The Dub Pistols + Red Star Lion

The Dub Pistols

Barry Ashworth and Jason O'Bryan AKA the Dub Pistols have spent the best part of a decade at the forefront of Beats culture. From their early singles for Concrete Records to their genre defying 'Six Million Ways To Live' long player, the Dub Pistols have always added a much needed Rock n Roll swagger to the UK's dance scene. Chewing up hip-hop, dub, techno, ska and punk and spitting them out in a renegade futuristic skank they have consistently defied categorisation and exceeded the highest of expectations.

Their genre-mashing abilities have led to remix work for the likes of Moby, Crystal Method, Limp Bizkit, Bono, Korn & Ian Brown, and has seen them work with hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes on 'One', a track for the Blade 2 soundtrack and 'Molotov' on the Y Tu Mama Tambien soundtrack. In recent years the band has mutated from a studio based duo into a fully fledged live act often featuring the talents of guest vocalists UK Hip Hop don Rodney P, the maverick and mercurial former Specials front man Terry Hall, US rap wünderkind T.K., as well as Sugardaddy horn-blower Tim Hutton and scratch maestro DJ Stix.

Their third album 'Speakers And Tweeters', released on 9th April 2007, through Rob da Bank's Sunday Best label, is a consummate statement of intent. Their most accessible to date, the album's 13 tracks draw on a rich tapestry of influences, weaving tight beats and even tighter rhymes into a refine and assured set. The stirring chords and laid-back beats of 'Speed of Light', featuring guest vocalist Blade's skilful flow, opens the album in style. An inspired cover of Punk legends The Stranglers' classic 'Peaches', immediately grabs the attention, with the vocal dexterities of guest vocalists Rodney P and Terry Hall taking centre stage, before the pumping, angular funk of the album's title track 'Speakers And Tweeters' takes hold. A deeply ingrained skank runs throughout the album, as ably demonstrated on the horn-driven 'Running From The Thoughts'.

The 2009 Dub Pistols LP 'Rum & Coke' melds a euphoric carnival atmosphere with bass-heavy soul, ska, electro-funk, lovers rock and quality hip hop. A touch of Latin and some deft brass arrangements complete the picture: a warm, sun-blissed jump around feel-good journey that encapsulates perfectly the West London origins of the band.

Assisting the boys, Barry Ashworth and Jason O'Bryan, on new material are a collection of champion collaborators: Ashley Slater (Freakpower) on 'Back To Daylight', Lindy Layton (Beats International) on 'I'm In Love', Gregory Isaacs on 'Six Months', superstar DJ Justin Robertson sings on 'Keep The Fire Burning', Red Star Lion on 'Peace of Mind' and regular D.P. cohorts Rodney P and TK Lawrence.

Red Star Lion

November 4th 2006 Barbados’ newest reggae sensation Matthew Thomas, alias Red Star Lion made his first appearance on the big stage at ‘Reggae Sunset Jam’ which was held at the Barbados National Stadium. Due to the impact of his self-produced debut single “You Are The One”, Red Star Lion was given the opportunity to open the show and set the stage for Damien “Junior Gong” Marley, and other internationally known artistes such as “Cocoa Tea” and “Baby Cham.” Red Star Lion has now become the most respected and requested artiste from the Rastafarian community.

This talent has performed in the spirit of love for free in the Temple Yard (Rasta yard) and is slowly being seen as a young ambassador of truth, freedom and love. March 1st 2007 he also made a guess appearance for The Pan African Organization at the Old Spirit Bond Mall. Red Star Lion blessed the stage once again on September 13th opening for Jamaican “Tarrus Riley,” and award winning African star “2face Idibia” where he was noted as having the strongest performance amongst the local talent according to the Barbados “HEAT” (local newspaper). On October 3rd Red Star Lion continued in the same vein for ‘Oktoberfest’ which showcased Sony recording artist “Collie Budz”. The crowd response on this occasion was overwhelming, signifying the official arrival of a talent to watch for in the future. Subsequently, on Nov 3rd he was asked to perform as the final act of the local artistes who were slated to open at Reggae Spice; a show consisting of heavy weights such as: Richie Spice, Turbulence, the legendary Charlie Chaplin and brother of the late Garnet Silk “Omar Silk”. It was at this concert that it became evident that Red Star Lion’s music has been touching the minds of the Barbadian public. His performance seemed no less than excellent with the audience crooning along to every word that was sung. It has been described as one of the best performances by any local act for the entire year. Red Star Lion’s diversity and sound has earned him spots on more artistic shows such as “Iron Sharpen Iron” alongside alternative acts such as “Kite”, Spoken word artists Adrian Green and Dj Simmons which took place on November 10th 2007 at the Lime Lite Café. In December 2007 he will be opened for the long awaited Jah Cure who will also be performing with Everton Blender and Anthony B out of Jamaica. This show at the National Stadium was slated to be the biggest show held in Barbados for the entire year.

Overall, Red Star Lion’s main characteristic maybe that of his crossover potential and ability to reach every type of crowd, evidenced by his air play on every major station in Barbados and requests to perform by diverse audiences such as the Rastafarian temple Yard, the Harbour Lights “possie” ( top night club) and the Pan African movement. His success in the last year earned him a spot on the recently released “Reggae Baje Vol2” cd entitled ‘Reggae is love’ which is now fast becoming the most played compilation by local radio. Due to the rise in demand by the general public and members of the music industry for this new found son of Barbadian soil, next year looks to be a hectic one. Until then one can expect to hear truth, love and peace coming from the mouth of Red Star Lion. " I am whatever you think I am in your world. I know who I am. I am what I am and that’s what the world in this time calls a rastaman. I am just being me, doing the most high’s will and when I am on this plane I tend to sing. I always have and always will sing songs of freedom. I’m free and I love you more. Red Star Lion