2013

All good things must come to an–um, upload on Youtube????

Laverne and Shirley. The Odd Couple. Colditz. The Wonder Years. Ally McBeal. What do these–my favorite shows–all have in common? Well, they all end up on Youtube for the perpetual entertainment pleasure of future generations. Want to know what else ends up on Youtube? Vinyl records from a chapter in my life during which I was partner in a record label!

In my latest book, Ducks in a Row??? Please. How to find the courage to finally QUIT your soul-draining, life-sapping, energy-depleting, freedom-robbing job now…before it’s too late..and live passionately ever after!, I tell the story of how I designed album covers, managed artists, and eventually started a record label all in an effort to free myself from corporate captivity. Well, real-life evidence of that chapter of my life —a good thing–has ended up on Youtube!

In a story I wrote for the Saipan Tribune, I introduced you to my long-time friend, fellow Jamaican and consultant, Wayne “Sound” Wright, who ended up on Saipan–of all the places in the world! It was Wayne’s Reggae group, Abeng, for whom I designed the album cover, performed management duties, and whose music was released on my “first” record label, Strata Records.

Check out the Youtube clips below and you can see our names, Wayne, Gurdeep and Sir Walt on the label. I came up with the name and logo for the label (not the best of designs, but it sufficed), and had a co-worker, Richard A., a drafter at my civil engineering job, smooth out the lines for the design.

Two tracks from the Unconquerebel LP are on Youtube!

Move Out Babylon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK62tbxiU48

Banana Man

Abeng Unconquerebel LP CD Strata Records first release
Abeng Unconquerebel LP CD Strata Records first release

So, for all you Reggae roots and culture historians and trivia buffs, you can learn everything there is to learn about Wayne, Abeng, the musicians featured on all the tracks, and see videos of live performances from the 90s, AND purchase the CD HERE (If you’re in China and can’t access Youtube, check out the website)

Note to the Youtube uploaders: I spoke with Wayne, and the now semi-defunct Strata Records has no copyright infringement issues with the uploaders on Youtube. However, feel free to link to say something nice as you share Wayne’s timeless and now documented contributions to Reggae history and entertainment!