reggae agenda meets heights meditation band interview
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This
Saturday the 18th of April the final for the BeneluxXL Reggae Contest
2015 will take place inna di Hall of Fame,
Tilburg. Three bands
will play in the live finals and one of them is from the Netherlands.
Reggae-Agenda.NL linked up with the Heights Meditation
Band to get to know them a likkle bit better. This final could
mean the definite breakthrough for this promising band. They
prove again that quality reggae music not necessarily needs to
come from Jamaica. Time will tell…
The name Heights Meditation Band is coming by more and more. A Good thing as far as we are concerned. Please tell us where you are from and for how long you’ve been playing reggae music? |
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The band was founded in Amsterdam in the fall of 2009 after the drummer Risty Collins asked the bass player Murl, who is a longtime friend of him, to join in. Soon after that Danny the lead singer joined the band by a accidental advertisement on the internet. With the arrival of Otty Rankin and Leo Tan, two acquaintances from the scene, the band received its current face and sound.
Drummer: Risty Collins
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Bassist: Murl
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Where does the name Heights Meditation come from/stands for?
The name comes from a close friend of us by the name of SHAKA. During a jam session with him, the vibes was so sweet & the reggae vibe so delicious that at a certain point he spontaneously summarized that feeling in two words: Heights Meditation!
Please introduce the band members to us:
The band members are: Leo Tan, Otty Rankin, Danny (singers), Robert (guitar), Jerry, Frits (keyboard), Risty (drums), Murl (bass)
Why reggae music and what do you love the most about this genre?
Reggae music connected us in the first place, and being the positive ppl we are, we allowed Jah to inspire us and add us to His messengers crew.
Are you into Rastafari or are you just into reggae music?
We come from different backgrounds, race & culture. However Reggae music formed selected & continues to motivate us. It has created a one love unity in & with us, that we now share with the world. What I love the most about this Genre is that it can bring different people from different nationalities in one place together. It creates the feeling of what love unity & freedom sounds like. All over the world reggae music continues to contribute in the spreading of love, friendship, expressing pain, anger, exposing the greed & tyranny of most of the world leaders out there, pleading for justice, promoting consciousness, dignity, spirituality, and so much more…
We know that Reggae music is an affective tool that has been and still is being used by many conscious, positive artists, who still live in Jah love and not just talk it! We know that it is expected of us to share and spread the goodness we all have in us, to finally experience that unity!!
The attention for reggae music is growing and alongside with it the quality of the music as well. Your band is a perfect example for this situation. Is it more important for you to play what the people want (and reach more of dem) or do you prefer to tell your message through the music?
Indeed the attention for reggae music is growing, and will continue. The reggae scene has earned that! We hope to overthrow the branding of Reggae, keeping it limited to what the mainstream is promoting. Let it not be withheld because it those not come from the mainstream, let it run free because it belongs to All who feel it and can represent it!
Is success more important than the message? … We say never, …. the message is the success, that’s the goal we want to achieve. However having both in balance and in the right combination ensures and supplies the progress. Within the group there is a certain synergy and creativity that captures our listeners & supporters. And we are pleased with the effect of our hard work & dedication.
The name comes from a close friend of us by the name of SHAKA. During a jam session with him, the vibes was so sweet & the reggae vibe so delicious that at a certain point he spontaneously summarized that feeling in two words: Heights Meditation!
Please introduce the band members to us:
The band members are: Leo Tan, Otty Rankin, Danny (singers), Robert (guitar), Jerry, Frits (keyboard), Risty (drums), Murl (bass)
Why reggae music and what do you love the most about this genre?
Reggae music connected us in the first place, and being the positive ppl we are, we allowed Jah to inspire us and add us to His messengers crew.
Are you into Rastafari or are you just into reggae music?
We come from different backgrounds, race & culture. However Reggae music formed selected & continues to motivate us. It has created a one love unity in & with us, that we now share with the world. What I love the most about this Genre is that it can bring different people from different nationalities in one place together. It creates the feeling of what love unity & freedom sounds like. All over the world reggae music continues to contribute in the spreading of love, friendship, expressing pain, anger, exposing the greed & tyranny of most of the world leaders out there, pleading for justice, promoting consciousness, dignity, spirituality, and so much more…
We know that Reggae music is an affective tool that has been and still is being used by many conscious, positive artists, who still live in Jah love and not just talk it! We know that it is expected of us to share and spread the goodness we all have in us, to finally experience that unity!!
The attention for reggae music is growing and alongside with it the quality of the music as well. Your band is a perfect example for this situation. Is it more important for you to play what the people want (and reach more of dem) or do you prefer to tell your message through the music?
Indeed the attention for reggae music is growing, and will continue. The reggae scene has earned that! We hope to overthrow the branding of Reggae, keeping it limited to what the mainstream is promoting. Let it not be withheld because it those not come from the mainstream, let it run free because it belongs to All who feel it and can represent it!
Is success more important than the message? … We say never, …. the message is the success, that’s the goal we want to achieve. However having both in balance and in the right combination ensures and supplies the progress. Within the group there is a certain synergy and creativity that captures our listeners & supporters. And we are pleased with the effect of our hard work & dedication.
Vocals: Danny
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Vocalist: Leo Tan
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Vocalist: Otty Ranking
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What was your most wicked performance so far?
You might find this difficult to believe but our most wicked performance so far was in a nursing home for old folks with bar & entertainment facilities. We were like ‘’What the Hell” but to our surprise those people danced and grooved like they were in fantasy island. It was really incredible to see what reggae music can do to and for people, especially these old folks! The gratitude on their faces was indescribable. And adding just one more was the spontaneously live collaboration and support act with Romain Virgo last march in P60 in Amstelveen, Booyah !!
What was your worst experience on stage?
When you’re on stage playing reggae music there is no worst experience (LoL hahaha). Making music is something that we are enjoying to the fullest. It’s the politics that is taking over in the music industry that creates a lot of annoyances, irritations & bad experiences.
Which artist you consider a source of inspiration and why?
Well there are soo many we can mention; it’s not only one artist. Ofcourse a lot of our inspiration comes from the Reggae genre of many different artist but inspiration has no end. As a group we managed to merge many different influences of Reggae music into our own sound & aura.
What is at your top ‘list’ for the band?
At our top list is making more sweet Reggae music, and continue to spread Jah love & light!
Name your favorite tunes (TOP 5) to perform live and why?
- Blessed: A conscious & spiritual song that helps you to stay aware of the blessings we are constantly receiving seen and unseen!
- Blaka Rowsu: A reggae version of a Surinamese love song and a tribute to one of Suriname’s legendary kaseko bands called Orchestra Washboard and their lead singer Lieve Hugo,
- Rich & Poor: A topic which unfortunately still needs to be settled. A sweet one drop with a nice interplay between drum and bass.
- Tranga Yesi: a warning to each and every one to do right because what goes around comes around. Plus the fact that this song stayed for 17 weeks in the Suriname’s “Masanga” hit chart including 3 weeks at the number 1 position. A hit chart completely determined by her listeners.
- Don’t haffi dread: a cover from the royal family of reggae “Morgan Heritage” Rasta is in the heart, not on your head. Do we have to say more?
You might find this difficult to believe but our most wicked performance so far was in a nursing home for old folks with bar & entertainment facilities. We were like ‘’What the Hell” but to our surprise those people danced and grooved like they were in fantasy island. It was really incredible to see what reggae music can do to and for people, especially these old folks! The gratitude on their faces was indescribable. And adding just one more was the spontaneously live collaboration and support act with Romain Virgo last march in P60 in Amstelveen, Booyah !!
What was your worst experience on stage?
When you’re on stage playing reggae music there is no worst experience (LoL hahaha). Making music is something that we are enjoying to the fullest. It’s the politics that is taking over in the music industry that creates a lot of annoyances, irritations & bad experiences.
Which artist you consider a source of inspiration and why?
Well there are soo many we can mention; it’s not only one artist. Ofcourse a lot of our inspiration comes from the Reggae genre of many different artist but inspiration has no end. As a group we managed to merge many different influences of Reggae music into our own sound & aura.
What is at your top ‘list’ for the band?
At our top list is making more sweet Reggae music, and continue to spread Jah love & light!
Name your favorite tunes (TOP 5) to perform live and why?
- Blessed: A conscious & spiritual song that helps you to stay aware of the blessings we are constantly receiving seen and unseen!
- Blaka Rowsu: A reggae version of a Surinamese love song and a tribute to one of Suriname’s legendary kaseko bands called Orchestra Washboard and their lead singer Lieve Hugo,
- Rich & Poor: A topic which unfortunately still needs to be settled. A sweet one drop with a nice interplay between drum and bass.
- Tranga Yesi: a warning to each and every one to do right because what goes around comes around. Plus the fact that this song stayed for 17 weeks in the Suriname’s “Masanga” hit chart including 3 weeks at the number 1 position. A hit chart completely determined by her listeners.
- Don’t haffi dread: a cover from the royal family of reggae “Morgan Heritage” Rasta is in the heart, not on your head. Do we have to say more?
Keys: Frits
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Guitar: Robert
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Keys: Jerry
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Heights Meditation about the upcoming BeneluxXL Reggae Contest finals (18-04-2015 - Tilburg)
Our expectations are humble; our focus is mesmerizing the people (and members of the jury) with our music and energy. Furthermore we are proud to be representing the Netherlands for this contest (Bless)
Have you ever been to Jamaica, and if so what did you think of it? Did it live up to your expectations?
Only our bass player has ever been to Jamaica and the experience he had was mind-blowing. It’s a place for true reggae lovers, especially for musicians. He visited some of the most legendary recording studios and listened to numerous recordings made there. But that’s no surprise right?, it's the birthplace of reggae music, and it’s on our list of places to go, so time will tell …
Which artist you feel everybody should listen to now and then?
The great late Robert Nesta Marley
What do you expect of the BeneluxXL Reggae Contest 2015 and are you doing any extra preparations?
Our expectations are humble; our focus is mesmerizing the people (and members of the jury) with our music and energy. Furthermore we are proud to be representing the Netherlands for this contest. (Bless)
Are there any recent releases the people should keep a special eye out for?
As mentioned earlier in this interview, our CD “The System” came out a few months ago and we hope the people love & feel it like we do. Just pick a tune, it's a album for everyone.
What can we expect in the near future from the Heights Meditation Band?
More conscious sweet Reggae music, and more performances so you can come and njoy.
Any shows coming up (next to the BRC Finals on the 18th of April) where the people can see the Heights Meditation Band?
Just to mention a few: may 16th :reggae Maastricht (in De Hiemel) Tribute to Bob Marley night. may 22th: “Irie Altstadt Reggae Returns” (Café Altstadt Eindhoven). June 6th: Stage music Café Eindhoven. july 25th: “Reuring aan Zee” festival, Katwijk (Keys West). And for more to come, just link up to: www.reggae-agenda.nl and you’ll be informed!
What do you think of www.reggae-agenda.nl?
It's a blessing for all Reggae artist in the Netherlands and in particular for those who support the Reggae scene against all odds. A real usefull guide, tool, and online service for all reggae events in the Benelux.
Any last words for our visitors/your fans?
First of all thanks to the Almighty Jah/Yah/God for the power and strength of Reggae music, the Reggae musicians (local & abroad) who contribute & give their best to support, produce & entertain in keeping Reggae music alive. More love, power, strength, perseverance & unity. Bless to the faithful fans of Heights Meditation, we luv uno!!
It’s impossible to mention each and everyone but in particular we would like to give a special shout too:
Cafe the Zen Amsterdam, Reggae Movement, empress dj Donna Lee, dj Rowstone, Bunn Riley and of course special thanks to The Reggae Agenda for giving us this opportunity.
Bless.
Website: www.heightsmeditationband.com
Facebook: Heights Meditation Band
Only our bass player has ever been to Jamaica and the experience he had was mind-blowing. It’s a place for true reggae lovers, especially for musicians. He visited some of the most legendary recording studios and listened to numerous recordings made there. But that’s no surprise right?, it's the birthplace of reggae music, and it’s on our list of places to go, so time will tell …
Which artist you feel everybody should listen to now and then?
The great late Robert Nesta Marley
What do you expect of the BeneluxXL Reggae Contest 2015 and are you doing any extra preparations?
Our expectations are humble; our focus is mesmerizing the people (and members of the jury) with our music and energy. Furthermore we are proud to be representing the Netherlands for this contest. (Bless)
Are there any recent releases the people should keep a special eye out for?
As mentioned earlier in this interview, our CD “The System” came out a few months ago and we hope the people love & feel it like we do. Just pick a tune, it's a album for everyone.
What can we expect in the near future from the Heights Meditation Band?
More conscious sweet Reggae music, and more performances so you can come and njoy.
Any shows coming up (next to the BRC Finals on the 18th of April) where the people can see the Heights Meditation Band?
Just to mention a few: may 16th :reggae Maastricht (in De Hiemel) Tribute to Bob Marley night. may 22th: “Irie Altstadt Reggae Returns” (Café Altstadt Eindhoven). June 6th: Stage music Café Eindhoven. july 25th: “Reuring aan Zee” festival, Katwijk (Keys West). And for more to come, just link up to: www.reggae-agenda.nl and you’ll be informed!
What do you think of www.reggae-agenda.nl?
It's a blessing for all Reggae artist in the Netherlands and in particular for those who support the Reggae scene against all odds. A real usefull guide, tool, and online service for all reggae events in the Benelux.
Any last words for our visitors/your fans?
First of all thanks to the Almighty Jah/Yah/God for the power and strength of Reggae music, the Reggae musicians (local & abroad) who contribute & give their best to support, produce & entertain in keeping Reggae music alive. More love, power, strength, perseverance & unity. Bless to the faithful fans of Heights Meditation, we luv uno!!
It’s impossible to mention each and everyone but in particular we would like to give a special shout too:
Cafe the Zen Amsterdam, Reggae Movement, empress dj Donna Lee, dj Rowstone, Bunn Riley and of course special thanks to The Reggae Agenda for giving us this opportunity.
Bless.
Website: www.heightsmeditationband.com
Facebook: Heights Meditation Band
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Partners:
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business:about use-mail:info@reggae-agenda.nl
Productie:I-reMedia Leoninusstraat 31 6821EN, Arnhem |
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