Top Rated Highlanda Sound

Sound: Top Rated Highlanda

Alias/Names: SuperPec, Kahlil Wonda, TedroStar, Crisis Don, Presise, Axmaker, Orville, Sheldon, Press Trigga (the new yute)

Year Started: 1999

Phone: 678-437-0628, 770-473-1476

Email: pec@highlanda.com , kahlil@highlanda.com

How did your names originate?
Pec - I got it in high school in Brooklyn. They always said I was a good yute, a God bless yute. It as a joke and just stuck. It is P.E.C. – The Pickney of the Ever living Conqueror-Pec.

Kahlil Wonda – Kahlil’s Mom gave him that name. It’s his middle name. Wonda, well that’s been there for a long time.

TedroStar--- Jr. from King AP in Tallahassee gave him that name because of his style and he loves the spot light.

Crisis Don –Got his name in NY where he grew up. Simply, he is a badman around the turntables.

Press Trigga –(the new yute) ---He got his name Trigga from Father Macky of King Heritage back in the day. We added Press to his name cause a Trigga does nothing until you Press it. Now the yute is lethal round the machine.

How did the sound originate?
We love music. We love our music, Caribbean music, African music. When Kahlil, Crisis, and Pec moved down here from NY there was a style of juggling that was missing. We decided to bring that style here and that was it. Since then we have been driven towards building an original sound that entertains and spreading the music worldwide.

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

The other Atlanta sounds and DJs were our strongest influence when we started. As teenagers we listened to Addies, Earthruler, LP, Bass, Jaro, Stone Love, Poison Dart, First Class and others. All of these sounds played roles in developing our deep and longstanding love and appreciation for the music.

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

The Almighty God is our strongest influence in all areas of life.

Who is the most inspiring fellow selector that you hold the highest respect for? Why?
We learn from everyone, you’ve got to. We respect those who respect the business, the artist, the art, the music, the people and the culture. We have the highest respect for those old and young who have original sounds and selectors. So many veterans to the game have taken time to give Highlanda words of encouragement and guidance that I don’t even want to leave anyone out. They all know who they are and the respect that we have for them.

If you had to choose two inspirational music artistes who would it be (dancehall/reggae and other)?
It is difficult to just name two artists who have been inspirational. Reggae is inspirational. Buju Banton is the artist that made me start writing and counting bars and beats. Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Sizzla, Luciano, Wayne Marshall. The one man who must be mentioned is Coxone Dobb. He is foundation and contempory. His music is truly inspirational because artist from Studio 1 to Studio 2004 have found the lyrics for his riddims.

Was it easy getting started and has it been easy promoting the sound?
God has always guided us. The road is narrow and raggy at times but we have pushed through. Our first date came to us while in what was then Waxfactor HQ. We were in the studio working out on the tables. Presise, CEO of Extreme Media was our Mr. Miaggi. He was designing a flyer and Webba stopped by the base. It was a good hour or more before we came out the studio. Webba said he thought it was a CD playing the whole time. He put us on a dance with Bass Odyssey and SuperGold. This was about 2 months after I started buying records. After that dance Webba said people were talking about us more than the Big Sounds. That was early 1999. Presise managed us from then on and we have been moving forward since then. Then when www.highlanda.com was launch in 2001 and won best website at the Atlanta Caribbean Awards after being up just 3 months. The site has helped too.

What keeps you inspired and motivated to continue?
We want to be the best at what we do. We have the that bug that wont go away. We are driven to be and stay Top-Rated. Highlanda is inspired by God, Music, Love, Life, the Fans, Creativity, Entertainment, Money, Fame, Survival.

Where outside of Atlanta have you played?
We have been to Antigua, New York, Tallahassee, Macon, Valdosta, Japan. We will soon be in North Carolina, Portland, and Texas among others.

What is your most memorable play out to date?
It’s usually the date we last played. In the music business one night will not make you and one night wouldn’t destroy you. It’s all about being consistent and building and getting better. Highlanda has risen as fast as we have in 4 ½ years from conception by working on the craft and honing our skills. Having played on more events in the last 4 years than any other Atlanta Sound has been a real blessing. Every time we play we carry to knowledge gained from all previous events. Right now the sound is playing better than ever. Jah Bless.

Everybody knows about your talent as far as selecting is concerned but what other musical talents do you possess?
We write. We have about 500 songs written. We are developing local artist and producers. You gotta gi di yute dem a try. We nuh lef dem behind. Too much talent de bout. When sound systems started in Jamaica it was the studios who set up their system in a rented Dancehall so that people could hear their music. We are carrying on that Legacy.

Are you currently working on any other projects?
Superpec is involved with Caribbean SoundScene, Atlanta’s first Caribbean Video and Lifestyle Show. We have other things in the works but we are not ready to release that info as yet.

What aspect of the industry do you enjoy most?
I love seeing the hard work pay off when the crowd is enjoying themselves. There is nothing like seeing hundreds of people respond to you. Live and in person is the best. It is intoxicating.

Which artistes do you enjoy working with as soundmen? Andrew Bell is a great vocalist who is going to trill the world. Wayne Marshall run Highlanda sound. This is Shooks sound, Kyle Klass, Ras Valcano, Wayne Wonder, R.B.I., Mr. Easy, Spragga Benz, Black Rob, Imani, Jolo, Scion Success, Hedley Shines, Mad Tempa, Verde Green.

What do you think differentiates you from all other soundmen?
We are an original sound. Highlanda plays for the widest audience in Atlanta. People have followed Highlanda from ESSO days, to Warehouse, to Kream, Karma, Havana Club, Level 3, 112, to Deux Plex, The Royal Peacock, Aquarium, Legacy, and Club Hollywood. We work hard and entertain. We keep the foundation alive and are on the cutting edge at the same time. That is why we are Top Rated.

Give me one word that describes your organization? Highlanda

Any advice for upcoming sounds?
Develop a business plan. Set goals for yourself and work towards bringing them to reality. Don’t get caught up in the hype. This is a serious business, respect it. At the same time love it, enjoy it, have fun. Pay your dues. Respect the elders, listen and learn. No one owes you anything so don’t sit with your hands open. You got to earn it or just take it. Beware the backbiters and backstabbers. Be a professional. Market yourself. Be versatile. Be original. Be creative. Keep God and your family first.

Upcoming Dates:  www.highlanda.com

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