Searching for that sound - Artiste finds a band the best way to create his brand of music

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Newcomer Protoje might be the voice of the operation, utilising the microphone as his instrument, but its with his band Indiggnation that he truly captures the attention of an audience.

A huge supporter of live music, you'll rarely see Protoje performing on tracks, preferring the heavy beats and sounds that only a live band can provide.

Indiggnation consists of Jason Worton on guitars, Paris Dennis on keyboards, Jermaine Forrester on drums, Craig Cole on bass guitar and sometimes guitarist Inelek Wilmot who plays with his own band as well.

Protoje, real name Oje Ollivierre, arrived on the music scene years ago with the DJ Kareem-produced Arguments, which was followed by the Don Corleon-produced Ja and Dread.

More recently, Protoje has been promoting his collaboration with Ky-Mani Marley called Rasta Love.

These successes have come on the back of hard work as Protoje has consistently been building his name. A year ago, that work pointed him in the direction of forming a band.

Seven-year link-up

"The band started with me and Jason. We had met seven years ago and linked again last year. We played together and decided to build a band to develop the sound."

Soon the six-member band was ready - Worton who teaches music is also a singe-songwriter, Dennis is attending the Edna Manley School of Music, studying jazz alongside Forrester, who also studies popular music and Cole attended the School of Music and also plays with the Blue Grass in the Sky band.

While primarily a vocalist, Protoje has also been taking notes from the band members, dabbling in playing instruments as well.

As the name suggests, Indiggnation is about saying what needs to be said.

"Live music really offers you a freedom. Onstage is really where you get to the core of the argument and let your music do all the speaking. My music speaks for itself but it's all about a positive energy and love," Protoje explained.

The group has been speaking musically all around Kingston, not always performing together but as much as possible. They've recently performed on the season finale of Italee and Quizz's show at the Village Café, the Manifesto Jamaica Festival, TVJ Live Concert, and Manifesto Toronto's Festival of Arts and Music. Worton said, "The concert in Canada was very good, we did an encore for thousands of people."

Fans can watch the band and singer Jah 9 perform at the upcoming Bands Incorporated 3 on November 27.

Live music

"I've done performances on tracks but I highly favour performing with my band. I'm more looking for gigs that allow me the opportunity to work with them. Live music is the heartbeat of the music industry. Even when I record on tracks, I like to carry Jason along to perform on the track with me. People need to come out to live shows, Jamaica is full of talent."

Protoje and Indiggnation are now involved in intense rehearsal sessions, usually four times or more a week.

The lead singer recently completed his debut album The Seven-Year Itch for Don Corleon to be released early next year. Performing the songs on the album are priority for Indiggnation at the moment, as Protoje hopes to go on tour to promote it.

The band hopes to, one day, create a sound, which will put them on par with the likes of Tarrus Riley and his Black Soil, Bob Marley and the Wailers, and Black Uhuru.