Wax Lyrical with Richie Culture

 

Photographer - unknown

Island music and has always found its way into the UK’s music hotspots since ska and rocksteady first emerged onto the scene. As reggae evolved from these early Jamaican styles, the British youth found themselves swept up in bass culture and the dance-inducing pop tones of lovers-rock reggae, as well as the combative militancy of the likes of Linton Kwesi Johnson and Peter Tosh, who’s protest songs soundtracked the Windrush generation’s sons and daughters’ struggle against police oppression. Areas populated by kids of West Indian descent during the late seventies and early eighties – Brixton, Hansworth - latched onto this invasion of reggae, which influenced a subculture of first-generation British born West Indians to emulate the sounds of their favourite Jamaican artists. While London’s Ashwad and Matumbi were products of this new musical movement, Birmingham was birthing the likes of the legendary Steel Pulse, Musical Youth, UB40 and The Beat, bands who’s skanking rhythms and sweet vocal harmonies enticed the youth while using words of consciousness to spread equality and fight the Babylon system.

Some forty years on, the Midlands reggae scene does not exist with the same assertive, empowering stance that it once did. Through various changes in subculture and popular musical genres, as well as less prolific rates in police brutality and racial discrimination, the voice of reggae no longer bellows as loud as it once did – but that’s not to say that it ceases to remain. Young Culture and their eminent frontman (and solo artist) Richie Culture are flying the flag for Jah music in the twenty-first century, and Richie’s larger-than-life energy and cosmic lyricism does not fall on deaf ears. As it was in the heyday of British reggae, Richie’s message of unity, peace and good vibes are still as relevant as ever. Though differing thematically to the racially-motivated, raised-fist words and attitude of the likes of Steel Pulse, Richie’s songs project the same levels of power and influence, inciting positivity and togetherness through his lyrics. With its foundations in roots reggae, his solo songs are decorated with a plethora of dubbed out production techniques and dancehall inspired drums and bass. Richie’s ability to toy with the experimentalism of dub, the catchiness of roots, the feistiness of toasting and the invigorating rhythms of Calypso and Reggaeton produces a new type of all-encompassing reggae music that appeals to a vast array of people, regardless of age or musical preference. His promising discography sits at an intersection of contemporary crossover reggae, sonically quite close to the tones of Chronixx, Damien Marley or Alborosie, albeit with a closer connection to traditional roots. Richie’s vocals are the centre point of each track, forming the memorable melodies that make each song what they are. His ability to play around with voicings and flirt with high pitches, such as on the recent ‘Special Lady’, is a throwback to the singing style of reggae and dancehall luminaries like Barrington Levy and Buccaneer, all the while being exclusively unique and recognisable as his stylistic pioneer.

As prevalent as Richie’s tendency is to meld one-drop rhythms with uncanny Jamaican basslines in his own songs, his record collection spans a rich accumulation of musical influences, from contemporary NY hip-hop to neo-soul to slack and ragga. I caught up with the Young Culture vocalist to Wax Lyrical on the records that shaped his life in music.

The first album that you ever brought?

-Coldplay – ‘X&Y’.

The first record you heard that spiked your interest in music?

-Bob Marley and the Wailers – ‘Exodus’.

Your style is a blend of dub, roots and everything in between. Who has influenced the writing, production and instrumentation of your work the most?

-I’d say my influence comes from a wide range of artists, like Bob Marley and the Wailers, Sizzla, Capelton and Damien Marley are big influences to name a few.

Latest single ‘Stay Strong’ is an ultimately positive track that blends classical roots influences with dubbed out effects and reggeaton-style drums. Any songs or albums that you looked to as a reference for the framework of ‘Stay Strong’?

-First and foremost give thanks for the kind word, I’m glad you are fully enjoying it. I wouldn’t say any major influences, but at the time I was listening to a lot of early dancehall. I remember Josey Wales – ‘The Outlaw’ being on repeat so maybe that sparked some vibes.

An artist who’s production is always on point?

-I’m a big fan of Katchafire’s production.

An album that stands out in your record collection for not being outside of your usual music taste?

-I like Anderson Paak – ‘Malibu’.

Which album in particular would you regard as one woven with genius lyricism?

-Joey Badass – ‘2000’.

An artist who’s discography you could listen to above anyone else’s?

-Damien Marley.

 

Check out ‘Stay Strong’ out NOW on all major music platforms