(Published in Cayman Airways Skies, November/December, 2011)
http://www.caymanairwaysmagazine.com/archives/article.htm?id=255
Home-grown Caymanian artist Stuart Wilson and his band Love Culture have been serving up an extravaganza of hot reggae beats for the past decade.
A veteran of Cayman’s music scene, the dedicated musician has been leading the band for the past 10 years and despite the changing roster of musicians, has remained true to its roots, bringing a flavourful style of reggae that appeals to all.
With Stuart at the helm, you can always expect a high-energy set. Expect to hear an eclectic selection of vintage covers from the artist’s own musical influences — reggae greats such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Steel Pulse and Beres Hammond — to Love Culture’s own original music.
“I love everything about music and what I am doing,” Stuart enthuses. “The gift is to be shared and it is my sincere ambition to give the world great music and equally spellbinding shows.”
Indeed, a gifted and accomplished guitarist, songwriter and vocalist, Stuart and his three-piece band are a growing force in Cayman’s music scene. They have opened for big name performers, including Damian Marley, Richie Spice, Morgan Heritage and Beres Hammond, as well as performed at the Cayman Islands Jazz Fest and Pirates Week.
The current band features Michael Rowe, aka “The Dancing Bassist,” on bass; Orlando Vaughn on keyboards; Stuart on rhythm guitar and lead vocals; and George Powery on drums. Love Culture doesn’t do things by halves either; at larger shows, expect backup singers and a brass section too, for a truly loud and pulsating sound.
Currently hard at work in the studio recording new material, Stuart says his greatest wish is for his music to go international and he hopes that the band is able to one day go on tour.
His hard work and dedication is slowly paying off. His latest song, “Rule the World,” is featured on the compilation album Vibes and Tides alongside other reggae greats, including Jah Cure, Sizzla and Maxi Priest. The album, released this summer by the Mango Seed label, debuted at number 43 on iTunes downloads worldwide. It’s not the first feather in his cap either. His debut song, “Represent,” was recorded in England with chart topping producers The Next Room Studios, who spotted the budding musician busking in London, where he was studying music management and production.
But the road to musical fame is never an easy one, and when Stuart is not in the recording studio or playing at one of the band’s many gigs he can be found working hard at his other love — as a news journalist with Cayman’s local newspaper, the Caymanian Compass.
But music is his real passion and what he describes as his “true calling in life.” As Stuart eloquently sums up himself, “Love Culture is not just a band. It’s a brand and a movement.”
Hear Love Culture play
You can catch Love Culture play every second Friday and Saturday of every month at the Laughter Lounge Comedy Specials at Vivendi Bar and Lounge, Seven Mile Beach. Show time is at 7:30 p.m. The band is also booked to play at this year’s Pirates Week. Contact Love Culture at loveculture@hotmail.com, or by calling (345) 925-8569.
Joanna Lewis 