Exodus HD has left an undeniable stamp on Anguilla's music scene, and the band's success during Anguilla Summer Festival 2015 is only proof of this. With three back-to-back Road March titles behind them, the band members have set their sights on the regional and international market. Read more as Tyrone "Latest" Brooks reflects on the significance of the band's Road March title this year, shares his thoughts on band talk, and predicts the future for Anguilla Summer Festival 2016.
You can't leave home without making up your bed. We've set a standard in Anguilla, and looking back at where we were starting out, the country has now accepted us, and now it's time to take our music overseas and to the world.
Shanice: Before we take a look back, you dropped a new single "Iz a Problem" at the end of October. Tell us more about it.
Latest: "Iz A Problem" was recorded on our Thrillogy album that we put out this year. We didn't get a chance to push the single on social media during the season, but right now we're putting it out into the world and at everyone's fingertips. It was done in Barbados by Scratch Master. Arrangements were done at Evolution Studio by the man himself, Hodgie. The vocals were done by myself. I think this song has great potential. A lot of people can relate to it especially when they get in the party zone. I think this is the perfect song going forward and using you as an avenue to move forward is the perfect vibes to go through also.
What does being a three time back-to-back Road March champion mean to Exodus HD, especially when you reflect on the early days of the band?
Being apart of that is like securing a place in history. It grants us the opportunity to go out there regionally and internationally. You can't leave home without making up your bed. We've set a standard in Anguilla, and looking back at where we were starting out, the country has now accepted us, and now it's time to take our music overseas and to the world. To me, it means a whole lot.
Latest: "Iz A Problem" was recorded on our Thrillogy album that we put out this year. We didn't get a chance to push the single on social media during the season, but right now we're putting it out into the world and at everyone's fingertips. It was done in Barbados by Scratch Master. Arrangements were done at Evolution Studio by the man himself, Hodgie. The vocals were done by myself. I think this song has great potential. A lot of people can relate to it especially when they get in the party zone. I think this is the perfect song going forward and using you as an avenue to move forward is the perfect vibes to go through also.
What does being a three time back-to-back Road March champion mean to Exodus HD, especially when you reflect on the early days of the band?
Being apart of that is like securing a place in history. It grants us the opportunity to go out there regionally and internationally. You can't leave home without making up your bed. We've set a standard in Anguilla, and looking back at where we were starting out, the country has now accepted us, and now it's time to take our music overseas and to the world. To me, it means a whole lot.
Given the tremendous success of singles like "Wash & Rinse" and "Swing Party," was there a lot of pressure preparing for the 2015 season?
We always work on our energy and string up the public and the community, and we try to give them what they want to hear. We try our best to make the music well rounded so it can have an international appeal and everyone can relate to it. With the support of the people on the island, the fans, and the people in the studio, it wasn't so much trouble preparing for the season. We had tremendous help all around right here in Rainbow City.
Naturally there's always a lot of discussion about music during carnival time. How do you react to band talk? Do you pay attention to it at all?
I don't really take it on, but I like the vibes because it motivates you and puts you in that mindset for competition time. I'm always down for it because it fills The Village and makes carnival exciting. It makes people want to come over from St. Maarten. It makes us as musicians try harder to create a proper product to push for carnival. I take it for motivation and make sure that when I come out, no one can say anything because we're on top.
You have a new addition to the band. What do you think Frankie adds to the dynamic of the team?
He adds charisma, swag, and energy. We always look for the next big thing and look to connect with young people so what he brings is something we had all the time but from a different angle.
What has post carnival life been like for you?
It's definitely been great. A lot of events. A lot of work. A lot of chatter still. It's been good, just busy, busy, busy.
Looking at the scope of the music scene in the Caribbean, what do you believe Anguillian artists contribute to the market and how can we push our music beyond our borders?
Every island has a different style, so our piece is a piece of the pie. For Exodus, to get our music out there globally, we're working on videos. We're using social media and making it easy for anyone who wants to contact the band for gigs. So yes, we play a unique role in soca music because Anguilla brings its own flavor to the scene.
Finish this sentence: In 2016, Exodus HD will...
Win Road March again!
Every island has a different style, so our piece is a piece of the pie. For Exodus, to get our music out there globally, we're working on videos. We're using social media and making it easy for anyone who wants to contact the band for gigs. So yes, we play a unique role in soca music because Anguilla brings its own flavor to the scene.
Finish this sentence: In 2016, Exodus HD will...
Win Road March again!
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Website: exodushd.com
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