As you dust off your dancing shoes in preparation for the 2015 Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge don’t forget to work on perfecting your wine. The reigning Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds, will surely have you on your feet and your waist rolling as she performs her mega-hits at this lively event.
BlackEnterprise.com was afforded the opportunity to chat with Hinds about the inspiration behind her sound and the impact she’s had on soca music, her local community and the world at large.
BlackEnterprise.com: What makes you the Queen of Soca?
Hinds: It was a title that was given to me by my fans. I guess because of the consistency I’ve had since the beginning of my career. With the band Square One, we strived to make quality music that would outlast us. It’s because of that consistency, because I’ve always given my best, on stage and off stage, through my music. The fans eventually gave me that name. I try my best to live up to it.
How did you get involved with soca music?
I initially got involved through one of the guys that became my band member, Anderson Armstrong. He was a calypso singer at the time, and we became friends. Through that friendship we started talking about me singing. He asked me to sing for him, so I sang and he was impressed, but I was very shy. He entered me into a local competition–the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Competition, where I placed 3rd. After that, I heard of a band called Square One, that was looking for a singer. They asked me to come on board because they were impressed with my voice. Armstrong asked if I was interested and I said “of course.” We were all very young and developing together. We really started doing all kinds of music on the local circuit here in Barbados. We did pop, R&B, reggae, you name it. Soca is actually the last genre of music that I really got into. When we started recording I started to get into soca music.
What made you feel like soca was where you wanted to be?
It was almost immediately that I found success with this genre. We were working for a while trying to find our sound. I was still shy and reserved. My first real up-tempo song was Raggamufffin, and it was so out there it quickly grew popular. I was also the first woman to win the Road March competition at the Barbados Crop Over with In the Meantime. The award goes to the song that is judged by the people of the road as the most popular so, that was a big deal. See, it’s a business here. It’s a part of who we are as Caribbean people. I felt at home with it.
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What would you say is the essence of soca music?
Soca music is the happiest music on earth. It is the kind of music that you can’t just listen to. You have to move your body. It’s interactive. You have to clap your hands, move your head, hit the table. It’s happy music. It brings a smile to your face and makes you happy to be alive in that moment in time.
What is your inspiration when creating music?
My inspiration has to do with what’s happening in my life at the time and, of course, the fans. You
want to continue to make music that gives people that natural high. My daughter inspires me because I want her to be proud to have me as her mom. She can have pride in saying “my mom is the Caribbean Queen.” My family also inspires me and my husband is very supportive. All of those things inspire me to do my best and make the best music I can.What do you feel your music does for the spirit of the bajan community, and people all over the world?
It makes them happy. It makes you forget that bills are due and the kids are on your nerves–all the everyday stuff. It allows you to de-stress. You hear your favorite song on the radio and nothing else matters. That’s how soca music makes people feel. For that hour you’re performing there are no worries.
How do you stay inspired after two decades in the industry?
I love what I do. It’s my passion. It’s an integral part of who I am. I love entertaining people. I love to see the look on people’s faces when they hear their favorite song.
How do you get past career exhaustion and fatigue?
Those times when I feel under-appreciated or like, “why am I still doing this?” something happens to remind me what my role is. When a kid hugs you and says ‘I love your song,’ when a fan tells you the affect the songs have in their life, those are the things that keep you going.
Who are your primary influences?
After God, it would be my mom. My mom has been my biggest fan all of my life. Before people knew who I was, my mom always
encouraged me. When I joined the band she gave me her blessing. She said “I know you’re going to do the best you possibly can.” She has definitely been a positive influence in my life. She helps me through when times get tough. She’s that soft place to land.What message are you looking to convey through your music?
I want to be able to make a positive contribution. Female empowerment is something very dear to me, and I’ve been able to translate that into my music. I want to inspire women and girls to reach their potential and do their thing. I want my legacy to be a positive one– one that makes an imprint that will continue long after I’m gone. When you put effort, thought, and purpose into your music, that’s when it becomes a classic. That’s what I want. That’s a big deal to me.
Which song in your catalog is always exciting to perform at your shows?
Can I choose more than one? There are a few songs that never fail, no matter the audience. Iron Bazodee—it’s simply put together and it’s a nice melody. The energy that comes up is almost palpable. Roll it Gal is, for sure, a woman’s anthem for female empowerment. Women message me about that song and tell me stories about the song lifting their spirits and getting them through, and the song is so well put together. The lyrics are strong. It’s just a great song I never get tired of. One more, a true party track, is Togetherness. This song has so much energy from jump. Every time I perform it, it’s like a brand new song. It has a message of unity. We’re all one. Let’s just come together. That’s a song I love to end my set with. The message and the tempo make it as fresh now as when I created it.
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What is on the horizon for Alison Hinds?
Well, in the immediate future, Carnival is happening right now. I have a couple of new releases that I’m promoting. I have some tours coming up. Of course, I have a performance at Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge that I’m very much looking forward to. It’s good to get a fresh market, and do something a little different from what I normally do. I’m looking forward to the show, and beyond that I have other bookings. I’m looking to strengthen the Alison Hinds brand, rep Barbados, and take soca as far as I can.
Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge attendees are already excited about your performance at the event this Labor Day. What are you looking forward to performing at the 2015 Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge?
I’m excited. I don’t know what to expect. I’m excited to do a performance for such a prestigious entity. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and performing, and making everyone happy. I have the best job in the world. My job is to make people smile.
Come celebrate Caribbean culture with Black Enterprise and Queen of Soca Alison Hinds during the Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge, September 3-6, 2015 at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Use code BEMM to get $150 off all conference packages!*
* Spa package not included