This track is riding a musical tidal wave that producers like Major Lazer can recognize and bring to those who have their musical ears rooted with the vibe of the people.This musical style, this new Soca vibe is in its experimental stage but has already been accepted in Europe. Bunji's charisma will eventually sway the Caribbean massive to accept this new flow.
Bunji is a lyrical master but I sensed a very reserved/relaxed singing style even though he makes a strong statement with his lyrics and the vibe of this track! Let's see how the people respond to this new Soca Vision.
Press Release:
"Major Lazer and Kubiyashi teamed up to do this track, performed by the 'man who knows no boundaries', Bunji Garlin. "It's a Carnival" is self explanatory, and when these musically gifted people come together its nothing but good times, and vibes - literally a carnival."
Yup, this is the one that was expected to be released next week but guess what... they dropped the song on the heels of Machel Montano's new song, 'Happiest Man Alive' that was released yesterday (11.01.13). Bunji Garlin is taking Soca music to a new level with a shift in musical style but staying true to the festival vibe. Call it contemporary Soca but traditional Soca music will never be the same with 'The Viking leading the transformation'. The producers working with Bunji have added a little of this and that but but Bunji has kept the lyrical content focused on what feting and Carnival is all about - pure vibez!
Major Lazer's style can be easily recognized on this one and those who follow Kubiyashi will quickly recognize his style imprinted on the music but, truth be told, it is really all about the Viking of Soca... Ian "Bunji Garlin" Alvarez. I especially like they way the team ended the song in the closing seconds when Bunji sings acapella 'and then yuh dip so like calypso". Sweeet! I will add this song to my Zune Player, once it becomes available, but let's be honest... this is not a Carnival jam this is a Club wrecker!
Now, after all that I have said above, we have to get our hands dirty regarding this song and how it may impact Trinidad and Tobago's carnival. To be honest I will clearly state that this is not a carnival vibe, unless of course, there is a secret formula, concocted in Mother Corn husk's lab, to change 'what is and what should be' carnival music. Then again, if you think about Major Lazer's impact on music today then this song is not really intended for Trinidad's Carnival but was conveniently released at this time because it is a good way to introduce Bunji's new song to the wider World. Not that is the key here... "Wider World" and "World Wide Web"!
This song has a club vibe to it with Bunji voice to add the Caribbean flavor. Yes there are some segments with Caribbean flavor licks interspersed in the music but clearly not a true carnival vibe. Some people have mentioned that they expect this song to hit over one million views on YouTube by the end of November... maybe, but if that happens it will be because Major Lazer made it happen in NA and Europe. This song will not resonate in the Caribbean - it will lead to confusion (Soca, not Soca what is it?) and be labeled a novelty track.
Addendum:
I have to admit that the more I listen to the song the more I am liking it... gosh I have a feeling that before long people will be going crazy over this song.... Julianspromos released a YouTube video of the song and the hits are mounting quickly! Watch out people I guess Bunji has a hit on his hand!
Production Notes:
Title: It's A Carnival
Written by: Ian Alvarez
Performed by: Ian "Bunji Garlin" Alvarez
Female vocals by: Danielle "Daneel" Veira
Produced by: Thomas Wesley Pentz (Diplo) & Alex Barnwell (Kubiyashi)
Mixed & Mastered by: Keron Hector (Scratchmaster - Barbados)
Listen Link #1
Its A Carnival - Bunji Galin
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Listen Link (Soundcloud/kubiyashi) #2
Listen Link (Soundcloud/kubiyashi) #2
OK, this one is for the real 'Soca Massive', here is the lyrical video compliments of CaribKaraoke... now you can sing along with the Viking and have lots of fun at the same time.
