- CONTRIBUTED
Rock band, Downstairs: Bas (left), Andrew Campbell (second left), Alvin Peart (seated on van) and Brian 'Giako-Ma' Jones.
Fabian Ledgister, Staff Reporter
WITH LIMITED acceptance of the music genre locally, Downstairs has struggled against the odds to establish themselves as the premier Jamaican rock band.
As other rock bands sink quickly in a predominately reggae culture, these rockers are comfortably riding the wave of a growing appreciation for their music. With energetic drum beats and heavy guitar riffs around the powerful vocals of front man Giako-Ma, the Fab 5 prodigies are comparable to any of their international counterparts.
Unlike many bands, Downstairs' members were always close friends. In fact, except for Wolmer's High's old boy, Brian Jones, a.k.a. Giako-Ma, band members, Andrew Campbell, Alvin Peart and Bas were schoolmates at Kingston College.
Though they are individually quite dissimilar, their concurring love for rock 'n' roll drew the four into a bond of true friendship that coalesced into the first established Jamaican rock group.
Listening to the melodiously eclectic guitar strummings in their latest single, Losing Touch, one would never imagine that the band members had never picked up an instrument before leaving high school in 1994.
NO EXPERIENCE
"Is when we left high school we decide fi start a rock band - with absolutely no experience," reflected Brian.
Armed with only a dedicated love of the genre, the friends arbitrarily picked the instrument they wished to play. Brian naturally assumed the role of lead singer, having honed his powerful vocals as a toddler in church competitions, which he always won. Andrew took up the bass guitar, Bas (who entered the band a year later) chose guitar and Alvin grabbed the drumsticks.
"I was lazy, so I chose drums since I could sit down," laughed Alvin.
After honing their skills with non-stop practise, the band got a huge break, as bassist Andrew Campbell is the son of Fab 5's manager and bassist, Frankie Campbell, who was willing to manage the group. This was essential, as the lack of an established rock 'n' roll market in Jamaica made most believe the band would not succeed.
Downstairs had their first booking at Carlos' Cafe in Negril, opening for Gibby. The band enjoyed a string of bookings from '96 onwards, such as Spunk's Rockfest, the Tastee Talent Show, Teen Summer Swing, numerous high school barbecues and gigs at the now closed Mirage Night-club, among others.
Though it may have seemed like a story from a children's novel, their struggles were far from a fairytale. The band members remember times when they were discouraged, as the genre they played was contrary to the local mainstream's standard. They still remember one Spring Break when they were invited to perform at the local taping of popular 'Jerry Springer' talk show in Negril. Upon arrival they discovered that another act was booked for the segment.
"Bway, after we gu fi play we see another act for our segment, so we jus leave," lamented Jones.
Fortunately the good vastly outweighed the bad, as the positive feedback received at performances showed that there was an appreciation for what Downstairs had to offer, right here in Jamaica.
Now due to release their second album at the end of October, Downstairs is elated at their ability to have full creative control in their sophomore effort. The band admitted that there were numerous external influences on Reggae Metal, the band's first album, released in 1999.
Their new single, Losing Touch, is receiving heavy rotation on FAME FM and their recent performance at 'Pulse Superjam', attests that these rockers are destined to succeed, regardless of negative opinions.
"Some say we don't write Jamaican music, but we are all born and raised in Jamaica, so aren't we Jamaican too?" asked bassist Andrew Campbell.
The group's list of musical influences includes Guns 'n' Roses, Led Zepplin and Radiohead. They say that most of the recent rock groups sound too similar in style and sound, and they much prefer the 'old school' rock bands. The band also give credit to Fab 5 for helping and guiding them in the business.
According to the group, their name signifies an underground movement away from mainstream rock and as they write their own songs, the group promises to deliver original,and entertaining rock, Downstairs style.
"Our band name signifies our underground flavour... We don't want to sound like anyone but Downstairs," stated Jones.
