BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - OVER 1 500 'Sugar Heads' tuned in last night (Dec. 18) to Freedom SKN Radio Station for the release of the Nu Vybes Band International 2013-2014 album.
‘Stage Pass’ is the name of the 10-track album and lead vocalists Gregory 'Mention' Hobson said that most of the recording was done at the Band House.
The songs were written and sung by several members of the band.
Describing the band's year, Hobson said that it was very hectic.
"We have been making grounds in terms of the group enhancing not only in the music, but personality and as a group getting together and making things tight and better. We are growing and getting there because we want to get back to and further that pinnacle we had years ago," he added.
The first song released was a groovy tune dubbed 'Give it to Me', which was written by Jason 'KT' Kyte.
It is apparently sexual in nature and, as the title says, a woman is being asked to give "it" to him.
One line says: "You got what me want so gyal give it to me, bounce thy waist and give it to me, no ease pan de ting just give it to me. Me mean it, yes, me mean it."
'So What' was another groovy tune released, and it was written by Hobson.
In his explanation of the song, Hobson said that it is simply about going out and taking part in the Sugar Mas 42 activities and not concentrating on what others would say.
"Right now it is about Sugar Mas and it is about coming out and participating and making Sugar Mas a world stage with full participation...bands, pans, masquerades, mocko jumbies, old people, young people and in between. Because we are who make Sugar Mas and the bigger the stage, the bigger the artiste and the bigger act. So, it is all about coming out and participating...it is about freeing up."
The groove continued with the release of 'Socavivor' , which was also written by Hobson.
The song has a Groovy Soca ring to it and speaks to the love of the Soca art form.
"We are musicians but we are also in the Soca field. And, to some degree, I feel that Soca music is not given the respect that it deserves globally," he said in his description of the song.
The song says: "I'm a fighter, soul survivor, Socavivor, a Soca warrior. It’s the Soca up in me head...up in me head, down in me soul up to me head.
"The Soca music down in me soul, to me this music never gets old. The Soca music up in me head, Soca music we come to spread, we come spread it around the world. So, look how long Soca ah wait in line, Soca music we dey from long time. Soca music on de front line so don't put we pon de back line..."
Some of the bands' other songs included 'Hook', 'Control Yourself', 'Musical Journey' and 'Freaky Mas'.
When asked if any of the band members had given thought to entering the Soca Monarch Competition, Hobson revealed that he had sent an entry but was unable to have the music ready in time to meet the deadline.
He also revealed that 'Socavivor' was intended for the competition and promised that he would be ready for next year.
The albums go on sale today (Dec. 19) and could be purchased at Sugar Band's regular spot on Fort Street and also at Mick Stokes' Jewellery Repair Store.
