BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – UNDOUBTEDLY, parents, in many instances, are very influential figures to their offspring. And so is music, which is known to have a profound impact on the values, behaviour and attitude of youths.
Against this backdrop, SKNVibes seeks to highlight an example of how youths can be inspired to follow in the footsteps of their parents in the music industry.
Right here in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, one such example exists in the Clarke’s family. The head of that family is Vincent ‘Stickle’ Clarke, a past member of the Small Axe Band, and his son, Talvert Yakim Clarke, popularly known as ‘ITYC’, is one of the promising Hip Hop artistes in St. Kitts.
According to ITYC, the senior Clarke had been a member of that bank for over 20 years, and following in his footsteps, he has recently completed one decade in the music industry.
Commenting on what and or who inspired him to become involved in the music business, ITYC said, “I became involved after being exposed to the music business from birth. My father, Vincent ‘Stickle’ Clarke is an original member of Small Axe Band. So, as a small boy, I would see my pop playing instruments, going tours and shows which was my greatest influence or inspiration to become naturally involved in the music business…like Bob Marley to his son Junior Gong.”
He also stated the purpose for being an entertainer.
“Being an artiste my purpose is to deliver meaningful messages to the masses to uplift them through topics they can relate to. I mostly do Hip Hop because that's the genre that mostly appears the realest to me from a young age.”
Although his known choice of genre is vastly different from the more uptempo Soca type of music of the Small Axe Band and other jam bands in the Federation, in recent times ITYC has touched on the Soca genre.
“I view Hip Hop as real, fun and outspoken and global. However, in recent times I have done music that is outside of the Hip Hop genre box, which is in other genres I like…such as soca.”
ITYC however declared that he prefers the “crossover” type of Soca.
“I like crossover Soca. It’s melodious, energetic and carries a message people relate to. Crossover Soca is like Bungi Garlin’s ‘Differentology’, Machel Montano’s ‘Rum’ and ‘Dance With You’. Those type of Soca songs carry sounds of other genres within the music.”
Among the artistes who have influenced him are Jay Z, 50 Cents, The Dream, Machel Montano, Jim Jones and, of recent, Chronixx.
He also talked about what he has been up to lately.
“I recently released two collaboration singles which I pretty much composed. They are 'Take Life Easy’ with DC and 'Can't Get Over You' with Marshall C.”
The first single was recorded and mixed at Lock Off Studio by DC and the latter at Chabo Productions by Chabo.
ITYC said the feedback from his fans and other music lovers has been good and that show bookings have been on the rise.
“The feedback been good since their release and show bookings are coming in. My fan page is building and the downloads are moving up. It's a good look!”
Those desirous of contacting ITYC can do so at itycbookings@gmail.com and for more information about the artiste go the popular social networks Twitter:@ityc360 and Facebook.com/ityc360.
