THIS PODCAST CONTAINS LANGUAGE AND CONTENT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE HOST AND GUESTS.

Welcome to #ToppleUncaged!

Every week, The Canary will be bringing you an innovative podcast for the media landscape; hosted by me, Steve Topple.

In a special episode, I met one of the pioneers of UK reggae and a legend within the movement: Solo Banton.

Mr Topple x Solo Banton

Solo’s first steps into music were aged just 11, when he began MC’ing. He has since had a broad career, proving a versatile producer, selector and artist. His influences range from roots reggae to soul via hip hop and rap. Now, this diverse mix of genres shines through on his new album. Called Old Raggamuffin, it’s Solo’s first full project in seven years. And the wait was certainly worth it. Old Raggamuffin is a heady mix of roots, soul and dub – with elements of calypso and hip hop thrown in for extremely good measure. The production, co-worked with Kris Kemist from Reality Shock Records, is of exceptional quality. But it’s Solo’s lyrics and delivery which really impress.

His performance skills have become noticeably more honed since his last album, Higher Levels. Cleverly mixing razor-sharp humour with damning indictments of the system, Solo doesn’t hold back with Old Raggamuffin‘s subject matter. From institutionalised racism to classism, via social media, political corruption and state-sanctioned propaganda, Solo has created a searing narrative of the world in 2019. Old Raggamuffin must surely stand as his seminal work.

So, I caught up with Solo for the #ToppleUncaged podcast. We discussed Old Raggamuffin, his journey to this point, Brexit, classism, the corporatism within the music industry and more.

Enjoy!

CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged meets… Solo Banton show notes:

Presented, produced and edited by Steve Topple.

Sound engineering by Gav Pauze.

Old Raggamuffin (title track) by Solo Banton via Reality Shock Records.

Buy the full album Old Raggamuffin on CD.

Find out more about Solo, read more about the album and shop his back catalogue on Pauze Radio.

Follow him on Facebook and Insta.

Follow on Twitter:

Steve Topple @MrTopple; The Canary @TheCanaryUK; Solo Banton @SoloBanton; Nicola Jeffery @NicolaCJeffery; Gav Pauze @PauzeRadio; Rai Star Music @rai_star113

Use the hashtags #ToppleUncaged #CanaryPod

Find out more about Gav Pauze and browse his vinyl store.

Topple Uncaged Theme Music: Lost Souls by Lee Wrizzle.

Edutainment by Solo Banton featuring Macka B via Reality Shock Records:

Take Aim by Solo Banton via Reality Shock Records.

Featured image via Steve Topple, Maurice – Wikimedia and Reality Shock Records

By Steve Topple

THIS PODCAST CONTAINS LANGUAGE AND CONTENT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE HOST AND GUESTS.

Welcome to #ToppleUncaged!

Every week, The Canary will be bringing you an innovative podcast for the media landscape; hosted by me, Steve Topple.

In a special episode, I met one of the most exciting artists of 2019, with an unparalleled family lineage: Hymn Marley.

Mr Topple x Hymn Marley

Hymn is the grandson of the legendary Bob Marley. He started out writing poetry, but it soon became apparent to him that his true calling was music. Hymn created a buzz with his 2017 debut track Bad Without You. Now, he’s back with his debut EP. It’s called In My Head and features five tracks.

The EP is sensational. The musical style is, as Hymn told me, “ambiguous”. He’s created an intuitive and ingenious fusion of styles and genres. In My Head opens with the folk-rock/ska infused Since You’ve Been Gone. It also has the afrobeat/dancehall crossover Hot Step. And the EP concludes with the truly eclectic finale Let It Burn, a retrospective of all the styles infused into In My Head. The track merges musical devices from dancehall, two-step, afrobeat, soul and rock, along with some electronic dance music (EDM) synths to boot. Moreover, the EP is a testament to Hymn’s storytelling, with a distinct drama that unfolds throughout. The whole project is a stunning debut, showcasing his rich and versatile voice perfectly, with top-quality instrumentation, arrangement and production.

So, I caught up with him for the #ToppleUncaged podcast. We discussed In My Head, his artistic journey to this point, his family’s legacy, the importance of conscious music and artistic integrity and more.

Enjoy!

Listen on iTunes here.

CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged meets… Hymn Marley show notes:

Presented, produced and edited by Steve Topple.

Sound engineering by Gav Pauze.

Let It Burn by Hymn Marley via HYMNtertainment/Tuff Gong International/Foundation Media:

Download Hymn’s debut EP In My Head on your preferred platform here.

Read more about him.

Follow Hymn on Facebook and Insta.

Follow on Twitter:

Steve Topple @MrTopple; The Canary @TheCanaryUK; Hymn Marley @HymnMarley; Nicola Jeffery @NicolaCJeffery; Gav Pauze @PauzeRadio; Rai Star Music @rai_star113

Use the hashtags #ToppleUncaged #CanaryPod

Find out more about Gav Pauze and browse his vinyl store.

Topple Uncaged Theme Music: Lost Souls by Lee Wrizzle.

Since You’ve Been Gone by Hymn Marley via HYMNtertainment/Tuff Gong International/Foundation Media:

Featured image via Steve Topple, Maurice – Wikimedia and Foundation Media

By Steve Topple

THIS PODCAST CONTAINS LANGUAGE AND CONTENT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE HOST AND GUESTS.

Welcome to #ToppleUncaged!

Every week, The Canary will be bringing you an innovative podcast for the media landscape; hosted by me, Steve Topple.

In another special episode, I met one third of a group whose latest album topped the Billboard reggae chart: Evan Burton of Indubious.

Mr Topple x Indubious

Brothers Evan and Spencer Burton founded Indubious. Both were born with the illness cystic fibrosis, a systemic genetic disorder that is centred around the respiratory system but affects many parts of the body. Doctors said the brothers wouldn’t live past the age of 18. But despite these odds, Evan and Spencer knew their calling in life was both spiritual and musical, and Indubious was formed out of this. The band, which also includes Corey Foster, have forged a successful path with a string of critically acclaimed and groundbreaking albums. But their latest release Beleaf is perhaps their seminal work. It’s a masterclass in both musical ingenuity and eclecticism, transcending genres to create a wholly unique sound. But it is also a searing and pertinent piece of conscious work. The band’s storytelling, intuitively weaved into Beleaf in effectively two ‘acts’, takes the listener on a truly moving journey. All this results in one of the albums of the year.

So, I caught up with Evan for the #ToppleUncaged podcast. We discussed Beleaf, how it was conceived, the brother’s spirituality, the current state of political and social upheaval in the world and more.

Enjoy!

Listen on iTunes here.

CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged meets… Indubious show notes:

Presented, produced and edited by Steve Topple.

Sound engineering by Gav Pauze.

Strong End by Indubious via Vrtical PR:

Download Beleaf on your preferred platform.

Find out more about Indubious.

Follow the band on Facebook and Insta.

Follow on Twitter:

Steve Topple @MrTopple; The Canary @TheCanaryUK; Indubious @Indubious; Nicola Jeffery @NicolaCJeffery; Gav Pauze @PauzeRadio; Rai Star Music @rai_star113

Use the hashtags #ToppleUncaged #CanaryPod

Find out more about Gav Pauze and browse his vinyl store.

Topple Uncaged Theme Music: Lost Souls by Lee Wrizzle.

Shuffle the Deck by Indubious via Vrtical PR:

Here We Come by Indubious via Vrtical PR:

Featured image via Steve Topple, Maurice – Wikimedia and Vrtical PR

By Steve Topple

THIS PODCAST CONTAINS LANGUAGE AND CONTENT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE HOST AND GUESTS.

Welcome to #ToppleUncaged!

Every week, The Canary will be bringing you an innovative podcast for the media landscape; hosted by me, Steve Topple.

In a special episode, I met an international cricketing icon who’s now forging a successful music career: Omari Banks.

Mr Topple x Omari Banks

Omari made sporting history as the first Anguillian cricketer to play for the West Indies. After a hugely successful career, he turned to his other passion: music. It’s of little wonder that Omari was naturally gifted. His father is Bankie Banx, one of the most successful reggae artists of all time. Omari’s debut album Move On was a commercial and critical success, paving the way for a string of other hits. But what partly defines Omari is that his artistic creations cannot be musically boxed in. His sound is a sum of his life experiences, incorporating elements of reggae, soul, blues, calypso and more. This creates a truly unique listening experience, which is showcased beautifully on his second, scintillating album Sunlight. More recently, the two gorgeous tracks Half Full or Half Empty and You’re Gonna Make It encapsulate what Omari is about perfectly.

So, I caught up with Omari for the #ToppleUncaged podcast. We discussed his transition from sport to music, where his musical eclecticism comes from, the importance of conscious music and more.

Enjoy!

Listen on iTunes here.

CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged show notes 1/9/19

Presented, produced and edited by Steve Topple.

Sound engineering by Gav Pauze.

Half Full or Half Empty by Omari Banks via MPR Consulting:

Download Omari’s last album Sunlight on your preferred platform here.

Find out more about him.

Follow Omari on Facebook and Insta.

Follow on Twitter:

Steve Topple @MrTopple; The Canary @TheCanaryUK; Omari Banks @Omaribanksmusic; Nicola Jeffery @NicolaCJeffery; Gav Pauze @PauzeRadio; Rai Star Music @rai_star113

Use the hashtags #ToppleUncaged #CanaryPod

Find out more about Gav Pauze and browse his vinyl store.

Topple Uncaged Theme Music: Lost Souls by Lee Wrizzle.

You’re Gonna Make It by Omari Banks via MPR Consulting:

Featured image via Steve Topple, Maurice – Wikimedia and MPR Consulting 

By Steve Topple

THIS PODCAST CONTAINS LANGUAGE AND CONTENT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE HOST AND GUESTS.

Welcome to #ToppleUncaged!

Every week, The Canary will be bringing you an innovative podcast for the media landscape; hosted by me, Steve Topple.

In another special episode, I met an artist who encapsulates everything it is to be truly conscious: Sevana.

Mr Topple x Sevana

Sevana has been steadily rising to the top of her game for several years. But her journey to this point has been much longer. After meeting renowned musician Protojé she signed to his In.Digg.Nation family, catapulting her onto a worldwide stage. With a gorgeous voice which flips between ranges, a lyrical ability that can discuss myriad subjects and a conscience to match, Sevana is one of the most exciting artists currently out there. Her most recent track Nobody Man was lyrically a stirring ode to toxic masculinity, patriarchy and misogyny, But this was juxtaposed to excellent effect with a musical blend of smooth soul and afrobeat RnB. But Sevana is much more than this, with a depth of thought about political and social issues which is truly remarkable.

So, I caught up with her for the #ToppleUncaged podcast. We discussed her musical journey, the eclectic nature of her work, her first foray into film directing, climate change, patriarchy, societal hierarchy and more.

Enjoy!

Listen on iTunes here.

CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged meets… Sevana show notes:

Presented, produced and edited by Steve Topple.

Sound engineering by Gav Pauze.

Justice by Sevana via In.Digg.Nation Collective:

Download Sevana’s debut EP Sevana on your preferred platform.

Find out more about her.

Follow Sevana on Facebook and Insta.

Watch the short film Fear which she was assistant director of and find out more about Sozo Artists:

Follow on Twitter:

Steve Topple @MrTopple; The Canary @TheCanaryUK; Sevana @callmesevana; Nicola Jeffery @NicolaCJeffery; Gav Pauze @PauzeRadio; Rai Star Music @rai_star113

Use the hashtags #ToppleUncaged #CanaryPod

Find out more about Gav Pauze and browse his vinyl store.

Topple Uncaged Theme Music: Lost Souls by Lee Wrizzle.

Nobody Man by Sevana via In.Digg.Nation Collective:

Featured image via Steve Topple, Maurice – Wikimedia and In.Digg.Nation Collective

By Steve Topple

THIS PODCAST CONTAINS LANGUAGE AND CONTENT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE HOST AND GUESTS.

Welcome to #ToppleUncaged!

Every week, The Canary will be bringing you an innovative podcast for the media landscape; hosted by me, Steve Topple.

In a special episode, I met one of the hottest artists around: Busy Signal.

Mr Topple x Busy Signal

Busy has been one of the most influential dance hall and reggae musicians to emerge in the 21st century. Having a career spanning over 15 years, he broke ground with his approach to his craft. Busy is renowned for breaking down musical barriers, mixing conscious music into everything he does and setting the bar for dancehall and reggae crossover acts. He has notched up hundreds of millions of views across streaming sites, and is one of the most respected artists in the business.

Now, Busy is back with his latest album. Called Parts of the Puzzle, it is a masterclass in producing a record that is truly unique. He has created a sound entirely of his own – immersing the album with an ambient feel, with some of the most intricate and ingenious production and engineering of the year. Busy effortlessly flips between genres, from dancehall, afrobeat and reggae to trap, RnB and lover’s rock. He also often creates genres that appear completely without precedent. But moreover, it showcases his vocal ability and extreme lyrical skills perfectly. Parts of the Puzzle may well be Busy’s seminal work, and stands as one of the most phenomenal projects of the year.

So, I caught up with him for the #ToppleUncaged podcast. We discussed Parts of the Puzzle, the importance of conscious music, the songwriting process, his spiritual outlook on life and more.

Enjoy!

Listen on iTunes here.

CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged meets… Busy Signal show notes:

Presented, produced and edited by Steve Topple.

Sound engineering by Gav Pauze.

Stay So by Busy Signal via VP Records:

Jah Know Dawg and Everywhere We Go by Busy Signal via VP Records.

Download Parts of the Puzzle on your preferred platform here.

Find out more about Busy and read Pauze Radio‘s bio of him.

Follow Busy on Facebook and Insta.

Follow on Twitter:

Steve Topple @MrTopple; The Canary @TheCanaryUK; Busy Signal @busysignal_turf; Nicola Jeffery @NicolaCJeffery; Gav Pauze @PauzeRadio; Rai Star Music @rai_star113

Use the hashtags #ToppleUncaged #CanaryPod

Find out more about Gav Pauze and browse his vinyl store.

Topple Uncaged Theme Music: Lost Souls by Lee Wrizzle.

Featured image via Steve Topple, Maurice – Wikimedia and VP Records

By Steve Topple

THIS PODCAST CONTAINS LANGUAGE AND CONTENT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE HOST AND GUESTS.

Welcome to #ToppleUncaged!

Every week, The Canary will be bringing you an innovative podcast for the media landscape; hosted by me, Steve Topple.

I’ve got a two-part treat for you because I had the opportunity to interview one of the most important artists of a generation: Micah Shemaiah. Here’s part two. You can listen to part one here.

Mr Topple x Micah Shemaiah: Part Two

Micah’s been one of the most prolific and influential roots reggae artists of recent years. Searingly conscious, musically ingenious and with a stunning back catalogue to boot, he has blazed a trail in terms of message music. Moreover, Micah is a passionate advocate of vinyl, leading the way in promoting this form of music release. But it is perhaps his worldview which is most profound. Micah is a highly skilled orator with a staggering depth of thought. He is currently set to release The Forgotten Scrolls, a three-part series of vinyl music.

So, I caught up with him for a two-part special of the #ToppleUncaged podcast. In this, part two, we discussed 21st-century society, the impact of corporations on all of our existences, how music can be a catalyst for change and more.

Enjoy!

Listen on iTunes here.

CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged meets… Micah Shemaiah – Part Two show notes:

Presented, produced and edited by Steve Topple.

Sound engineering by Gav Pauze.

Rainbow Station by Micah Shemaiah via JahSolidRock Music:

Buy The Forgotten Scrolls Volume 1.

Find out more about Micah.

Read Pauze Radio‘s bio of him.

Follow Micah on Facebook and Insta.

Follow on Twitter:

Steve Topple @MrTopple; The Canary @TheCanaryUK; Micah Shemaiah @MicahShemaiah; Nicola Jeffery @NicolaCJeffery; Gav Pauze @PauzeRadio; Rai Star Music @rai_star113

Use the hashtags #ToppleUncaged #CanaryPod

Find out more about Gav Pauze and browse his vinyl store.

Topple Uncaged Theme Music: Lost Souls by Lee Wrizzle.

Legal by Micah Shemaiah and Rassi Hardknocks via Reggaeville:

Featured image via Steve Topple, Maurice – Wikimedia and Micah Shemaiah

By Steve Topple

THIS PODCAST CONTAINS LANGUAGE AND CONTENT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE HOST AND GUESTS.

Welcome to #ToppleUncaged!

Every week, The Canary will be bringing you an innovative podcast for the media landscape; hosted by me, Steve Topple.

In a special episode, I met one of the the rising stars to emerge from Jamaica in the past few years: Bella Blair.

Mr Topple x Bella Blair

Bella was heavily involved in the performing arts from a young age, having studied it at every level of education. She first came to prominence via her comedy skits on her YouTube channel. But music was clearly her first love. Her first venture into this was featuring on Eddie Ferrer’s Jigsaw Love back in 2012. More music followed, but it was her 2018 EP Aura which cemented her status as an artistic force to be reckoned with. It is an ingenious mix of genres, from ambient RnB to soul, via afrobeat, dancehall and reggae. But it’s Bella’s voice and storytelling which really set Aura out as such a strong project. Now, she’s back with her latest track. Called Mistake Too, it’s a bang-up-to-date afrobeat RnB track, produced by the UK-based Jamie Rodigan and Aaron Horn.

So, I caught up with Bella for the #ToppleUncaged podcast. We chatted about her musical upbringing and career, the diverse mix of styles and genres she is becoming renowned for, the music industry and more.

Enjoy!

Listen on iTunes here.

CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged meets… Bella Blair show notes:

Presented, produced and edited by Steve Topple.

Sound engineering by Gav Pauze.

Mistake Too by Bella Blair, produced by Crate Classics via Lilalockdcity:

Download Bella’s debut EP Aura on your preferred platform.

Follow her on Facebook and Insta.

Follow on Twitter:

Steve Topple @MrTopple; The Canary @TheCanaryUK; Bella Blair @thebellablair; Nicola Jeffery @NicolaCJeffery; Gav Pauze @PauzeRadio; Rai Star Music @rai_star113

Use the hashtags #ToppleUncaged #CanaryPod

Find out more about Gav Pauze and browse his vinyl store.

Topple Uncaged Theme Music: Lost Souls by Lee Wrizzle.

Good Gyal Anthem by Bella Blair:

Featured image via Steve Topple, Maurice – Wikimedia and Bella Blair

By Steve Topple

THIS PODCAST CONTAINS LANGUAGE AND CONTENT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE HOST AND GUESTS.

Welcome to series two of #ToppleUncaged!

Every week, The Canary will be bringing you an innovative podcast for the media landscape; hosted by me, Steve Topple.

I’ve got a two-part treat for you because I had the opportunity to interview one of the most important artists of a generation: Micah Shemaiah. Here’s part one.

Mr Topple x Micah Shemaiah: Part One

Micah’s been one of the most prolific and influential roots reggae artists of recent years. Searingly conscious, musically ingenious and with a stunning back catalogue to boot, he has blazed a trail in terms of message music. Moreover, Micah is a passionate advocate of vinyl, leading the way in promoting this form of music release. But it is perhaps his worldview which is most profound. Micah is a highly skilled orator with an almost unparalleled depth of though in the music industry. He is currently set to release The Forgotten Scrolls, a three-part series of vinyl music.

So, I caught up with him for a two-part special of the #ToppleUncaged podcast. In this, part one, we discussed The Forgotten Scrolls, the music industry, artificial intelligence and technology, the cult of celebrity and more. Part two will be released very soon!

Enjoy!

CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged meets… Micah Shemaiah – Part One show notes:

Presented, produced and edited by Steve Topple.

Sound engineering by Gav Pauze.

Zions Gates by Micah Shemaiah via JahSolidRock Music:

Buy The Forgotten Scrolls Volume 1.

Find out more about Micah.

Read Pauze Radio‘s bio of him.

Follow Micah on Facebook and Insta.

Follow on Twitter:

Steve Topple @MrTopple; The Canary @TheCanaryUK; Micah Shemaiah @MicahShemaiah; Nicola Jeffery @NicolaCJeffery; Gav Pauze @PauzeRadio; Rai Star Music @rai_star113

Use the hashtags #ToppleUncaged #CanaryPod

Find out more about Gav Pauze and browse his vinyl store.

Topple Uncaged Theme Music: Lost Souls by Lee Wrizzle.

Legal by Micah Shemaiah and Rassi Hardknocks via Reggaeville:

Featured image via Steve Topple, Maurice – Wikimedia and Micah Shemaiah

By Steve Topple

THIS PODCAST CONTAINS LANGUAGE AND CONTENT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE HOST AND GUESTS.

Welcome to series two of #ToppleUncaged!

Every week, The Canary will be bringing you an innovative podcast for the media landscape; hosted by me, Steve Topple.

You’ll get my quick fire round-up of the news in Topple’s Twittering. Then, I’ll be going in on a story or campaign you may have missed, with a very special guest, on Free Flying With… After that, you get to have your say on the week’s talking points in Twitter Chirps Back. And finally, I’ll be bringing you the freshest, most banging political music in Revolutionary Bird Song.

This week I round off Series Two with a look back at some of the campaigns I’ve featured so far. Plus there’s music and chat from a friend of the show and reggae legend Clinton Fearon.

Enjoy!

CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged show notes 22/9/19:

Presented, produced and edited by Steve Topple.

Sound engineering by Gav Pauze.

Topple’s Twittering intro:

Jo Swinson should know that attempted smears on Jeremy Corbyn always backfire

Jeremy Corbyn saves Tom Watson and he survives attempt to oust him

Free Flying With… campaign details:

 CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged with Unite Community.

Labour conference
12:30 – 1:30pm Mon 23 September
Lunch provided.

Join @Unite_Community at the Grand Hotel in Brighton for the launch of our new report 'Not fit for purpose' laying bare the misery of Universal Credit for so many families.#Lab19 #ForTheMany #StopUniversalCredit pic.twitter.com/C3yboWAPRC

— Unite Community (@Unite_Community) September 19, 2019

CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged meets… Save Samantha.

Read more about Samantha’s story on her website and follow her on Instagram.

Join the #SaveSamantha Facebook community.

Find out more about her charity the EDS Foundation.

Twitter Chirps Back:

OI TWITTER

YES it's that time

FORGET #bbcqt! It's #TwitterChirpsBackfor my #Podcast #ToppleUncaged

YOU tell ME YOUR views on the biggest stories

WELL? Give me YOUR take on the UK being in #BrexitShambles!

REPLY TO THIS TWEET & I'LL READ EM OUT ON SUNDAYRT PLS pic.twitter.com/Xs0YYJEIqJ

— Steve Topple (@MrTopple) September 19, 2019

Universal Credit forcing claimants into debt and stress

Read more about Alex Tiffin’s issues at the Labour Party conference

Revolutionary Bird Song:

I Will by Clinton Fearon via Kool Yu Foot/Boogie Brown Productions.

Download History Say on your preferred platform here.

Read more about Clinton.

Follow him on Facebook and Insta.

Take a look at Pauze Radio‘s bio of History Say.

Follow on Twitter:

Steve Topple @MrTopple; The Canary @TheCanaryUK; Unite Community @Unite_Community; Samantha Smith @SaveSamantha_; Clinton Fearon @clintonfearon; Nicola Jeffery @NicolaCJeffery; Gav Pauze @PauzeRadio; Rai Star Music @rai_star113

Use the hashtags #ToppleUncaged #CanaryPod #TwitterChirpsBack

Find out more about Gav Pauze and browse his vinyl store.

Topple Uncaged Theme Music: Lost Souls by Lee Wrizzle.

We Are The Champions by The Crazy Frog via Tyrato

Love Is A Losing Game by Amy Winehouse via Jasmin P

Featured image via Steve Topple, Maurice – Wikimedia and Kool Yu Foot/Boogie Brown Productions

By Steve Topple

THIS PODCAST CONTAINS LANGUAGE AND CONTENT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE HOST AND GUESTS.

Welcome to series two of #ToppleUncaged!

Every week, The Canary will be bringing you an innovative podcast for the media landscape; hosted by me, Steve Topple.

In a special extended episode, I’m joined by a friend of the show and a reggae icon: Clinton Fearon.

Mr Topple x Clinton Fearon

Clinton has been in the music business for 50 years. He’s enjoyed a career that started when he joined the mythical group The Gladiators all the way back in 1969. A string of acclaimed singles and albums followed, as did Clinton’s work for legends like Lee Scratch Perry. At the end of the 1980s, he departed The Gladiators to form his own collective, The Boogie Brown Band. 12 albums followed, and now he’s back.

Clinton’s brand new album is History Say. To say it is pure ‘Fearon’ doesn’t do it justice. It’s a glorious, intricate mix of styles; grounded in reggae but interspersed with jazz, funky soul, calypso, dub and some rock thrown in for good measure. But as always with Clinton, it’s his wonderful ability to mix serious political and social messages with some good old fashioned fun which really shines. The top class instrumentation, vocal arrangements and production finish off what is perhaps this artist’s seminal work.

So, I caught up with Clinton for the #ToppleUncaged podcast. We discussed History Say, his continued success, the current state of the music and political worlds and modern technology, the latter being something he’s not too keen on!

Enjoy!

Listen on iTunes here.

CanaryPod: #ToppleUncaged meets… Clinton Fearon show notes

Presented, produced and edited by Steve Topple.

Sound engineering by Gav Pauze.

I Will by Clinton Fearon via Kool Yu Foot/Boogie Brown Productions.

Download History Say on your preferred platform here.

Read more about Clinton.

Follow him on Facebook and Insta.

Take a look at Pauze Radio‘s bio of History Say.

Follow on Twitter:

Steve Topple @MrTopple; The Canary @TheCanaryUK; Clinton Fearon @clintonfearon; Nicola Jeffery @NicolaCJeffery; Gav Pauze @PauzeRadio; Rai Star Music @rai_star113

Use the hashtags #ToppleUncaged #CanaryPod

Find out more about Gav Pauze and browse his vinyl store.

Topple Uncaged Theme Music: Lost Souls by Lee Wrizzle.

Time by Clinton Fearon via Kool Yu Foot/Boogie Brown Productions:

Featured image via Steve Topple, Maurice – Wikimedia and Kool Yu Foot/Boogie Brown Productions

By Steve Topple