Extasy Band has announced the release of their two latest singles, “If You Don’t Know Me: and “My Love” featuring Asher Thomas, following their performance at the 19th staging of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) on Saturday 29th October 2016.
Energised by the positive response to their performance at the festival where they shared the stage with the likes of Morgan Heritage, Gentleman and Wyclef Jean; the band immediately went to work on new material.
Band Leader Ordel ‘Belly’ Hamilton says the fan response inspired them to record these two songs.
“This year’s show was just overwhelming for us and we actually tested some of our new material that night and the fan response really encouraged and motivated us to record these original songs,” he said.
If You Don’t Know Me” is a Compas crossover love song, sung in English and Creole. Written by Jackson Alie and performed by lead vocalist, Dion Moses, the song features touches of Dominica’s traditional Jing Ping, and also highlights Hamilton’s unmistakably distinctive guitar styling.
“My Love” featuring popular talent Asher Thomas is also a fusion of English and Creole with touches of RnB and even dancehall within.
Both songs speak of unrequited love, a topic that Moses feels many can relate to.
“A love song is not always about two people loving each other. Sometimes the situation is very one sided where one person is really trying to get the other to see their true feelings. I think many people have gone through that at some point in their life, which is why they understand the song,” Hamilton said.
“My Love was also penned by Alie and both tracks were produced by band Director Hanif Francis and mixed and mastered by Kendell Laurent at Music Box Studio in Dominica.
These new additions to the Extasy repertoire continue to highlight the band’s distinct vocal and musical stylings. The band’s music has a strong Compas foundation with elements of other local genres to include Bouyon, and Cadence. Haitian Compa, Reggae from Jamaica, Soca from Trinidad and sounds from Latin Caribbean also combine with their native influences to form their unique hybrid sound.
Founded in 2011 the band comprises residents of the South-eastern, coastal community of Petite Savanne. In 2015 they were displaced when Tropical Storm Erika devastated the community. They have managed to rehearse in the five weeks leading up to the WCMF, thanks to efforts of the government of Dominica and are currently seeking a rehearsal space.
“We are extremely grateful to all the fellow Dominicans who have supported us in one way or another since Erika. Us releasing this new music is our way of saying thank you,’ said Hamilton.
To date Extasy has recorded seven (7) singles, “MoutweYo”,“All of Me” a Compas cover of the popular John Legend song, “Doudou Pa Kite,” “System Bande” and “Pouvwa Lamou” and most recently “If You Don’t Know Me” and “My Love.”
Listen to the tracks below.
If You Don’t Love Me
My Love
This is exactly the evolution we are looking for coming out of Dominica. I love that they have incorporated Dominica’s Jing Ping in their Compas. I love watching Extasy perform you can see they are really into the music. I admire that they have a full set with the live congas and cowbell. That guitarist… he is awesome. these songs have me looking forward to the next. Congratulations Extasy.
I wish I could help with a rehearsal space but I will ask around. I encourage fellow Dominicans, let’s help them.
Wow impressive sound produced, mixed and mastered in Dominica! The highlight of these tracks for me is the inclusion of our Jing Ping. That’s what makes the music authentically Dominican and that’s your signature right there guys. On the international it’s what will make you sound distinctive. Keep that up, you are creating a new brand of refreshing konpas. Take it from one who lived in Haiti. Congratulations and eagerly anticipating your album.
Recent performance at WCMF was outstanding. Band has potential to make all Da massive proud. We need an album.
this is a band other bands need to look up too in dominica these guys plays music. when i look at the band i see unity and love. i am not too sure who their manager may be but it seems to me he/she is doing a fantastic job. stay together guys one love.
Great stuff Sabo
Keep it up guys