Reggae · August 22, 2007
EXCLUSIVE: Surforeggae interviews Clinton Fearon, former member of the legendary The Gladiators!
A highly respected artist with unquestionable musical creative qualities: Clinton Fearon, former member of the group The Gladiators and curr
A highly respected artist with unquestionable musical creative qualities: Clinton Fearon, former member of the group The Gladiators and currently enjoying a very successful solo career, was interviewed by Surforeggae and spoke a little about his past, present and future. See how that conversation went in this exclusive interview.
Rafael: Greetings, Clinton! As one of Jamaica's legends, and one of the most experienced reggae musicians of all time, what do you think of the reggae movement today ?
Clinton: I think reggae has lost a little of its roots, but I truly hope it picks them back up again at some point down the road.
Rafael: Tell us a little about your beginnings in music and the evolution you see in Clinton Fearon from your early days compared with who you are today.
Clinton: I have learned a lot and I keep learning. In the beginning, as you have already shown you know, I spent 18 years with the group The Gladiators, and I did many recordings for other artists and producers, and now I am producing for myself. Today, I am very happy to be able to write, record and produce my own music the way I always wanted. In the past I felt as if I were trapped, because I always had to play bass all the time and did not have the opportunity to make my own music, but now I can truly explore my creativity.
Rafael: Does it bother you when people call you “Ex-Gladiators” ? Tell us a little about the decision to leave the group and invest in a solo career. Did your family support you in that sense ? Talk a little about the difficulties you had and everything else related to it.
Clinton: I do not mind when people call me “Ex-Gladiators” as long as they recognize me for what I do now. Although it was very hard, I have great respect for my past, because that is where I learned a lot. In other words, my past helped me become who I am today and be where I am now. Regarding my decision to leave the Gladiators, I think the previous question already gives a sense of the reason. I left the group because I truly felt quite limited. And yes, my family gave me full support in that difficult decision.
Rafael: You have been to Brazil before. Do you have any special memory of our country ?
Clinton: One thing I remember and cannot forget is the warmth and kindness of all the Brazilians I met.
Rafael: Do you know Brazilian music ? What do you think about it ? Is there any group or singer you appreciate ?
Clinton: I do not know much Brazilian music, however I find the dance very energetic, lively and carrying a funny and lovely feeling. The little I know of Brazilian music leads me to think the same way: it has the same kind of energy we see in the dance, positive!
Rafael: Do you have projects to record with other artists ? For example, a song with your former group or any other singer or band ?
Clinton: No. I have not really thought about that.
Rafael: What do you think of the new generation of Reggae artists ? And what do you think of the invasion of ragga and dancehall ?
Clinton: Speaking about the new generation, there are some good ones and some bad ones, as in any musical style. About ragga and dancehall, I simply do not listen with enthusiasm and prefer not to make a judgment. I am always busy creating my own music.
Rafael: Do you think Reggae is music discriminated against by the media ? Why ?
Clinton: I really feel that it is, in some cases. But I do not blame the media 100% for that. I still think that we as reggae artists and musicians are partly responsible.
Rafael: Tell us a little about your plans for the future. What are you preparing for your fans ?
Clinton: I am working on a DUB album, and I am very happy with it. It should possibly be coming out at the end of this year, or at the beginning of the next. As for the immediate future, I am very eager to play in Brazil again.
Rafael: Clinton, thank you very much for the opportunity. I hope you liked the questions. Send a message to Surforeggae visitors and to your fans.
Clinton: My message is simple: whatever you are going to do in life, whatever it may be, always try to find time to do what you love! To my fans, come to my show (laughs). Much peace to everyone...
Click here and watch Clinton Fearon live with "Chatty Chatty Mouth".
THE INTERVIEW
Rafael: Greetings, Clinton! As one of Jamaica's legends, and one of the most experienced reggae musicians of all time, what do you think of the reggae movement today ?
Clinton: I think reggae has lost a little of its roots, but I truly hope it picks them back up again at some point down the road.
Rafael: Tell us a little about your beginnings in music and the evolution you see in Clinton Fearon from your early days compared with who you are today.
Clinton: I have learned a lot and I keep learning. In the beginning, as you have already shown you know, I spent 18 years with the group The Gladiators, and I did many recordings for other artists and producers, and now I am producing for myself. Today, I am very happy to be able to write, record and produce my own music the way I always wanted. In the past I felt as if I were trapped, because I always had to play bass all the time and did not have the opportunity to make my own music, but now I can truly explore my creativity.
Rafael: Does it bother you when people call you “Ex-Gladiators” ? Tell us a little about the decision to leave the group and invest in a solo career. Did your family support you in that sense ? Talk a little about the difficulties you had and everything else related to it.
Clinton: I do not mind when people call me “Ex-Gladiators” as long as they recognize me for what I do now. Although it was very hard, I have great respect for my past, because that is where I learned a lot. In other words, my past helped me become who I am today and be where I am now. Regarding my decision to leave the Gladiators, I think the previous question already gives a sense of the reason. I left the group because I truly felt quite limited. And yes, my family gave me full support in that difficult decision.
Rafael: You have been to Brazil before. Do you have any special memory of our country ?
Clinton: One thing I remember and cannot forget is the warmth and kindness of all the Brazilians I met.
Rafael: Do you know Brazilian music ? What do you think about it ? Is there any group or singer you appreciate ?
Clinton: I do not know much Brazilian music, however I find the dance very energetic, lively and carrying a funny and lovely feeling. The little I know of Brazilian music leads me to think the same way: it has the same kind of energy we see in the dance, positive!
Rafael: Do you have projects to record with other artists ? For example, a song with your former group or any other singer or band ?
Clinton: No. I have not really thought about that.
Rafael: What do you think of the new generation of Reggae artists ? And what do you think of the invasion of ragga and dancehall ?
Clinton: Speaking about the new generation, there are some good ones and some bad ones, as in any musical style. About ragga and dancehall, I simply do not listen with enthusiasm and prefer not to make a judgment. I am always busy creating my own music.
Rafael: Do you think Reggae is music discriminated against by the media ? Why ?
Clinton: I really feel that it is, in some cases. But I do not blame the media 100% for that. I still think that we as reggae artists and musicians are partly responsible.
Rafael: Tell us a little about your plans for the future. What are you preparing for your fans ?
Clinton: I am working on a DUB album, and I am very happy with it. It should possibly be coming out at the end of this year, or at the beginning of the next. As for the immediate future, I am very eager to play in Brazil again.
Rafael: Clinton, thank you very much for the opportunity. I hope you liked the questions. Send a message to Surforeggae visitors and to your fans.
Clinton: My message is simple: whatever you are going to do in life, whatever it may be, always try to find time to do what you love! To my fans, come to my show (laughs). Much peace to everyone...
MULTIMEDIA
Click here and watch Clinton Fearon live with "Chatty Chatty Mouth".Category
#Reggae