Flashback Jam Road to Carnival, featuring the return of Badd Boyz Band, is only three days away. Preparations are in full swing and with all the excitement, Fred York found some time to sit with T. Carty of Thirtyseven 21 ENT for a quick interview.
1. Thanks for your time Fred; I know you are super busy! Please tell us: Who is Fred York and what role do you play in Badd Boyz Band?
I’m a musician that’s lucky enough to play the drums for a living. My role with Badd Boyz has been more or less the same as what it was years ago: co-founder, drummer, producer, songwriter, music director, composer… and it seems like I’m the band leader for this upcoming event.
2. How long has it been since you performed with Badd Boyz?
Badd Boyz’ last performance was 2014 in the Festival Village I believe. Shout out to Mr. Rude!
3. What have you done since then?
I’ve just tried to keep busy. Actually, I have to say that I’ve been lucky to stay very busy. I’ve had the opportunity to play for some of the hottest artists on the island, and have played for many of the major events on the island and regionally; but most of all, I’ve gotten to meet, build and maintain some cool relationships with the musicians I’ve worked with during this period.
4. What is your favourite Badd Boyz song? And why?
Can I choose two? 1: SWING DI AXE – This was my first song that worked. I was still in MPC and I think this was the song that got Badd Boyz some local mainstream recognition. I think we won Band of the Year that year; I’m not 100% sure. What I fondly remember were my high school teachers jamming behind the band that year and then the following day they gave me “straf middag” for coming to school late. 2: CY’A WAIT – There’s so much to say about this song. It helped Badd Boyz to travel internationally; it was a song that we produced totally; it made us popular! My favourite memory of that song would be seeing my dad on J’ouvert Morning with this proud face looking on.
Back then, when a foreign band came to play on the island, it was a given that they would have the largest crowd, but – man oh man! – we not only held our own, we represented SXM big time! Lasana Sekou wrote an article that summarized that J’ouvert Morning – the entire island was Badd Boyz island that year. But the look on my father’s face is what stood out the most. The reason was because he didn’t really believe we could do it. My mom was the one who had faith in us from day one, so it made me super proud to prove her right; but also to turn my father into a true fan, which he is up to today. He believes in the Badd Boyz.
5. What is your favourite thing about Carnival?
My favourite thing about Carnival is that people are happy. It’s a time when people are just out to have fun and throw away their worries. They live for the moment!
6. Which local artists are you looking out for this Carnival?
There’s so much good music here on the island for the past years. I’m the drummer and music director for Soca Rumble so I have first-hand experience with the new music coming out. SXM Soca is hot!! I’m also on the Flag Fest Concert with XP Band so I like what they’re doing. We’ll be representing SXM! I’m really a fan of the Soca scene and the band scene because I’m directly involved in that. When I say I’m a fan, I really mean it. If I wasn’t performing for these events, I would be up front and centre supporting ALL the bands and artists. Real talk.
7. Any message for young musicians?
Be true to your craft, try to constantly get better at it and try to create your legacy without overthinking it. Just be true to you and I think things will work out. Truth lives on forever.
8. What can we expect from Badd Boyz @ Flashback Jam?
This Friday, you can expect to see ALL of the Badd Boyz except Johnny Baptiste. We’re gonna try to make you proud of us by playing some of our old school songs, but then also adding elements of what’s happening today. We have a few surprises also, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you now. So you HAVE to come out to see us live!!!!
9. Any collabs after?
We have a few surprises up our sleeves, but it’s going to be mostly pure Badd Boyz – Earl “Churchie” York, Vernon “Feva” Verwoord, Rudolf “Shy Guy” Nicholson, Kelvin “Crugar” Demming and myself Fred York. We have added Erno “Grand Prime” York to the group for this event. I really think that you’ll like what we have in store for you this Friday!
10. What message do you have for St. Maarten in 2018?
These questions are tough because there are so many angles answering can take... Given the very, very, very emotionally tough year I had last year, losing my granddad and then my mom and brother back to back, losing so many friends and acquaintances and then starting this year with losses, I’ll say that in 2018; LIVE IT! We have life right here and right now so LIVE IT!
Thank you, Fred, for sharing your passion and truth with me; I know you are crazy busy! I am hyped to see Badd Boyz’ performance this Friday and I know everyone reading this interview will be too!
Be sure to follow Thirtyseven21 ENT. on Facebook for updates and information on upcoming events!
