bBlacka of MODERNCULTURE MUSIC
pics and interview by montana

blacksta, blacka or even black star, whatever name you call him, he's still the one man show that keeps most things going properly at modernculture studios.  whether he's behind the computer screen, working on one of a myriad of websites he's developed, in the back office of the studio, or busily working in the mixing room, surrounded by keyboards, and all manner of electronic equipment underneath the live security cam screen that watches the front door for him, you're sure to find him hard at work.  he took time out for a quick interview with me one day, in between recording vocals for some local's latest release and mixing some promoter's latest commercial...

montana: let's start out w/the basics. where are you from?

blacka:  gordon town, jamaica

montana: when'd you come to chicago?

blacka: first in 83-85 and then i went to texas.  i moved back to chicago in 1995 and that's when i started the studio in my old man's basement.

m: which reggae artists have you worked with?

b:  dennis brown, tony rebel, beenie, frisco kid, wayne wonder, pliers, papa san, charlie chan, sugar minnot. we could be here all day...

m:  what exactly do you do?

b:  i engineer, play keyboards, lay tracks, graphics.  for albums,  i can do everything from conception to the end product.  i write songs, play track, mix, mastering...

he basically does it all.   i didn't mention that he's the one who actually taught me how to do this whole 'internet thing' upon my arrival in chicago a few years ago as well, did i?  his latest internet projects are www.modernculture.org and www.usreggae.com .

m: have you produced any local artists' cds?

b:  yeah: jah seeds, kelly ranking, magic rocker, RSB, andrea...

m:  seems like you're a busy man. what are your plans for the future?

b:  more of the same- i'm really trying to establish chicago as a reggae music capital.  to   put chicago on the map for recording music.

well, i'd say he's well on his way to accomplishing his future goals as most reggae artists who pass through chicago on tour make time to stop in to modernculture studios to lay tracks.  on any given day, the studio is buzzing with activity.   the hopeful vibes of dreams being fulfilled and talents being honed and expressed fill the air as the man behind it all continues his never ending work.