‘12’ beginnings

The band hopes to attract more public attention by taking chances and using places such as the Little Carib Theatre for The Beginning, as the venue is known for the calibre of entertainers which it hosts. Also performing will be Jointpop; the rap group Spotrushaz; and poet Muhammad Muakil from the Speak Easy crew. Members of 12 have been working on 12 Soun for approximately nine months. “This show is one of our promotions of artistes,” said Sheldon Holder, the band’s lead vocalist and founder.

“What we’re trying to do is merge the underground genre — poetry, local rock, etc, and bring the artistes and audiences together. Everyone is creating good stuff but they are doing so individually. Now, we’re coming together. At the end of the day, it’s all music made by Trinbagonians,” Holder said. The idea behind the concert is to have something for everyone. The line-up for the show was an easy one for the band to pick. Holder has always been a fan of Jointpop. He grew up listening to their music and it defined his adolescence. “To be in the same show with them is amazing,” Holder exclaimed. One night he saw Muakil perform at The Speak Easy and was blown away. “After he performed I introduced myself and told him I would like to do a show with him, so when I decided to do this show, his name was at the top of my head,” he said. Spotrushaz came into play as he has always had a close relationship with Chromatics who is a member of the group and thought it would be a good idea to have them around for the show.

“We have to start making things happen. We can’t just sit and complain that radio isn’t playing us. We have to start actively pursuing things,” Holder remarked. “The Beginning is a hope that each group can broaden their fan base and the awareness that exist. We want each group to walk away, be able to put on their own show and create commerce for themselves,” Holder said.

He is also trying to organise “The Fringe” which will coincide with the Plymouth Jazz Festival (April 21 - 23).

“Every major music festival in the world has The Fringe,” Holder noted. “It is a place where creative people who are not on the festival line-up can go to express themselves. Tobago doesn’t have one so I’m trying to set it up.”

According to Holder, The Fringe is supposed to run for the duration of the festival but since this is new venture, it will be held at “The Shade” in Tobago on April 20 and 22. Performing will be 3 Canal, Jointpop, Spotrushaz, and 12.

“I’m so glad the bands are willing to go through this with us!” Holder exclaimed.

The Fringe is open to everyone but according to Holder, “the whole thing hinges on sponsorship.” Tickets for The Beginning cost $70 and are on sale at several stores.