"Whatever your dream is, just get up and go for it!"
- COVER DRIVE
Cover Drive is the four-piece Caribpop Bajan band who describe themselves as "four friends from a basement in Barbados doing it Bajan Style!" Their insatiable talent and witty personalities combined with their humility and never-give-up attitude is what sets them apart from other up and coming acts.
It was back in 2012 that I first fell in love with the soultry stylings of Cover Drive, thanks to a friend who introduced me to their hits, "Twilight" and "Sparks." Since breaking out onto the music scene, particularly in the UK, they've shared the stage with UK-grime rapper (and one of my personal fave artists ever) Dappy, Pop boy group JLS, Kelly Clarkson and not to mention, their debut stage performance opening up for fellow Bajan princess, RIHANNA!
It was back in 2012 that I first fell in love with the soultry stylings of Cover Drive, thanks to a friend who introduced me to their hits, "Twilight" and "Sparks." Since breaking out onto the music scene, particularly in the UK, they've shared the stage with UK-grime rapper (and one of my personal fave artists ever) Dappy, Pop boy group JLS, Kelly Clarkson and not to mention, their debut stage performance opening up for fellow Bajan princess, RIHANNA!
OL: How important and possibly how hard is it to stay true to your Caribbean identities in this typically homogenized industry?
It’s always been very natural and important for us to represent our culture through music. We used to say that when people heard our music we wanted them to feel as though they were ‘at a beach party in Barbados’. Anyone who has listened to our records will know that we are influenced by other genres as well but our Caribbean influences are the most consistent and prominent. We make pop music and it is sometimes hard to swim against the current. Some people still don't understand why we don't make more 'familiar' pop records what we do is influenced by who we are. There's no changing that.
It’s always been very natural and important for us to represent our culture through music. We used to say that when people heard our music we wanted them to feel as though they were ‘at a beach party in Barbados’. Anyone who has listened to our records will know that we are influenced by other genres as well but our Caribbean influences are the most consistent and prominent. We make pop music and it is sometimes hard to swim against the current. Some people still don't understand why we don't make more 'familiar' pop records what we do is influenced by who we are. There's no changing that.
9. What has been your toughest experience since entering this competitive industry and what do you think you guys have learnt from it?
The hardest part about our journey so far has been our relationship changes outside of the industry. People always say this industry changes people but no one ever tells you which people it changes. We've learnt how blessed we are to have each other.
10. You don't often see Caribbean musicians making the international waves and having the level of success that Cover Drive has had; what is the message that CD would share with aspiring West Indian artists and fans?
Whatever your dream is, just get up and go for it!
A: I’m always flattered when someone thinks of me as beautiful! Every woman wants to hear that from time to time. I must admit there was a point when I felt like that was all anyone seemed to be interested in and it frustrated me but there are worse things to be known for! I've learnt that people will focus on what they choose to focus on, it doesn't mean the rest of you doesn't exist. You have to know your value for yourself.
"If you're afraid, you're usable." - Eddy Grant
OL: Who was the most inspiring or influential meet for you guys personally & as a band?
Eddy Grant. Even after all he has accomplished he is still one of the most down to earth people we know and that speaks volumes of his character. The stories and advice he's shared give us strength to stay true to who we are as artists and individuals. 'If you're afraid, you're usable.' I always remember that piece of advice and repeat it to myself whenever
I feel fear or doubt creeping on. Never make a decision out of fear.
Eddy Grant. Even after all he has accomplished he is still one of the most down to earth people we know and that speaks volumes of his character. The stories and advice he's shared give us strength to stay true to who we are as artists and individuals. 'If you're afraid, you're usable.' I always remember that piece of advice and repeat it to myself whenever
I feel fear or doubt creeping on. Never make a decision out of fear.
"They inspire me: as long as I'm alive, I should be learning." - Kerrie
OL: This question goes to Mumager! You are probably the ONE person who knows the members of the band the best, having brought them together in the first place; What can you say about CD's journey from just four kids in a Bajan basement to where they are now in terms of growth and overall changes in attitude?
Kerrie: Wow! It has been an adventure! The guys are so committed to growth that everything they experience - both good and bad - has taught them a valuable lesson about the business, about life and about themselves. It is a real treat to be a part of their journey and to be able to see them maturing and evolving up close. I continue to marvel at their resilience and their dedication to realizing their vision. I love that they call each other higher and support each other through everything. They genuinely love each other. I get excited watching them take on challenges, because they are always looking for the lesson. They inspire me to embrace change and challenges in a way reminds me that, as long as I am alive, I should be learning. |
OL: Can you guys identify any differences in terms of the reception you receive by audiences in Barbados, the UK and the United States?
CD: They are all so different and that’s what we love about traveling and touring. The UK is where we first released our music and where we have had the majority of our chart success so we’re always received with manic energy over there. It is our home away from home and there is a comfort in seeing and playing for our fans. They’ve become our crazy extended family and we love it. Bajans are a tough audience. I remember being terrified the first time we stepped in front of a Bajan audience. It was our first live performance and we didn’t know what to expect since we had heard that there was some unrest about an unknown band of kids opening for Rihanna. The people in the audience who did know us had never seen us in this role before so I guess they didn’t know what to expect either but man did we have a good time on that stage! There was a moment when we were having such much fun that we didn’t care anymore what people were expecting and I think that was the moment Barbados embraced us.
CD: They are all so different and that’s what we love about traveling and touring. The UK is where we first released our music and where we have had the majority of our chart success so we’re always received with manic energy over there. It is our home away from home and there is a comfort in seeing and playing for our fans. They’ve become our crazy extended family and we love it. Bajans are a tough audience. I remember being terrified the first time we stepped in front of a Bajan audience. It was our first live performance and we didn’t know what to expect since we had heard that there was some unrest about an unknown band of kids opening for Rihanna. The people in the audience who did know us had never seen us in this role before so I guess they didn’t know what to expect either but man did we have a good time on that stage! There was a moment when we were having such much fun that we didn’t care anymore what people were expecting and I think that was the moment Barbados embraced us.
"Never make a decision out of fear." - Cover Drive
A year and a half later we played our own show to a Bajan audience of about 5000 people and that has to be one of our most memorable performances to date. Our bajan fans are just as passionate as our UK fans now and there is nothing like receiving that love and energy from your home audience.
The U.S college tour has been unlike any tour we've done so far. It keeps us on our toes as performers. One day we're performing for 2000 people and the next 100, another day we're playing on a giant football field, the next a theater and sometimes even a cafe. The thing that grabs us the most about this tour is the fact that most of the time the audience doesn't know who we are or hasn't even heard our music so it's an opportunity to win over new fans the authentic old school way; through our music, by sharing our story and by being ourselves. It's a challenge we can't resist. It's such a rewarding feeling playing for an audience who doesn't know you and leaving with new fans. Sometimes we meet already existing fans at the colleges and it is so motivating to know our music has reached and impacted them in the way that it has. The best part about these shows is that there is a freedom to experiment and present another side of Cover Drive which we don't always get to do when performing for audiences who already know us.
The U.S college tour has been unlike any tour we've done so far. It keeps us on our toes as performers. One day we're performing for 2000 people and the next 100, another day we're playing on a giant football field, the next a theater and sometimes even a cafe. The thing that grabs us the most about this tour is the fact that most of the time the audience doesn't know who we are or hasn't even heard our music so it's an opportunity to win over new fans the authentic old school way; through our music, by sharing our story and by being ourselves. It's a challenge we can't resist. It's such a rewarding feeling playing for an audience who doesn't know you and leaving with new fans. Sometimes we meet already existing fans at the colleges and it is so motivating to know our music has reached and impacted them in the way that it has. The best part about these shows is that there is a freedom to experiment and present another side of Cover Drive which we don't always get to do when performing for audiences who already know us.
"People always say this industry changes people but
no one ever tells you which people it changes." - Cover Drive
F U N F A C T S WITH C O V E R D R I V E
Dream Collaborations
No Doubt, The Smeezingtons, Ed Sheeran and Damian Marley!
B A J A N S T Y L E
Bajan is another word we like to use for Barbadian and Bajan Style is what we use to describe Cover Drive's life style. A feel good life full of positivity, authenticity, and island vibes.
The song that best captures the “essence” of CD
Without a doubt that would be 'Welcome To Me'. That song describes us perfectly.
C E L E B R I T Y C R U S H E S
Nasri from Magic! His voice just does something to Amanda!
The guys still cannot get enough of Rihanna!
Stay tuned to their YouTube channel WeAreCoverDrive
to see their Weekend Lime episodes every Friday.
to see their Weekend Lime episodes every Friday.
"Four friends from a basement in Barbados" now bringing the island heat to their international CD Fielders.
That's #OneLove.
Check out their latest music video, "Love Junkie"
Don't forget to check out ONE LOVE on Facebook!