Godfather Sound Spotlight

Sound:  GodFather International
Members Names: Natchilous Tony, Owner
JahPrince, JahFari, LoveCut, Venom(JA), Viper(JA)selectors
Age: Rebirth 2002    Year Started: 1986
Phone: (770) 465-0565  Sunsplash Promotions
Email: Sunsplashpromo@bellsouth.net

Scotch Bonnett: How did your names originate?

[Tony Answers]
Solid Gold 1986-1993, but that name wasnt good enuff and we got more thugarous (smile), sound was taken over by Tony, upgraded to GodFather, with helpful selectors Winston Irie, Mosby Culture, Capone, Negus, Dr. Love and Shortcut. JahPrince was added in early 2003 who had always been closely associated with the sound and Lion Art Recording Studio as a former Changez Disco member.

Scotch Bonnett: Who was/were the most influential member(s) of the industry that inspired you to become "sound boys?"

No-one can be mention’d without mentioning the strong influence of Robert Marley. Luciano's faith in the power of sound, Buju's relationship with the owner.

Scotch Bonnett: Who is the most influential person in your life, as far as the music business?

Mostly the members of SturGrav, Downbeat and JahLove Sound(s), Johnny from BodyGuard with his style and originality helped shape the image of this sound. Even thou Johnny always kept his speeches clean and got the most respect, Lynx was always there to hype the dance and boost REGGAE (Shabba) over Hip Hop.

Scotch Bonnett: Who is the most inspiring fellow selector that you hold the highest respect for? Why?

Tony Screw from Downbeat for constantly playing reggae and bridging the gap in recorded and historic music.

Scotch Bonnett: If you had to choose two inspirational music artistes who would it be (dancehall/reggae and other)?

[JahFari answers, then Tony explains]
Bob Marley, the original and Dennis Brown for the versatility and range of their artistic talents.
The real pilot’s of the industry. Just count the amount of 7” singles and albums, then multiply that but the number of live stage-shows and FREE concerts over their musical careers.

Scotch Bonnett: Was it easy getting started and has it been easy promoting the sound?

[JahPrince answers] My purpose now is to revamp the sound because it took a break from the scene, the industry changed, the music has degraded and upgraded sharply plus this is ATLANTA. It took us 10 months to re-connect the links for dubs, (still one of the best ways to feature your sound). The sound is focused on promoting itself in Jamaica first, while the ATL branch is bubbling around, waiting for other sounds to catch up.

[StandFirm adds] Catch up to the professionalism and the IMAGE they should have within the community from business owners and other promoters, selectors and FIRST and NEVERLEAST the patrons.

Scotch Bonnett: Who do you enjoy playing with? Why?

It took time to overcome the image that we're war-starters because of the amount of dubs we voiced and INTEND on playing. Right now we enjoy playing with Eternity, Textra, Dubplex (sounds that are experienced enuff to play and PLAY hard) and in the future, alongside King AP, Highlanda and Black Talon to try offer the average patron a more diverse night of music. Can’t forget outta town sounds, so we can exercise our box and they can defend and rep they city, if they can..

Scotch Bonnett: What is your most memorable play out to date?

Here in Atlanta the sound in general had a good 5 year run promoting stage shows [Capleton, Nadine Sutherland, Everton Blender, Anthony B, ] The Reggae Fest [Luciano, Mikey General, & at that tine young artist Sizzla] and numerous sound-system events but most memorable was Beenie Man and Shoking Vibes Crew @ International Ballroom, Bounty @ Prestige in the mid 90's, yet the wickedest dance was alongside BodyGuard @ Peacock, when they went one fi one (late 96). Stage Show Mad Cobra (1996), The Dancehall Master Frankie Paul, The Classic Shilites, Hip Hop Legend KRS-ONE.

Scotch Bonnett: Everybody knows about your talent as far as selecting is concerned but what other musical talents do you possess?  

Two (2) of the members are actual music producers and one is A&R Assistant for Hostile Records.And if u need any other proof.. ask JahPrince about Smokin’ Needles Records.

Scotch Bonnett: Are you currently working on any other projects?

Overseas Artist Promotions (Sizzla, Slick & Rose, Beres, DaVille, Baddness(female), NorrisMan, JahPatriot). With Sunsplash Promotions and Smokin' Needles Records continue a tour with Phife Dawg (ATCQ), Hawkeye and Alozade. Need I say Nesta and LRG... LOL..

Scotch Bonnett: What aspect of the industry do you enjoy most?

Playing for a mature audience and really, even thou it is diminishing, the competition of a clash arena.

Scotch Bonnett: Which artistes do you enjoy working with as soundmen?

Buju Banton, Luciano, Everton Blender, Hawkeye, Alozade, Chrisinti, Terry Linen and most recently, a renewed relation with Bounty, Capleton, Beres and Sizzla.

Scotch Bonnett: What do you think differentiates you from all other soundmen?

[Tony]
Positive History in Atlanta. Experience of its selectors. Overall, the sound is big, not getting big. By knowing the history and the caliber of music in our boxes... "we aint neva scared" to simply play music and entertain different groups of people. and Patience... [Stand Firm says] we [godfather] mainly booked our own dances and events... and back in 90’s would get invited NOT BOOKED to play @ bdays and annual affairs... spread the love.. show another sound some respect and nice of their event... those days are almost gone....

Scotch Bonnett: Give me one word that describes your organization?

[JahPrince]
Family. (between radio personalities, event promoters, club owners, Caribbean-owned business owners, musicians and patrons).

Scotch Bonnett: Any advice for upcoming sounds?

Stop following the Jones' and just pass them w/talent and a clean heart. And don't follow these bathroom disc jockeys who tell you NOT TO CUT DUBS.... nurture a relationship with an artist, spend yuh money, create your own image and respect a next man's sound JUST as much as your own... (even thou yourz is betta)! Make sure u love playing FOR people not yourselves.

Upcoming playouts: Midwest & West Coast Tour (June - Sept) | Annual Holmwood Tech Past Students Assoc. Fashion Show (July)
Annual Anniversary & JA Selector Crowning Dance (August)  | JahPrince Annual Bronx-Brooklyn (August)
Three (3)  “Family Fun Day” Events in May Pen, Clarendon and Grange Hill for the (summer).

Scotch Bonnett ... scotchbonnett@atlantareggae.com ...

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