What is a Jamaican supposed to know about creating European dance music? Well I dare say that before 1998, not much. So what happened in 1998?

Okay, now back to Jamaicans and Dance music, aka Rave music, Techno or Trance (actually sub-categories). So first came the inexpensive, yet amazingly effective program for creating the music. Secondly, would be awareness about this tool. That's where the internet came in.

I remember back then that almost every search under 'music production software' in Alta Vista (remember that!) came up with Fruity Loops, Cakewalk and a few others. In the case of Fruity Loops you could always download a demo version, master the program, and when satisfied pay for a full $99 version so that you could actually start saving the music you created. Many though, opted for the totally free route ("oh pirates yes they rob I") and found the various FTP sites and P2P clients that facilitated the illicit trade of such programs. However you obtained the software, now you had it.

Now for the inspiration, the third factor. Let me answer the question concerning my source of inspiration. Back in 1998-9 I was a Salsa nut. Nope I'm not talking about the dip. I was really into Latin music. In fact I remember it like it was yesterday. I had recently sent off an e-mail message to my friend who had gone off to live in England telling him about Latin music and how it was taking over at several entertainment spots (Mingles on thursday nights, man!).

Indeed it was while reading his reply and listening to my newly acquired Elvis Crespo Suavemente album that I read a short line written by him, which read something like, "dance music is big here, if you're interested check out www.ministryofsound.com". Well, I immediately went to that site and that was the last night I ever listened to Latin music.

My transition out of everything not dance was so abrupt, while my total immersion into the world of all that was Dance music was quite complete and utterly severe. That first night I learned about Paul Van Dyk, Faithless, Armand Van Helden and many others.

Over the years since then I have come to know the genius manifested in the works of BT and James Holden, both of whom actually create their own music software from scratch when what they desire to do with their hardware equipment is deemed impossible. If there is one artist I wish everyone could hear though, it's Armin Van Buuren. Now I did 6 yrs. of piano lessons and also a 3 credit course in college music appreciation, but I have yet to hear music as heavenly as his, be it Berlioz or Chopin, Mozart or Beethoven (though, you can't beat Wagner if you want intensity!). DJ Tiesto is another of my favourites.

Ok so I got inspired, point made. For others living in Jamaica, exposure to foreign clubs was a source of inspiration, as was the fact that with the advent of radio stations such as ZIP FM, dance music got considerably more airplay and acceptance.

I never believed for a second that I was the only one creating dance music. But just recently, due to a popular remix competition on ZIP FM I actually got to hear the music of other Jamaican producers. To say I was blown away is an understatement. I was in awe. Just when you think you're a ok producer, you hear the creative masterpiece of a mad-scientist/producer toiling away in a dingy basement/home studio (ok, it really could be a nice setup!).

Enough about that. Here are two of my tracks. The first I really like, though I'm sorta still working on it, as the kick drum ain't all that bumping. The second is a dance remix I did of a reggae song that was a pretty decent hit here.

Check them out.

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