For decades the sweet sounds of Caribbean Reggae have captured the hearts of millions around the world. The likes of Bob Marley and the Wailers helped pave the way during the 60's and 70's for the future of reggae, as they took Europe and environs by storm and left a legacy that still thrills many of us today.
Now, Caleb "Bravehart" Hart (left), Al Peterson (right) and Adam Paananen (center) have started their own journey of spreading the warmth of the Caribbean worldwide as Tasman Jude. Their catchphrase "Take Yuh To The Islands" is just one of the many TJ things that connects this humble ensemble and what they represent; to their varied audiences. This band based in Canada has not even had its 2nd Birthday and has already shared the stage with reggae and dancehall stars such as Beenie Man, Jah Cure and Glen Washington, among others! Bravehart was kind enough to be part of "Ten Q's with Tasman Jude", in which he gave the details of what the group is all about, their inspirations, their aspirations and of course, what's next for the dynamite trio. |
"No tricks, no routines, just a bunch of guys doing music that they love for the God that they love and people that they love."
10 Q's with Tasman Jude
1. What was the main motivation for starting up this band?
I'd say the main motivation for starting this band was to use my talents and gifts to spread positivity and truth to the World while allowing people to enjoy good music.
2. What were some challenges you faced in heading a Reggae band in Grand Prairie, Canada?
The initial challenge was proving that we're more than just your typical 'Reggae' band. It didn't take long for people to listen to the lyrics and music, embrace the diversity that it brings and support the movement! We owe a lot of our success to the support of the people of Grande Prairie.
3. From what I've seen, TJ prides itself on promoting love and unity among all peoples. Has becoming part of this tricky music industry ever threatened these core principles?
The single most important thing in this life is love. As long as you stay true to that, no industry or hater can stop you or hold you back. It can only get tricky if we allow them to trick us. We won't.
I'd say the main motivation for starting this band was to use my talents and gifts to spread positivity and truth to the World while allowing people to enjoy good music.
2. What were some challenges you faced in heading a Reggae band in Grand Prairie, Canada?
The initial challenge was proving that we're more than just your typical 'Reggae' band. It didn't take long for people to listen to the lyrics and music, embrace the diversity that it brings and support the movement! We owe a lot of our success to the support of the people of Grande Prairie.
3. From what I've seen, TJ prides itself on promoting love and unity among all peoples. Has becoming part of this tricky music industry ever threatened these core principles?
The single most important thing in this life is love. As long as you stay true to that, no industry or hater can stop you or hold you back. It can only get tricky if we allow them to trick us. We won't.
Frontman Caleb was raised on the beautiful twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, just seven miles off of Venezuela, where his soulful music upbringing almost foreshadowed his future works.
He credits his childhood in Tobago for molding him into the man he is today, "I always say that Tobago molded me and Canada launched me." He went on to say that Tobago taught him a lot and noted that his parents, teachers and friends on the island are the ones who gave him the support he needed during his "rebellious times".
He credits his childhood in Tobago for molding him into the man he is today, "I always say that Tobago molded me and Canada launched me." He went on to say that Tobago taught him a lot and noted that his parents, teachers and friends on the island are the ones who gave him the support he needed during his "rebellious times".
I love my culture. The Caribbean is just so incredible.
4. How important is it connecting and spreading your love for culture with people all around the world? I love my culture. The Caribbean is just so incredible. Everywhere that I go, people ask me, "Why would you leave paradise to come here?' And I respond - "I came to bring the love of my paradise to you!" Both countries that I've toured (Canada & Australia) have such wide varieties of culture. I get to experience cultures from so many different countries and even parts of countries. I love it! I know how to say basic greetings 'Thank You' and 'Please' in 9 different languages because of it and it puts a smile on people's faces. |
5. Who would be Tasman Jude's dream collaboration?
I think Tasman Jude's dream collaborations would be DAMIAN MARLEY, COLDPLAY and MATISYAHU.
I'd say, as a band, they are probably the most influential to our sound, vibe and message.
I think Tasman Jude's dream collaborations would be DAMIAN MARLEY, COLDPLAY and MATISYAHU.
I'd say, as a band, they are probably the most influential to our sound, vibe and message.
6. What's your favourite song to perform and why?
Picking a favourite song is like asking a parent to choose their favourite child, the answer should be ALL! However, songs are a lot less important than humans! Haha, I think my favourite song that we do is Rejoicin'! It's one of the first songs we ever wrote - it's soulful, lyrical and unifying. Even though it's one of our more simple sounding tunes, it's a favourite everywhere that we go; whether there are 10 or 10000 in the crowd.
7. For someone who has never heard TJ's music, what's one thing you would tell them about your sound?
TJ's sound is very versatile. Our live performance goes from a mellow Roots/Soul/Reggae feel all the way up to a World/Soca dancing vibe. So, I always say, we do "Music of love that takes you to the Islands..."
Picking a favourite song is like asking a parent to choose their favourite child, the answer should be ALL! However, songs are a lot less important than humans! Haha, I think my favourite song that we do is Rejoicin'! It's one of the first songs we ever wrote - it's soulful, lyrical and unifying. Even though it's one of our more simple sounding tunes, it's a favourite everywhere that we go; whether there are 10 or 10000 in the crowd.
7. For someone who has never heard TJ's music, what's one thing you would tell them about your sound?
TJ's sound is very versatile. Our live performance goes from a mellow Roots/Soul/Reggae feel all the way up to a World/Soca dancing vibe. So, I always say, we do "Music of love that takes you to the Islands..."
8. If you had to choose one person who inspires you personally or TJ artistically, who would that be and why?
My inspiration on this earth can't be limited to one person. My mother and father are the first two and everyone who I've met that shares the same heart as me, are the rest. Artistically, as a band, I think question 9 answers that quite well. However, we have a sound that many have never heard. It's new, it's fresh, it's beautiful.
9. Regrettably, I missed your performance alongside Reggae superstars Jah Cure and Glen Washington. What was it like sharing the stage with these artists at such a show in Tobago of all places?
It was a huge honour to join Gardah Knight on stage opening for Jah Cure & Glen Washington. All those men have been very influential in my love and passion for Reggae Music. However, I look forward to bringing Tasman Jude to Tobago to show my friends and family what Canada and Australia are raving about.
10. What's next for Tasman Jude?
What's next for Tasman Jude? Anything. Everything. Releasing an Album in September, touring Canada in September, October and November, then hopefully flying to T&T to do some shows. 2015 is going to be amazing with touring Australia, Canada, USA and maybe even Europe. We just take each day as it comes. Every second of life is a blessing.
My inspiration on this earth can't be limited to one person. My mother and father are the first two and everyone who I've met that shares the same heart as me, are the rest. Artistically, as a band, I think question 9 answers that quite well. However, we have a sound that many have never heard. It's new, it's fresh, it's beautiful.
9. Regrettably, I missed your performance alongside Reggae superstars Jah Cure and Glen Washington. What was it like sharing the stage with these artists at such a show in Tobago of all places?
It was a huge honour to join Gardah Knight on stage opening for Jah Cure & Glen Washington. All those men have been very influential in my love and passion for Reggae Music. However, I look forward to bringing Tasman Jude to Tobago to show my friends and family what Canada and Australia are raving about.
10. What's next for Tasman Jude?
What's next for Tasman Jude? Anything. Everything. Releasing an Album in September, touring Canada in September, October and November, then hopefully flying to T&T to do some shows. 2015 is going to be amazing with touring Australia, Canada, USA and maybe even Europe. We just take each day as it comes. Every second of life is a blessing.
#NewRevolution
To wrap up the electrifying splendor of Tasman Jude will be a quote taken from the group's Webstagram: "Caleb, why are you always smiling?" I'm always smiling because #God turned my life around. Showed me #love instead of hate. Now, I see the #good in everyone I meet. I see #positivity spreading through the #earth and I get to share in that. #Reggae #music brings me #joy so with my love for #Jah #Family #Friends and | Bless Up Everybody :) |
Coincidentally, TJ released their World Cup themed tune "New Revolution" just in time for the 2014 Fifa World Cup alongside Canadian island rock group, The Steadies. Within a matter of days, the song arrived at #2 on the iTunes World Charts and received over 1000 views on Youtube in 24 hours! This band has smashed an astounding 190 shows in a mere 18 months and yet still, continues to push positive and soulful energy that is so desperately needed in this chaotic world of ours.
TASMAN JUDE Contact Details
Photos: TJ Approved
Website: www.tasmanjude.com
Instagram: tasmanjudeband
Facebook: Tasman Jude Band
Twitter: @TasmanJude
Website: www.tasmanjude.com
Instagram: tasmanjudeband
Facebook: Tasman Jude Band
Twitter: @TasmanJude