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Lady Chann Interview
Reggae | Wednesday 10th October 2012 | Osh
With her official launch party of her new mixtape 'Dun Dem Season The Trilogy' tonight at The Social, we managed to catch up with the UK queen of dancehall. Starting off in the North London squad, Suncycle Crew she burst into the mainstream with that tune ‘Sticky situation’. With her mad energy, this lady can tear up any rave!
Firstly how did your journey into music begin?
I studied performing arts at college as it was something I always knew I wanted to do, well one of the things! So I basically got with The Suncycle Crew, and started firstly singing, and then gradually got into mc'ing. We made an album which was put out through EMI (Japan) called 'I Am Somebody', which did ok. Gradually we all decided would be a good idea to branch out on a solo tip.
Tell us a bit about the days of the ‘Suncycle Crew’?
We travelled up and down the country and a few times abroad.. I was the only girl at the time, and the boys were like my brothers, I felt safe around them, we all had each others back, and all respected each other.. I do miss it at times.
‘Sticky Situation,’ was such a tune and made you prominent on the scene. Did you guys know at the time that the song was going to blow up like it did?
I had nooooo clue it was gonna have that impact, I went to Sticky's with a nonchalant, unsure vibe, and just laid it down. He seemed to love it straight away.. He took it to one of his gigs in Dubai to test it, and called me from there and said "sis the tune just LEANED off the dance, with about 10 reloads!" I was like WOAH! In total shock.. Then it had the same effect once it got played here.. It was a true snowball effect.. Just got bigger and bigger and bigger! Crazy!
How do you find being a female in such a male dominated genre of music?
I don't mind being one of the few females at all.. I come from a council estate dominated by guys, I was and still am to a certain degree a bit of a tom boy and can be quite boisterous. I was the only female in Suncycle so its always been that set up for me.
You have a new mixtape dropping soon Dun Dem season; ‘The Trilogy’, which is mixed by The Heatwave. This includes guest features from Glamma Kid, Gappy Ranx, Suncycle and Sticky. Tell us the whole concept of the putting this together?
I started with the idea for the title , "Dun Dem" something we say really in the Jamaican culture.. And it just means, to wreck the place in whatever u do, create an impact in life.. So I thought I'm gonna do 3 in the 'Dun Dem' series.. Started with Dun Dem Season., then onto Dun Dem Season Vol 2 and now its the 3rd one so has to be The Trilogy. My concept was just to do whatever the hell I wanted with whoever I wanted to create with, with no holds bars.. I love not being restricted to formulas, structures and briefs etc.. So mixtapes are very liberating for me!
You also have a special refix of ‘Weight of the World’ with Lemar. How did that collab come together?
Well I've always been a fan of Lemar and used to idolise him the moment I saw him on Fame Academy! Lol! Then he showed interest in what I was doing, loved and bought Sticky Situation, so I asked him would he like to be in my video with my fingers and toes crossed and he actually said YES! I was well chuffed! So we've been cool ever since. Weight of The World has to be one of my fave songs and fave Lemar song, I get on his nerves about to him a lot as I'm always expressing this to him! Hahahhaa! So I said look I wanna refix it, how do u feel about that? He said cool, sent me his vocals, I did my thing, sent it to him for his approval,and he loved it!!! Phew!!! Lol! Respect to Lemar! I was scared that I might mash up a classic tune man! But it got the green light from him, and I honestly love it, so I treated it with as much care as I could, but needed to spin it from the original.... I think I did.. Listen to the story line! :o)
You were involved in The Heatwave Presents Showtime DVD, this must have been amazing to be part of something so special?
That was a historical moment in music hands down.. It was a pleasure to be involved in such an epic night.. All genres together but yet it made me realise we are all the same, and each of us no matter what genre we rep, take something from the Reggae scene. Heatwave and I go back for a while now, and to see how they've grown, is very refreshing, shows that hard work plus talent and genuine love for something, does eventually pay off!!! So having them mix the new Trilogy mixtape is very exciting for me.. I love them!
Your vibe is crazy, and you have nuff energy! What message do you want to bring with your music?
I just want people to forget about their day to day problems, whilst I'm entertaining them, and evoke emotion from me audience with my songs.. I love to see people enjoying themselves, and I think its important to spread positive vibes with my music, and take them away from the stressful world we live in!
You have your launch party on Wednesday for 'Dun Dem Season The Trilogy' at The Social alongside The Hot Wuk party. You must be looking forward to this one?
Yep! Well its alongside The Heatwave ennit! So its gonna be nang!!! there's nothing less that can happen.. We've done a launch together before for my double a-side single 'Informer' and 'Equilibrium' and let's just say... IT POPPED OFF!!! I've always been one to never like having parties, like birthdays etc.. But always like attending and supporting other people who I have any affiliation with.. So I do tend to get a bit nervous beforehand.. But its all good! :o)
You seem like a lady who is not scared to say what you think, has this got you in any situations?
Errrmmm not really, always speak my mind, my mum says since the age of 3/4 I've blurted out things and just expressed myself.. People are shocked because they look at me, and think I'm not going to be like that.. I think I just say things what most people are thinking. I don't like hurting peoples feelings though, so I don't just say ALL that comes to mind.. But in writing my own music? For me its no holds bars really! its only gonna affect me, so I'm sure that's ok.
What females inspire you?
My mum inspires me, she is so strong, and raised 3 children as a single mother, I always just salute her, because her strength amazes me.. I love her!
What are your top tunes that you are listening to right now?
I listen to more old classic stuff like Phil Collins, etc.. Lol! I love it.. But obviously I'm feeling some new stuff.. Love what Misha B's about.. Excited and anticipating her new album!
Exclusives... I haven't planned anything past Dun Dem that I can announce right now but I'd love to do a freestyle for Guestlist TV!
Let’s make that happen! Thanks for your time, we will catch you soon:)
Catch Lady Chann at the official launch party of 'Dun Dem Season The Trilogy' on 10th October at The Social, W1 (8pm-1am) as part of The Heatwave's Hot Wuk Wednesdays.
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