Formula Indie Sessions Interview with Shelly Lightnin
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I was around 2 or 3yrs old, I remember sitting on the carpet in the front room, in front of a large wooden gram, which I now know to be a Bluespot, with my Father, him showing me how to carefully put the records on, and lower the needle onto the record gently, I think that was the moment my fascination with music, sound and frequency begun. My father was an avid collector of vinyls and also played the guitar. I can remember him playing ‘Three Coins in the fountain’. I believe this interest led my parents to buy me a piano, which was second hand.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
From hearing the vinyls on a Sunday, and knowing that will be me one day, having the Piano and taking Lessons, doing my grades through The Royal London Academy of Music.
My formative years I lived in Montego Bay so, Also I would say, from being in Montego Bay High School band and seeing how all the instruments came together, and our Band Director Bruce Gabbard and Music teacher Mrs Williams would arrange and conduct vocals and Instruments, but then co creating with other High Schools to Create the Jamaica Orchestra of youth, and all of us coming together over the holidays to rehearse and perform for diplomatic and Esteemed Guests, deepened my passion and wanting to create Music.
Going to the record shops after school, such as Federal Records, Clappas, Phangs, El Paso and Local studios in Montego Bay, Tads, Pete Campbell, Westgreen.
I would say the above mentioned have been my influences, but the real passion began, when Producers would be unscrupulous in many unmentionable ways, so I taught myself, which wasn’t hard given my background, and with my interest in frequencies, cymatics, sound systems, it is a passion that fires me up and keeps me going, everyday learning something new in my craft is a joy to my soul. A joy I wish the world to feel and experience.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
ANCIENT FUTURE – Forward To The Past
https://shellylightnin.bandcamp.com/album/ancient-future
As an Ambassador for Authentic Roots Reggae Music I aim to preserve and promote this International Cultural Treasure, by doing my part. Hence the album reflects my continuing commitment to preserving and documenting the contribution of women within reggae music. Through my work as an artist, producer, engineer and broadcaster, I continue to challenge the traditional boundaries of who gets to create, produce, engineer and shape reggae.
Ancient Future – Forward to the Past is therefore both a musical statement and a cultural one. It looks backwards without living in the past. It honours the ancestors while speaking to the present. And it carries the Roots forward into the future.
FORWARD TO THE PAST
In an age of rapid change, Ancient Future asks us to slow down, listen deeply and remember. Remember the riddims. Remember the messages. Remember the struggles.
Remember the people who carried the culture forward. Remember that music can educate, heal, unite and awaken. From the first vibration to the final track, Ancient Future – Forward to the Past is Shelly Lightnin’s contribution to that continuing musical journey.
The past is not gone.
The Roots are still alive.
The future is listening.
Ancient Future has arrived!!
This project explores Authentic Roots Reggae, bringing messages of Upliftment and documentation of social issues. Staying true to the Roots whilst tributing some greats.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
If you love the deep rhythmic sounds of Authentic Roots reggae with deep Drum and bass, Familiar, Smooth, My Lyrical Landscape is diplomatically, simply and subtly deep. Influences of Classical, Jazz Motown and deep Roots. Well thought out instrumental arrangements with no compromise on live instrumentation and sounds. Frequencies and vibrations for all Real Authentic Rootical Reggae Lovers. An Old but New, A new but old sound.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I would say having learnt to Master at industry level has taught me about creating and having your own sound, and the integrity of the sound you create! Also the fact that it is predominantly male dominated within Roots Reggae Production, has taught me Men have a hard time accepting a female with such Production, Sound System and Music knowledge in general, hence i keep humble and keep improving my craft and creative processes.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I love working with live instruments and musicians, so the usual, though I can use most DAWs I do prefer Logic over Pro Tools though am comfortable with both.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Personal experiences have been positive and negative. I feel being of Jamaican Parentage and having the opportunity to grow up in Jamaica during my formative years was of major positive impact. The best of both worlds in retrospect.
Though some experiences may have been negative, the lessons learned have been positively applied. To be fair, such experiences have probably been some of my greatest motivations. Reflected lyrically in songs such as ‘Cant Move Me’, ‘Twinkle Twinkle’, ‘Ain’t Changing my mind’ and ‘I need you’ as examples.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Messages of strength and Resilience, Love and Unity, Awareness and improvement of self to aid the upliftment of humanity.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music is not for the weak hearted, it can be a lonely journey, but it has taught me to stand firm, and stand true to self. Consistency is key, Music is artistry, you are always learning.
‘Music is Art to the Ears… and Art is Music to the Eyes!’
‘Every Soul has a body… but not everybody has a soul!’
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Rototom, Ruhr, Jamaica Sumfest & Glastonbury. Reggae on the River, Jazz Cafe London & The Royal Albert Hall with the Philharmonic Orchestra.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Big Youth, Beres Hammond, for present, because of their style and versatility. From the past I would have loved to understudy Lee Scratch Perry and King Tubbies. I love Dub and the creation of sound, manipulation of frequencies and how it affects the mindscape. Marcia Griffiths her Iconic discipline dedication , resistance and resilience who helped pave the way for Artists such as myself.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
https://shellylightnin.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/@ShellyLightnin
https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/shelly-lightnin/343026728
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrkeIK4Z6B4KmliLPp_w5lQ
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
A European Tour
Vinyl Distribution.
A state of the art creation/production suite.
To do a project in Europe.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That I am a heartful simple soul, who strives for the upliftment of humanity, that my music and art is my self – expression, a healing and maintenance for my soul. Gratitude to the Almighty Creator for grace and gifts given to me. I create for the true lovers of Roots Reggae Music. I love to smile, I love people around me to be happy, and be themselves and I would love them to discover not only how large a catalogue of music I have, but also that I am an acknowledged Artist who paints landscapes also, Oil/Acrylic on canvas. I am also a Radio Presenter/Broadcaster presenting a 3hr live show every Sunday aired through various stations internationally with weekly sets streamed live on YouTube ‘Shelly Lightnin Queen Of Reggae Radio – (QORR)’ with over 170 episodes available.
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