SOCA STAR Kees Dieffenthaller, lead singer with Kes the Band, recently launched his third album. “Every time an album is made, know that people’s lives go on pause basically to get this in order. They really put that out there and I think it is important to get the details right when you are making something that is representative of you. So One in 5 is our third album in four years and I think that is an amazing feat and I think it is the best album so far.”

It follows Three Baldheads and a Dread, and Lion.

Dieffenthaller, who is on a quest to take TT’s music international, said, “I think we as Trinbagonians have a distinct sound that we need to tap into. Whether it is soca or another form, I just want to do it.”

Dieffenthaller said during his recent travels abroad, he realised how much calypso music and the calypso beat sounds original on foreign ground.

“It is so distinct to us that we need to tap into those elements of our culture to really step aside and be different.

“Sometimes soca music sounds like dancehall and sometimes it sound like calypso. But calypso is calypso. I think with growth, perception has changed and I think I see what work needs to be done but I see the possibilities as well.”

With respect to links to the global arena Dieffenthaller said, “It is about building relationships out there, I am feeling really cool things happening over the last years, meeting new people outside and there are certain things you want to say and certain thing you don’t want to say just yet, but just know we are working hell hard to get those juices flowing.

“I think what I’ve realised as well is that people outside need to know that there is a movement going on here. I don’t think Caribbean people know how to mobilise their fan base in a way that the world industry could recognise and say wow there is something going on here and we could make money. I think you get the fans involved in supporting the music whether it is buying albums, whether it’s by attending band launches, whether it is just plain support.”

Dieffenthaller also feels artistes and fans alike have to try and understand that we have to build an industry in Trinidad and Tobago first because no matter what, they all are from here.

“I am never going to leave here, even if something happens outside for me, it will be one foot in one foot out. I have to keep my base secure,” said Dieffenthaller.

As for his future plans, Dieffenthaller said it is going to be an exciting year for the band.

“We’re going to try a whole new different market, we’re trying our best to get into a lot of festivals . . . get out there . . . carnivals around the world yes, we want to be a part of that but that’s not the goal. The goal is the other stuff. The parts that are not taken . . . now is the time for experiments and we need to look for other avenues rather than take what is just being provided to them.”

And what about the distant future?

Dieffenthaller responded: “Family, kids, I’m looking forward to that but I can’t think about that yet because inside of me tells me there is a lot more work to be done musically. I want to carry it as far as I can, I think I am of that age where I can just experiment and go for it.

“Eventually I want to come back and really make a contribution to TT and give opportunities to young musicians who don’t have a way.”

YOUNG PEOPLE were out in their numbers at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port-of-Spain Thursday night, to witness the crowning of Chynee (Richard Valentine) as the 2009 Synergy Soca Star.

Chynee, the crowd favourite, captivated his audience with impressive martial arts choreography and a smooth delivery of “They Wanna Be Like” to cop first place in the 2009 edition of the competition.

Dressed like a Shaolin Master, Chynee had the crowd eating out of his hands. Even before he came on stage, the eager crowd thundered his name: “Chynee! Chynee! Chynee!” He lived up to their expectations, generating excitement and eliciting crowd response fitting for a true soca star. The crowd eagerly followed his every command and Chynee, realising he had his audience on his side all the way, enjoyed his time on stage.

Backed up by the band, The Orchestra, each finalist sang two songs – a choice of an old soca tune backed up by the original artistes, as well as their own compositions. Chynee chose to team up with KMC for his popular hit “Carnival Bashment”.

When it was all over, he walked away with the grand prize of a Daihatsu Terios and a $30,000 endorsement deal, courtesy Bmobile.

Trini Barbie (Sancha Scipio) placed second, with“Carnival Love”and also gave an impressive performance, teaming up with Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon for a power packed performance of “Saucy Baby”. Trini Barbie clearly didn’t need Belfon’s help, and single handedly “mashed up” the Jean Pierre Complex, with her wining skills. During her performance she paid tribute to late boxing star Giselle Salandy.

The group 645 - Gregory Basso, Marvin Pollard and Johnson Greenidge - teamed up with rapso group, 3 Canal for a performance of “Blue”, then did a crafty performance of “Jaminal”.

Ayanna (Ayanna La Borde) teamed up with Alison Hinds for a performance of “Faluma”, but couldn’t sway the crowd. Even in her performance of “Demonstrate”, she had trouble connecting with her audience. She placed fourth.Steve and Chris ( Steve Walcott and Christopher Mayers) placed fifth. They joined forces with Tony Prescott for “All Aboard”, then did their own groovy composition, “Soca Groove”, while Ladies Man (Mark Eastman) placed sixth. He sang with Shurwayne Winchester and followed up his own groovy composition, “Ladies Man”.

It was clear that the crowd was pleased with the end results of the competition as they celebrated with a guest performance by Iwer “De Boss” George.