Dubkore's dreams come true

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Seven years ago, Colin Llewellyn fulfilled the long-time ambition to become a recording artiste by cutting his first songs. They never saw the light of day, but last summer the singer now known as Dubkore overcame that disappointment with the release of Arrogant Man, his debut album.

Arrogant Man is marketed by Pikkihead Records, a Manchester label owned and operated by musician Goff Andrews. Some of the songs were done five years ago, while others as recently as this year.

In a recent interview with The Gleaner, Dubkore commented on the time it took to complete the set.

"When yuh doing things independently it takes time to move from point A to point B," he said.

"Wi getting some airplay though, so wi can't complain."

Mixed works

Dubkore and Andrews co-wrote the 13 songs on Arrogant Man, a mix of roots-reggae and lovers rock. The singer believes it is important for artistes not to limit themselves to any format.

"Music is an art form. One shouldn't categorise expression," he said.

Dubkore was raised in Duhaney Park, a working-class neighbourhood that has produced acts like deejay Baby Cham. It was also where producers Bunny Lee and Lee 'Scratch' Perry operated studios during the 1970s.

Dubkore's personal playlist included a diverse batch of artistes, from the roots-reggae of Bob Marley to the smooth tones of Dennis Brown and the humour of deejay Yellowman. Ironic, considering the household where Dubkore was raised railed against secular music.

The Llewellyn family were strict Baptists and for a long time his music was restricted to the piano lessons his mother paid for.

Later, when he met Andrews, a bass player, those lessons paid off.

"He encouraged me to start playing keyboards more, and eventually we began writing songs together," Dubkore said.

Recording sessions for Arrogant Man took place at some of Jamaica's leading studios, including Tuff Gong, Mixing Lab and Black Scorpio. Dubkore said the lead track, Little Love Story, was inspired by personal experience.

"I met this lady and my expectations were a little high. As a man yuh have to go through certain things," he said.

The song gained steady play on local radio, setting the pace for follow-up songs Veranda and Same Routine, the latter featuring Empress Que.