WeJamaicans.com

Donny Yardas is undoubtedly a talented recording artist and song writer whose music continues to attract global audiences while staying true to home base. Unlike many artist of his time, the lyrical content of his music not only highlights his artistic creativity, but amplifies his ability to create timeless music. Well known throughout the dancehall fraternity and New York for crafting hits such as “One for Me,” “Your Eyez”” and “Nostrand & Maple.” Yardas continues to pull himself closer to becoming a force to be reckoned with in dancehall. And to prove that he has what it takes to top charts, Yardas recently premiered a music video for his hit single “so we rock it” which featured Screechy Dan.

To give you a glimpse inside the mind of Donny Yardas, I took the liberty of chatting with him about his career and the methodology behind the release of his latest music video.

Mark: Who produced “So We Rock it” video?
Donny Yardas: The video was produced by Celestial Tiger Records, Bogie Management, Ashea Management and directed by Greg Grindley

Mark: What was it like working with them?
Donny Yardas: It was cool. It was like a family affair. It was a cool vibe and everybody had fun. After the video shoot, everybody just hanged out and cracked jokes.

Mark: Who or what inspired you to write “So We Rock It?”
Donny Yardas: Celestial energy… well it all started with the beat and I was at home bored fliping thru tv channels and I just got this uncontrollable urge to make a track. I went into my home studio and literally within like 15 minutes I had the idea down.

Mark: What was it like working with Screechy Dan? And how did the union came about?
Donny Yardas : It is always great to work with Screechy. I have learnt a great deal by being around him in this music biz. I met Screech round the year 2000 when I was signed to an independent label in bk named article one. He use to be at the studio all the time and we just keep the link since then.

Mark: How receptive have your fans been to the primer of “So We Rock It?”
Donny Yardas: Great…. the fans are really supporting the song. This is the most support I have gotten for a song thus far….cause check it, it took me 6 months to get 1,000 views on youtube for my single “one for me” while I got over 1,000 views in 1 week with So We Rock It.

Mark: Looking back at WeJamaicans.com’s interview with you in 2008, I’ve noticed that a lot has changed with you as a dancehall artist. Was that a correct observation? If so, how much have you changed as an artist?
Donny Yardas: Well yes, I have grown and been exposed to many different cultures. They have influenced my music as well. I plan to showcase this growth on my next album due in May 2010 entitled “The Polarity Project”. The album is a concept album, where I plan to showcase so called positive songs (+) on one end and so called negative songs (-) on the other end.

Mark: How receptive have your fans been to the new Donny Yardas?
Donny Yardas: The fans has been very receptive. I have gained a lot more fans in the past year. However, I am still the same Donny Yardas, a jus the movement a grow so we try to make music for a much wider audience now. But I am waiting till the polarity project drop. The original yardas fans are not going to be disappointed cause I know they wanna hear some insightful and positive stuff from me. That will be included but at the same time they gonna hear some vibes music, where u jus wanna free up have fun and dance.

Mark: A lot of Dancehall artist use clashes as a means to gain respect and ultimately propel themselves into the limelight. Do you see yourself following a similar path to stardom?
Donny Yardas: I don’t think I need to do that my music speaks for itself..

Mark: Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Donny Yardas: I would like to collaborate with maybe Alicia Keys, Rihanna, or even Mary J Blige

Mark: Do you prefer solo tracks or Collaborations? And Why?
Donny Yardas: I do not have a preference. Really it jus haffi sound good.

Mark: Word on the street is that you are managed by Bogie Management. How did such a union came about?
Donny Yardas: It was jus a natural link still. A mutual friend introduced us and we had similar goals….and the vibe and chemistry worked and we haven’t looked back since.

Mark: Many established and upcoming dancehall artists use social networking websites as a way to promote their music and connect with fans. How important are social networking websites from your perspective?
Donny Yardas: Social Networks are best thing that ever happended to the independent musicians. I could elaborate but this would take all day. In today’s fast paced world, social networking sites are where an independent artist such as myself does 70% of there marketing.

Mark: What suggestions would you give upcoming artists who wish to use social networking websites as a means to promote their music?
Donny Yardas: I would suggest for them to be professional, be consistent, and quality over quantity.

Mark: What can we expect to hear from you in 2010?
Donny Yardas: The Polarity Project, my second album will be released in May 2010

Mark: How can you be reached?
Donny Yardas: Link my management via email bogiemanagement@gmail.com, 718-825-8703, myspace.com/donnyyardas, or facebook.com/donnyyardas

Mark: Do you have any upcoming performances? If yes, when and where?
Donny Yardas: They are no major shows scheduled right now. I am in the studio working on my next album.

Mark: Where can fans purchase your music?
Donny Yardas: Search for Donny Yardas on iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon and all major digital download sites

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Entertainment Manager
Bogie Management, LLC
718-825-8703
www.myspace.com/bogiemanagement
www.facebook.com/Bogie Manage