Q&A: Who cares about soca? October Stats

As a web mistress, I've learned all sorts of things I never dreamed of before.  Once of my biggest facinations is checking out the vistor stats for www.nurse-karen.com .  Some say I travel a lot, but there are still so many places that this blog is enjoyed, where I have yet to visit.  I thought about that and realized that many of you don't realize just how many people (in how many places) are interested in soca music and culture. So, I thought I'd take a moment to inform you about the people who read this blog!

All statistics below refer only to the month of October 2009.  They vary from month to month depending on what music is out, which carnivals are approaching...and what we take the time to post.  Ready?  Here goes...

Top 10 most popular post with Nurse Karen Etc readers?
With more than three years of valuable soca information online, Nurse Karen Etc now boasts more than 2000 individual posts.  Last month, these were the most popular posts to visit: (go ahead and click to see them yourself)

1. Free Download:  Eden Miami Carnival Mix by D'Bandit and Private Ryan
2. Booster Shot:  Artistes Doing Their Lil Bitts for Charity
3. Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Problem Child
4. Booster Shot:  French Canadian Soca Ambassador Featured in Fader
5. Eye Unit:  Happy Independence SVG
6. Booster Shot: Destra is Pregnant!  (originally posted on August 20th!)
7. Booster Shot: 2009 International Soca Awards Nominees are Up
8. Nurse's Lounge:  Miami Bacchanal Wednesday
9. The Rounds:  October is Calypso History Month
10. Booster Shot:  The Asylum Family Sticks it to Miami Promoters

Top 10 Most Common Searches on Nurse Karen Etc
Last month 1153 visits to Nurse Karen came to us via online search.  As the web's most comprehensive portal for contemporary soca news updates, there's no question that people come to us for all sorts of things. Here are the top ten

1.  Nurse Karen / Nurse Karen blog
2.  Destra Garcia Pregnant
3.  Soca Awards
4.  Roy Cape Honored at World Creole Festival
5.  Calypso History Month
6. Miami Carnival
7. Fay-Ann Lyons
8.  Soca News
9.  Claudette Peters
10. Ninja Dan

Where do Nurse Karen Etc Readers live?
1. Unites States of America    37 %
2. Canada  23 %
3. Trinidad and Tobago   11%
4. United Kingdom   6%
5. St. Lucia   2%
6. St. Vincent 2 %
7. Barbados 2 %
8. France 1 %
9. Germany 1 %
10.  Sweden   1 %
11.  Jamaica   1 %
12.  Antigua and Barbuda  1 %
13.  Grenada   1 %
14. Belgium    1 %

The remaining 10 % of visits come from 82 other countries in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, South America, The Middle East, Australia and Africa.

The market for soca is vast, diverse and growing every day.  I truly appreciate the interaction, support and feedback I get from readers around the world.  Hopefully Nurse Karen Etc helps you see that what many consider to be a small, season, niche music genre has a widespread audience all year long.  To show your love in a more tangible way, be sure to visit our online advertisers whenever you surf in, so we can continue to provide the best in soca news and info to 95 countries worldwide!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Q&A: One day with an artiste...who would it be?

In the years that I've been covering soca, I have to admit I've met some fascinating people.  I'v even made a few good friends.  Artistes, like the rest of us, are regular people with hobbies, quirks and habits that colour their personalities in a unique way.

In life we often admire people who reflect ourselves in some way.  So being a fan, isn't always just about music.  Maybe you admire Fay-Ann Lyons for taking her career to the top while pregnant for the first time.  Maybe Edwin Yearwood's sexy voice puts you in a "certain" kind of mood.  Last night, a buddy told me that Denise "Saucy Wow" Belfon makes him consider dating "big girls"

When I first met mega-diva Destra Garcia, I was surprised to learn how down to earth she is. She had lots of questions for me about St. Vincent as she shared stories about her Grandfather and told me about her desire to learn more about her roots.

Most of us know that Maximus Dan is a huge football (soccer) fan.  Ever wondered if you could beat him on the field?

Ever since interviewing  Machel Montano, I've been curious to know what an HD jam session is like. Sounds like it's an intensely spiritual experience, and I might require a gas mask in order to breathe.

What about experimenting in the kitchen with college student Skinny Fabulous or going Christmas shopping with Lil Rick and his legion of kids.  Clubbing with Claudette Peters anyone?

Today's Q and A is for you!



If you could lime with any soca artiste for one day, who would it be and why?


Please post your 2 cents below!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

P.S.  Here are some responses from our followers on Twitter

whitewinemusic @nursekaren Ras Shorty to understand where it came from


DEPONGCHUNEMAN @nursekaren : Fireman Hooper. The best #soca artist out 2day


Wukupnuff @nursekaren hangin with MJ could be very interesting. As for soca artist I would say David Rudder. How about urself?


ArchValenz @nursekaren Hmm. I'd love to meet Lord Shorty. And my favourite soca artiste of all time, Shadow.


logordo Faye-ann-I have been slacking with exercising and she was always good motivation! Lol 


MsPaigeMusic @nursekaren #qanda i'd lime with @edwinyearwood with the hopes of creating one helluva babymaking soca classic!


xdeguzman RT @nursekaren: #qanda If you could hang out with one soca artist for a day, who would you choose and why? // faye ann.. to play wit d baby


ianandreespinet @nursekaren #qanda If I were to hang out w/ a soca artist for a day it would be Isaac Blackman to learn 1st hand soca history & storytelling


LPG13SoundIntl @nursekaren I would lime with Patrice Roberts and help her pick out new outfits for her performances#miniskirtsandpumps aye aye aye!


KWAM1ZZL3 @nursekaren destra...cuz she has a beautiful...voice


 @yoshxl  Alison Hinds and I'd walk a few paces behind her.. O_o


DancehallSoca @nursekaren Edwin Yearwood to learn how he come up wid dem sweet #Soca tunes


riridimples Its a toss btween Black Stalin and Baron








If you want to make some new friends or discuss these responses with the REAL people who sent them in, just go to www.twitter.com/username   [as in enter their username after the slash!]

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Q&A: Sizwe C fighting wars as a military man and a soca artiste!

As a writer, one of my biggest pet peeves is reading the same old info about the usual suspects over and over. What's worse is having to write a feature article that some other writer has already written. In the soca world, and artist has a big hit or wins a title, and all eyes are on them. That's all fine and good, but don't you want to know about more than just where they got the idea for the song, and how it feels to be this year's whatchamacallit?

Yeah, I thought so! That's why Nurse Karen Etc will be taking the time to compile YOUR unique questions, and shoot them out to artists...and find out what they're really dealing with. The idea is to get opinions and open dialog between the artistes and their fans. So stay tuned every week as other featured artists chime in to answer the general questions of the month, plus a couple that are just for them!

With Miami Carnival around the corner as the next big who's who event of the socaverse, I thought it would be a great idea to start with an artiste who lives and works there. Allyuh, say hello to Sizwe C!

Wine on You - Sizwe C

Sizwe C is a US-based artist who grew up with music and carnival all around him. He's son of a DJ who says that he decided to be a singer when he was just six, after seeing Machel Montano perform "Too Young To Soca". Years later, his career would be begin as a solo artist, then as a member of a reggae band called Crucial. Now with roughly 8 years under his belt in the music business, Sizwe C main focus is soca, which he starting pushing in 2007. Fans in Miami also know him as the co-host of Soca Bashment on Blaze 107.1 FM, Saturday from 1 to 3 pm with Dr. Esan.

Now, let's do this already...


NK. Soca music can be very thankless, what keeps you motivated to keep doing what you do?

Sizwe C

THE "SOCA" ITSELF... SOCA FOR ME IS MORE THAN JUSS MUSIC, IT'S MY CULTURE, IT'S MY WAY OF LIFE ! IT IS MY LIFE!

NK. Tell us one thing your fans don’t know about you, but probably should.

Sizwe C

THAT I AM ACTUALLY BORN IN MONTREAL, CANADA!

NK. What is the greatest moment of your career so far?

Sizwe C

I HAVE TWO: PERFORMING IN TORONTO AT "SOCAVIVOR" IN FRONT OF 5,000 PEOPLE LAST YEAR, AND ALSO BEING NOMINATED IN THE INTERNATIONAL SOCA AWARDS!

NK. Of all the songs you’ve worked on, which is your favourite and why?

Sizwe C

"FIYAH" IS MY FAVORITE. I JUSS ENJOY SINGING IT. IT SEEMS SO POWERFUL LOL! AND WE DID ALL THE MAJOR CITY REMIXES TO IT, SO WHEN WE GO TO THOSE CITIES AND SING THE REMIX THE PEOPLE JUSS GET MAD!

NK. Who would you say are your mentors in this business?

Sizwe C

WOW THERE ARE A FEW... THE LATE MIGHTY DUKE, LEON COLDERO OF CODE 868, PROBLEM CHILD, KAMAU, BARRIE HYPE

NK. Name an emerging artist you rate, and why?

Sizwe C

I'M GOING TO GIVE YOU TWO: OMARI FERRARI AND KAMAU. OMARI'S STYLE IS JUSS SO FRESH AND NEW. HE HAS A HIPHOP AND R&B BACKGROUND THAT COMES OUT IN HIS MUSIC. KAMAU BECAUSE HE DOES IT ALL! ENGINEER, PRODUCE AND WRITE.

NK. When you were small, what did you want to do with your life?

Sizwe C

I WANTED TO SING SOCA! I WANTED TO BE THE NEXT SUPER BLUE... LOL

8.

NK. What is one goal you have for yourself that you have not achieved as yet?

Sizwe C

TO PERFORM IN THE SOCA MONARCH

NK. Apart from Trinidad, what other Caribbean heritage is in your background?

Sizwe C

MY MOTHER IS HAITIAN. SO SAK' PASSE TO ALL MY ZOES

NK. Tell us a quotation or word of advice that helps you through the rough times.

Sizwe C

TOGETHER WE ASPIRE TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE; LET'S GET IT; NO SLEEPIN NO STICKIN

NK. Do you listen to soca from various islands? If so, which ones, and what do you enjoy about it?

Sizwe C

I LOVE ALL SOCA FROM ALL THE ISLANDS, HOWEVER I REALY LIKE BAJAN GROOVY SOCA. IT'S JUSS FULL OF FLOWING MELODIES!

The next few questions are just for Sizwe C!
NK. As a member of the US Military, how does that experience affect your creativity?

Sizwe C

WELL I'VE BEEN ALL OVER THE WORLD AND EXPERIENCE A LOT OF GOOD AND BAD TIMES. SO I THINK IT ALLOWS ME TO BE MORE OPEN AND WILLING TO FLIRT WITH DIFFERENT FORMS OF MUSIC AND MERGING THEM TOGETHER TO MAKE ONE AMAIZING RECORD!

NK. How does being based in the United States affect the success of your music?

Sizwe C

I DONT THINK WHERE YOU ARE BASED IS AS IMPACTFUL AS WHAT YOU HAVE AVAILABLE TO YOU, AS WELL AS HOW HARD YOU ARE WORKING TO PROMOTE YOURSELF. YOU HAVE TO BE DRIVEN AND SELF MOTIVATED AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE INTERNET!!! LOL

Thanks Sizwe for letting us know more about your battle to achieve in the soca game. He lets me know that he's gonna be up in everything for the 2K10 season, so consider yourself warned!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

P.S. Here's Sizwe C's favourite song...Enjoy!

Fiyah (WISC Road Mix)(2009) - Sizwe C

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Booster Shot: Original artiste interviews coming to Nurse Karen Etc every week!

Thanks to you the fans, I'm very excited to be able to provide you with more "soca news from the source!" every week! I'm talking about regular pop interviews with soca artists, djs, promoters, and personalities in general. It's called Q and A, and the format is simple. Every month or so Nurse Karen Etc team will pose a general set of questions to a group of soca heads, plus a few specific questions submitted by you!

I love your questions. You send 'em, I give them to the artists, no matter how outlandish. If they answer, it up to them! So far, you guys have me rolling with laughter!

"What is Benjai's Cranberry to Vodka Ratio?"

"Is Kees single?"

"Why is there so much politics in the Toronto Soca scene?"

"Is Zoelah married"

"Is Nurse Karen dating a French white dude?"

...and the list goes on...

Keep posing your questions anywhere on the blog, or hit me up on twitter, the facebook group, or via IM at nursekaren@hotmail.com . We promise you at least one new "Q&A" every week!

So keep those questions coming...

Stayed tuned this Wednesday for a Q&A with Florida-based artiste, Sizwe C. Even your Nurse learned a few things she didn't know!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Q&A: What is Destra's phone number?...and more!

The Nurse answers your questions!

In this edition: Bunji Garlin, Destra Garcia, Fay Ann Lyons, Machel Montano, Sheldon Benjamin,  St. Lucia Carnival, Aex Jordan, Tobago Soca Monarch.

Q.  When did Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons get married?

A.  Trinidad’s IT  couple tied the knot in Trinidad on December 23, 2006.

Q.  When was Fay-Ann’s baby born?

A.  Baby Alvarez, Syri,  is the daughter of Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez and Ian Alvarez aka Bunji Garlin. She came to the world via C-Section, on Saturday, February 28, 2009.

Q.  Did Machel Montano have a show in Toronto on March 7? 

A. There was a facebook event advertising an appearance by Machel Montano HD on March 7^th.  However, Machel Montano did not have a confirmed booking in Toronto on that date.  The fete that ensued featured performances from Patch (T&T), Berbice (Grenada) and  Fireman Hooper (SVG)

Q.  Is Shel Shok ill?

A.  This question requires some sensitivity on my part. So, I’ve allowed Sheldon Benjamin to address this one himself.

“I don't go by the name Shel Shok anymore and I am not on soca and carnival. As for health, I am very sick but it will be a long road to recovery. I have to be in bed all the time staying off my feet, ”

Sheldon Benjamin (March 28, 2009)

Q. What was the name of Byron Lee’s band in the seventies?

A.  Mr. Lee’s band was none other than Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.  He started the band in Jamaica way back in 1950, by Byron Lee and his friend Carl Brady.  It continues today, even after the death of Byron Lee on November 4, 2008.  So, in the seventies, it was the very same band!!!!

Q.  When is Destra Garcia’s birthday?

A. Soca star Destra Garcia was born on November 10, 1977 in Trinidad.

Q. What is Destra Garcia’s phone number?

A.  LOL.  You must be mad!  You can always ask her manager for that.  Keep in mind he’s also her man, so, try yuh best!!

Q.  When is Fay-Ann Lyons birthday?

A.  Fay-Ann Lyons was born on November 5, 1980....of musical stock.  She is the daughter of Calypsonian Lady Gypsy, and Superblue!

Q.  When is St. Lucia Carnival 2009?

A.  It’s coming soon!  Carnival Monday and Tuesday are July 20^th and 21^st.

Q.  What is Lava Man’s real name?

A.  When he’s not sending Grenada’s soca crowds into frenzied madness, Lava Man is known as Marcus James.

Q.  Did Alex Jordan leave the BBC 1xtra Soca show?

A.  I asked Alex the same question a few months ago.  Here’s what she said:

“I did. First DJ to ever resign from Radio 1. Well I decided that I wanted to move back to Barbados for a bit as I've been missing my family - and after initially discussing if I could do it from there, logistics wouldn't allow. They are having DT do it and are looking for someone full time in the meantime. My move is to the islands to involve myself in radio/TV/music there, so I'll still be on the scene.”

Alex Jordan (December 5, 2008) 

 Q. Who were the competitors for Tobago Soca Monarch 2009?

A.  The Tobago Soca Monarch competition was held at the Golden Star Entertainment Center, Crown Point, Tobago on February 13^th 2009. You already know that Fire Empress took the crown, but here are the rest of the finalists who did battle that night; 

 Baby Vybz, 

Culture B, 

Dave Sampson, 

Jackie Reid, 

Kabasi, 

Kerrecia de Defender, 

Lion, 

Mauri Hall, 

Mr. Fusion, 

Princess Adana, 

Rheena Riley, 

Sando, 

Ware, 

Wendell Frederick.

More questions?  Post your comments below, or add me on Twitter 

 

 

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