By now, 2013 soca
tunes have all dropped and we are impatiently waiting for 2014 releases. I had the chance to
chat with the young singer, songwriter and producer Erphaan Alves about soca
and his plans for 2014:
>> Congratulations
on an excellent year with great releases!
What was your
personal highlight for the 2013 Trinidad Carnival season?
2013 was a short season, but I believe I learned a lot more about the industry compared to the previous year. What stood out the most for me was how
aware my younger fans are of my career. Their ongoing positive feedback based
on my live performances and online activity really showed up last season and
even now. I always try to keep abreast of all the comments and messages, particularly on my social pages. Twitter really made it possible for
them to express their views about the latest tunes and so on. With that I
really want to thank them for their continued interest in my art and their
support is just fuel to my fire to keep flying the soca flag.
>> Your
latest power soca release Bumper Bounce on the #AddictedRiddim was
produced by King Bubba, but what many people don’t know that you write your own
songs. Where do you get
your inspiration?
It´s mostly
intrinsic. Sometimes I even wonder how I create, but I guess it´s my talent, so I
thank God for that. To add, any experience I have on a daily basis is always an
idea, so events happening all around and inspire me whether I´m aware of it or not.
>> If you had
to describe your music in 140 characters, what would you tweet?
My brand of soca
music is a reflection of today's youth, but still rooted deeply within the
founding ideologies of the genre.
In your opinion,
where do you think soca is globally?
I appreciate that!
Glad it´s a favourite of yours!
To answer your
question, if soca was a man standing in front of a door, he is still
knocking. He will remain knocking unless more "Soca Men" knock
together to burst it down! ...you feel me? Undoubtedly our presence is growing
internationally, so we just have to keep working.
>> How do you
think we could push it even more?
What can every
single soca lover do to support it?
Literally telling
people to support something isn't really effective in these times. We really
have to find creative ways of marketing the product to get people into
the mix. That´s where marketing comes in. Marketing is the key.
Additionally, in
terms of "reaching out there", I believe that sponsored tours for
local artists to travel and promote soca music through concerts and other
culture forums may strike up some opportunities. This should be done often,
and in a BIG way to be effective. That´s just one of my many opinions.
>> What are
your plans for the 2014 carnival season and when can we hear your next release?
I´m playing it by
ear. If the stars align, I may release a song tomorrow. I´m beginning to understand the science of music on a deeper level, so I´m going with moods and vibes. My team and I are already planning, structuring and organising ahead of the 2014 season, so things should hopefully run very smoothly. I have a lot of plans for
the season besides music and performances so look out, excellent is the code.
