making you feel more positive and optimistic. Researchers have also found that music can decrease the amount of cortisol, a stress-related hormone produced by the body in response to stress.*

Many cultures have and do use music as a part of the healing process.  In ancient Greece, Apollo was both the god of music and medicine.  Healing mantras, chants, and incantations have ancient origins and are seen throughout history and in every major world culture-- Hinduism, Muslim, Judaism, Native American, Polynesian, Asian, Sufi, etc. The power of chant involves bridging the two worlds of humanity and eternity (spirituality.)** The mind, body, and spirit connection is a powerful one.  It makes sense, then, to connect to the spirit (which  is where music comes from) to heal the mind. 

I am not saying anything you didn't already know. Many people say music lifts their spirits. But now you know that not only does it help without the negative side effects of MAOI anti-depressants, it actually improves your physical health! Modern research has confirmed music's therapeutic influence on the psyche. They've even identified  bright, cheerful music (e.g. Mozart, Vivaldi, bluegrass, Klezmer, Salsa, reggae)* is the most obvious prescription for the blues. So instead of going for the Prozac next time you're depressed, why not play some Bob Marley. Love, light, and music.

*http://www.emedexpert.com/tips/music.shtml

**http://www.healingmusic.org/Main/What_Is_Healing.htm