Adding to an already impressive catalogue of songs, Miss Tun Pickney’s latest release Travelling Life’s Highway is one of the most enjoyable and uplifting yet. We caught an interview with the artist behind the music to find out more about the sound and journey so far. Here’s how it went.
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Hey – thanks for the interview! For those who don’t know, how would you describe your sound and style as an artist?
Well my influences are drawn from the reggae greats, two of which were Bob Marley and Sly & Robbie. The successes of Sly & Robbie especially, established an early lesson for me, that is, find and produce your own sound. So I draw from a classic reggae foundation but like to add influences from elsewhere. So rather than take away from reggae fundamentals I add to them. So to me this gives my productions authenticity but something new at the same time. So I would call it progressive reggae.
What can you tell us about the new single Travelling Life’s Highway; how did it come to be, and what does it represent for you?
I remember thinking about the vibe for a song I wanted to write and Steve Winwood’s hit High Life came to mind, a song I always liked. I searched on Google and found it was on a compilation album Life is a Highway and that title sowed a seed. The analogy of life as a highway really clicked with me. You meet others, there are diversions, you have a destination, and depending on your route the journey could be full of joy or pain. These were the themes I explore in the song.
What do you hope people take away from the song?
You never know what listeners take from your song but, I intended to portray life as something that is not fixed in time or outcomes and that like a journey there are some things that are not under our control but other things that are and it’s these that we should focus on.
How did you come to collaborate with Rami Isaacs?
I tend to use musician/artist collaboration sites when I need something specific. I knew what sort of sound I wanted for the vocals and Rami’s portfolio of work had what I was looking for. So I made contact and we went from there.
How did you get involved with Dingazz Music, what’s the story there?
In my formative years I was surrounded by music, Rock Steady, Ska and Reggae and later with my brothers and some friends we started a band with some moderate success. I subsequently left the music industry but always felt I had unfinished business. My brothers turned their music into successful careers and as I looked on from the side-lines I knew I had to finish what I started. So I worked out a plan to be able to create musical productions, part of which, was having my own label Dingazz Music. Dingazz is a nickname bestowed on me by my brothers and so Dingazz Music was born.
What are your plans creatively over the coming months and years?
I really like collaborating and will continue to do so. I want to keep expanding my brand of reggae so we’ll see where that takes me.
Is there anything else we should know?
Yes one thing, Miss Tun Pickney is my creative artist persona. So Miss Tun Pickney and Dingazz are one and the same. I felt I wanted to be able to develop Miss Tun Pickney separately from the label as the future unfolds. Who knows what lies ahead.
I’d also like to say thanks to Stereo Stickman and everyone who listens to and supports my songs. I hope you find a positive connection with one or more of them. Bless.
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Download the single via iTunes or stream it on Spotify. Check out Dingazz Music on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or visit their Website.
