On October 9th, 2014, Stages hosted their first concert of the 2014-2015 school year called Reggae Night, partnering with the U of T’s Black Students Association to bring a bit of Jamaica to Toronto. Performing live were Dylan Murray and LAZO, entertaining the crowd with classic Bob Marley songs as well as originals such as Marley’s single: “Be OK” and LAZO’S “Politricks” – written while he was still a student at U of T.
It’s not often that U of T students get treated to a free music night, or are introduced to some of the best names in the genre – Hart House’s Reggae Night did both. Dylan Murray is Nelly Furtado’s musical protégé and LAZO was named “Top Reggae Performer of the Year” by the internationally acclaimed Canadian Reggae Music Awards. LAZO has also recieved a Juno nomination in 2000 for his CD, “Heart and Soul.”
I personally had a great time at Reggae night. I found that the organization by Stages was smoothly done, and it was good for students to relax from the stresses of school with great music in a welcoming atmosphere – completely free. This is a great alternative for people who are not into the party scene or short of cash who still want something fun to do on a Thursday night (Humanities students know the weekend actually begins on Thursday). I interviewed a few students present at the event to get their opinions on the night, and see why they decided to come out for the concert.
Sabrina Charette, First Year Student, Lifesci:
Q: Why did you come out to this event? Are you actively interested in reggae music or did you come out just to see what it was about?
S: I came because my friend is a photographer and I though she would like it. It is my first time in a reggae concert, I really did not know what it was about, but I really liked it!
Q: How did you find the Reggae Night? Would you recommend other students come out to events such as these?
S: I really enjoyed Reggae Night and I think it is a nice local thing to do. It is free and a good event if you do not want to get drunk to have a good time. I totally recommend it to friends. Hart House has also a great location, as it is in the middle of everything here at UofT, so it is a good option for an outing, for its affordability. The artists were awesome and they are both very talented!
Nastassia Guarda, 5th year, Linguistics, Cognitive Science and Semiotics:
Q: Why did you come out to this event? Are you actively interested in reggae music or did you come out just to see what it was about?
N: I did not know what reggae was about, I was just looking for more music and dancing. I am also friends with a member of Stages, so he invited me and I decided to go.
Q: How did you find the Reggae Night? Would you recommend other students come out to events such as these?
N: I really liked it, I had fun. I recommend events like this to students.
Luckily at the end of their set, I had the time to interview Dylan and LAZO on their thoughts regarding the music industry, as well as what it’s like to be a musician.
Dylan Murray:
Q: How did it feel when Nelly Furtado signed you to her record company?
D: It was a good feeling. It was a new experience which I got the chance to work together with her for a few years and I learned and grew a lot as a musician.
Q: How long have you been on the road as a singer?
D: I have been involved with music since an early age. When I was in high school, I took part of a rock band, but only decided to really pursue music in 2001 when I left school. It has been 13 years now and I have only been really on the road only when I worked with Nelly, travelling and working between Europe and Canada.
Q: How do you feel connected to reggae? What is the importance of this genre in your life?
D: I feel connected to reggae through my music background. I have always listened to it and I have been to Jamaica a couple times. I find reggae inspiring and I love performing it.
Q: What are some tips you can give someone that is pursuing music as a career?
D: I truly believe that if someone wants to pursue music as his career, he has to follow his heart and his goals, it is not an easy career, you have to be smart about it and not be afraid to lose anything. Just lose yourself in the music
LAZO
Q: What does reggae mean to you?
L: Reggae for me means freedom, history, represents my African roots. It is also about love and unity.
Q: How did your passion for this genre of music start?
L: My passion for reggae started after Bob Marley. I find the lyrics and sounds that compose the reggae genre very inspiring and liberating.
Q: What were the biggest difficulties you encountered in becoming such a recognized artist?
L: The difficulties I encountered were that reggae was not a popular type of music in North America and that it had a very difficult exposure. It was not played on the radio, it was hard to get to the masses. There were some issues with this genre because it is not like pop music that makes people dance, reggae is intellectually stimulating. The songs generally talk about justice, they are anti-systemic, so it was hard to get it to a new audience.
Q: What are some tips you can give someone that is pursuing music as a career?
L: First of all, you have to love what you are doing, got to be passionate about it. If you look at the career of a musician financially, it is pretty hard, but it is very rewarding that through reggae I can expose what is right and talk about justice in the society. Also, you need to be able to overcome obstacles and difficulties. Got to keep trying, never giving up.
Stages hosts free concerts to U of T students once a month in the Arbor Room of Hart House. Upcoming genres and events include a talk on the music industry, Blues Midnight Special, Valentine’s Day, Folk, and Alternative rock. These concerts work to bring the U of T music community together, as well as expose students to genres of music through a mixture of big names in the industry and local artists. If you didn’t make it to the first concert, hopefully we’ll see you at the next event!