OPTIONS: Stevie thinks he will be a success in the music business but isn’t turning back on his career as a fireman. “I’m realistic enough to know how tough it is to remain popular for any great length of time so I want to keep my options open.”

By Geoffrey Rowlands


It’s amazing what a remix can do even for songs that have already been popular.
Jamaican singer/songwriter OMI is the latest artist to benefit from the remix treatment. He enjoyed a massive hit around the Caribbean in 2012 with his single, Cheerleader. Apart from also becoming hugely popular in Hawaii, maybe it had something to do with islands, the original track was largely ignored throughout the rest of the world.
Step forward German DJ, producer and remixer Felix Jaehn. Around this time last year, Felix created his remix of Cheerleader and released the track to almost universal critical acclaim. It was initially picked up by Ultra Records before major label Sony Music took a hand and promoted the song to such an extent that it hit number one in ten countries.
Britain was not among them. Simon Cowell’s Syco record label secured the UK rights and only recently made the song available. British record buyers were certainly ready. Cheerleader reached number 27 on streaming alone before climbing to number two when the track was officially released.
“I’m so pleased to have such a big UK hit,” smiled 28-year-old OMI, real name Omar Samuel Pasley. “Getting so many number ones or top five spots around the world has been fantastic. But it’s just that extra special feeling to have a smash hit in Britain.”
OMI has followed in the musical footsteps of his father, Kenroy Pasley. Also an outstanding portrait painter, he was a fine musician performing under the name of Jah Ken. Sadly, he died from emphysema when OMI was just nine.
“I completely idolised my father. His death was a terrible blow. But I was already looking towards the possibility of becoming a performer. I’d sing whenever I was given the opportunity. In church, at school concerts, any kind of social gathering, I was always delighted to perform.
“Losing my father increased my determination to succeed. I got into rap when I was at high school. Some friends would make beats by drumming on desks in the classroom and I’d freestyle raps over the rhythm.
“I realised I had an ability to create catchy melodies but gradually moved away from rap. I appreciated that singing, rather than rapping, gave me the opportunity to put much more soul and varied emotions into the songs I created.”
Discovered by Clifton ‘Specialist’ Dillon, the man behind Shabba Ranks’ international success, OMI was initially acknowledged as a songwriter. He moved in front of the microphone to perform tracks such as Fireworks, Standing On All Threes, My Old Lady and, of course, Cheerleader.
“I must give credit to everyone who has helped me to achieve what success I have. Cheerleader was originally just a poetic idea around a melody rather than a proper song. It was Clifton who told me I should write more lyrics and add a beat because he knew it would become a hit.
“Then there was a great remix of the song by Ricky Blaze and Felix Jaehn’s remix has struck a chord with music fans around the world. I owe so much to other people and am genuinely grateful for everything they have done.”

IN BRIEF
Mohombi

Most of Swedish/Congolese R&B singer Mohombi’s hit tracks have been collaborations with other artists. Not that he is lacking in musical ability. He studied at the Rytmus Music High School in Stockholm and earned a bachelor’s degree in music and song from the city’s Royal College of Music.
His first venture into the recording industry was with DJ Djo, his brother Djo Moupondo, in the duo Avalon. Their partnership proved highly successful with Avalon winning a Kora Award, the African equivalent of a Grammy, for Best Diaspora Europe/Caribbean Group.
After nearly five years together, Mohombi decided to go solo in 2009. He became the first signing to RedOne’s own record label and released his debut album, “MoveMeant,” in 2011.
This has since been followed by his sophomore album, “Universe.” The title-track is his most recent single. The video is posted at www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv0hYnjPI4c
Unlike most of his other singles, no guest artist is featured on “Universe.” Collaborations with Pitbull, Akon, Nicole Scherzinger, Nelly, Birdman and others have littered Mohombi’s musical output. Videos for these tracks and other Mohombi songs can be found on YouTube. Type his name in the website search box to gain access.
More tracks and remixes are available to hear at (no www.) myspace.com/mohombi/music/songs

Hinder

Oklahoma City rockers Hinder release their fifth studio album, “When The Smoke Clears,” on May 12. This is their first LP since the departure in 2013 of lead singer Austin Winkler.
The band’s search for a new singer saw them tour with former Saving Abel vocalist Jared Weeks and record with Nolan Neal. Despite releasing Hit The Ground last December with Nolan providing the vocals, his voice was thought to be “too country.” Hinder have since released a re-recorded version of the song featuring their new lead vocalist, Marshal Dutton.
Ironically, Marshal has worked with the band since 2009. He co-wrote songs on their last three albums and co-produced the last two.
The official video for Hit The Ground, featuring Marshal, can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd_Z0LirNAg
Another album track, Rather Hate Than Hurt, has also been released. The official audio for this song is at www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh_NiZLGy7Y
Hinder’s entire back catalogue is available on YouTube. Type the band’s name in the website search box and enjoy discovering their music.

Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert has earned rave reviews for his performances as lead singer with Queen. But the runner-up on season eight of American Idol has also enjoyed enormous success in his own right.
Adam’s 2009 debut album, “For Your Entertainment,” peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. The follow-up, “Trespassing,” hit pole position and was voted Best Album of 2012 by readers of Rolling Stone magazine.
His third album, “The Original High,” is set for release in June. After teasing fans with snippets of lyrics and brief Instagram videos, Adam has finally released an official lyric video for lead single, Ghost Town. It can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=toDqvHvTN7c.

Florence And The Machine

As Far As I Could Get is a new song from Florence and The Machine.
It was a bonus track on the exclusive Record Store Day 12-inch release of “What Kind of Man,” lead single from Florence’s forthcoming third studio album, “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful.” Otherwise, the song is only available as a bonus track on the new album vinyl box set.
However, thanks to the Florence and The Machine Venezuelan Fan Club, As Far As I Could Get is offered for everyone to hear at (no www.) soundcloud.com/fatmvenezuela. The song can also be downloaded for free.
Numerous other songs can be heard and downloaded at this website. For many more though, type Florence and The Machine in the SoundCloud search box.

Meg Mac

Australian singer/songwriter Meg Mac is causing quite a stir among music critics.
Real name Megan McInerney, she released Known Better as her debut single in 2013. This was followed by two more singles, Every Lie and Roll Up Your Sleeves.
All three songs feature on Meg’s self-titled five-track debut EP which has been attracting so much critical acclaim. The entire EP, plus some other songs, can be heard at (no www.) soundcloud.com/megmacmusic
Official videos have been made for Meg’s singles and are available to view on YouTube.