Stephen Suckarie at the Fremont Theater in SLO alongside New Kingston
Stephen Suckarie is a Jamaican born reggae artist and guitarist for New Kingston currently living in Florida. GunnShotsMedia had the please to sit down and talk with Suckarie about new music, favorite venues, how he feels about Jamaican vs Cali reggae and much more
Q: What are the plans for the future?
A: Next for me, is releasing my first solo album and building my Suckarie brand. My children are also super into music, so I’m going to invest a lot of time and energy into guiding them along on their respective journeys. I also cook a lot and I’m trying to launch a show highlighting some of it. Q: What’s it like playing in a band with your family? A: It’s both easy and complicated at the same time. The mission is the same. The goals are the same, but regardless of a family dynamic everyone still has their own ideas and opinions.
Q: What’s the meaning of the name New Kingston? A: Our bassist Courtney Panton sr. had his band called Kingston Crew. As the next generation, we adapted New Kingston which is a nod to New York and Kingston Jamaica (New Kingston), but in essence, we are “The (New Kingston) Crew” Q: When should we expect new music from you guys? A: New Kingston has a lot of unreleased music. We’re just working on them and finalizing mixes. Hopefully, we can get some of those out soon. As for me Suckarie, my album comes out on July 24th. I’ll be dropping an ep soon, just to hold me and my fans over till then. I will be releasing the next album single at the end of June, or the top of July. Still working and those dates. Our keyboardist Preech recently released an album (Rate Me Now) with more on the way. And Courtney P is on Unified Highways latest album. So lots of music is on the way and constantly in the works. Q: What was been your favorite show/tour?
A: Favorite show would have to be Rototom Sunsplash in Spain.
Favorite tours. For sure I’d have to say New Kingston and Collie Buddz. We spent 7 years together touring all over the world. Then we’ve also done a bunch of tours together with The Green and Tribal Seeds. Those are some of my best times in life.
Q: Do you play/tour with any other bands/artists aside from New Kingston
A: I don’t tour with anyone else but I have been doing some music with Jason Mraz. I played guitar on his latest album coming out in June. I honestly do a lot of collaborating with a ton of different artists and producers. Whether it’s writing, guitar parts, full production, or whatever-related to music.
Q: How do you feel about the internet in the music business?
A: The internet is one of the greatest assets/tools we have to get our music out, heard, and played. There are also downsides to it as well. Artists weren’t as accessible in the past. It also allows everyone to be an artist or at least have access to become one. Good or bad. Nonetheless, it’s a great tool, especially in these times.
Q: What new music do you like?
A: I listen to so much music that sometimes I have to stop. So right now I’m just focused on finishing up what’s on my plate. I like to give new music a full listen so I can soak it all up and right now I’ve taken a Lil break.
Q: Who are some musical icons that influence you?
A: Bob Marley, Third World, Michael Jackson, Usher, Jay Z, Biggie, so many actually. This list is a very long one.
Q: Favorite venue to play and why?
A: The Norva in Virginia and Monterey County Fairgrounds. The Norva just has a vibe and so much to do for us the artists backstage. The fairgrounds is just a place I’ve done a lot of shows and festivals at. It’s a place that always brings together a lot of my friends and family.
Q: How has this quarantine affected you/and the rest of the New Kingston Fam?
A: For me, it’s shown how vulnerable the world really is and how unprepared for a lot of things we are. It’s been tough getting work done. It’s tough seeing people pass away at such an alarming rate. It has stopped a lot of progressive moves that were about to be set in motion for New Kingston and myself. I think this will have an impact on our entire music life and regular life for a long time.
Q: What projects have you been working on (if any) during this off time
A: An album with my two little daughters. I think it is gonna be so dope. Working on my album called “When The Trumpet Sounds” for 7-24-2020 release. Working on a New Kingston EP. All while being a school teacher, chef, and restauranteur due to COVID.
Q: How do you feel about this debate between “Non-roots Cali reggae” vs Jamaican roots reggae?
A: Honestly, music is music. Do I listen to what we would call “Cali Reggae” not often. But I appreciate it from a musical standpoint. I have a lot of American and European band friends and comrades. I don’t get too much in the debate or pick sides. I do what I do and whoever else does what they do. After that, it’s for the people.
Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suckarie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suckarie/
This is my belo son, Stephen I am so proud of you words cant explain. Ever since you were 2 you showed your live of music. I remember the days when we would be looking all over the house for you and we had to just follow the sounds of pots banging under the sink to find you. The pots were your drums, you had a natural hear of music even back then. You exemplified it as you grew, I made sure to surround you with it all and you did well. All the school plays and recitals of Shakespeare prepared you for your momentum. Now you are making waves and I cant wait to hear more of you…