1) Your debut single ‘Jamaica Time’ marks the beginning of your musical career, alongside the announcement of your anticipated debut album ‘I Am What I Am’. Can you give new fans and listeners a brief introduction to ‘Eddie Witz and The Most High’?
“Jamaica Time” is my 2nd debut record, as my first record is called “My Island.” However, both songs were recorded in Jamaica, and we shot the music videos for both songs in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and the Paris of Saint Ann in Jamaica, where Bob Marley was born and grew up. Eddie Witz and The Most High embodies the spirit of diversity and creative exploration. I aim to defy genre boundaries and create music that resonates with listeners from all walks of life. My sound is a fusion of various genres, including pop, singer/songwriter, folk, reggae, and world music. By blending these diverse influences, we craft songs that are both catchy and soulful, groovy and introspective. With the release of my 2nd debut single, “Jamaica Time,” I invite you to join me on a musical journey that celebrates life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. As we gear up for the release of our debut album, “I Am What I Am,” I am excited to share more of my music with the world. This album is a reflection of who I am as an artist and individual, exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and embracing the uniqueness of oneself.
2) ‘Jamaica Time’ is an instant hit, combining sunny folk-pop with an irresistible rhythm. Do you aim to uplift listeners with your music?
Absolutely! One of the primary goals of my music, including “Jamaica Time,” is to uplift listeners and spread positivity. Music has a unique ability to evoke emotions and create connections, and I want my songs to bring joy and inspiration to those who listen. “Jamaica Time” combines sunny folk-pop melodies with a reggae rhythm, creating a feel-good vibe that encourages listeners to let go of their worries and just enjoy the moment. In a world that can often feel chaotic and overwhelming, I hope that my music brings a smile to your face and brightens your day. I believe that music has the power to uplift spirits and remind us of the beauty and magic that surrounds us. Through my music, I aim to create a sense of positivity and connection that resonates with listeners and leaves them feeling uplifted and inspired. The messages I want the album to convey are ones of self-discovery, acceptance, forgiveness, being grateful, and a celebration of individuality. I want listeners to feel empowered to embrace who they are, explore their journey, and find strength in their uniqueness.
3) Alongside a stunning musical arrangement from the addition of your band, ‘Jamaica Time’ is interlaced with picturesque lyrical imagery and sweet pop melodies. Can you give us an insight into the recording process?
Certainly! The recording process for “Jamaica Time” was an incredibly exciting and collaborative experience. We started by laying down the basic rhythm tracks, focusing on capturing the groove that drives the song. This involved recording the drums, bass, and rhythm guitars, creating a solid foundation for the track. Once the rhythm section was in place, we began layering on additional instruments and textures to enhance the song’s musical arrangement. This included adding keyboards, percussion, and other melodic elements to fill out the sound and create depth. As for the vocals, we spent time experimenting with different harmonies and vocal arrangements to complement the music. I wanted the lyrics to paint a vivid picture of a carefree day in Jamaica, so we focused on delivering the vocals with warmth and sincerity, infusing each line with emotion and imagery. “Jamaica Time” has its origins over 30 years ago when my Jamaican songwriting/producing partner, Grammy Award-winning Native Wayne Jobson, wrote it for Jimmy Buffett to record. Jimmy never recorded “Jamaica Time,” so after his passing, Native Wayne suggested we record it together as a dedication to Jimmy Buffett. The song captures the essence of the laid-back, carefree vibe of Jamaica, and our creative process was all about bringing that feeling to life through music.
4) Has forming ‘Eddie Witz and The Most High’ helped to create a desired artistic vision?
Forming “Eddie Witz and The Most High” has been instrumental in realizing my desired artistic vision. It has provided a platform for me to express myself creatively and explore various musical styles in a collaborative environment. Working with the band has allowed me to expand my musical horizons and experiment with different ideas and arrangements. Additionally, the collaborative nature of the band has helped me to refine my songwriting and performance skills. Through rehearsals, recording sessions, and live performances, we continue to evolve as musicians and deepen our connection as a group. Overall, forming Eddie Witz and The Most High has been a transformative experience that has helped me to realize my artistic vision and bring my music to life in a way that I couldn’t have achieved on my own. My music brings together a diverse range of talents and influences, allowing me to explore various musical styles and create a unique sound that reflects who I am.
5) Can you give us a glimpse into the creative process of ‘I Am What I Am’ and how it has benefitted you as a musician?
As for ‘I Am What I Am,’ it represents a significant 1st chapter in my musical journey. The album is a reflection of my personal growth, experiences, and the influences that have shaped me as an artist. Each song tells a story, and collectively, they paint a picture of who I am and where I’ve been. As a musician, it’s been a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. The album began with a spark of inspiration — a desire to share my personal experiences, emotions, and perspectives through music. Each song on “I Am What I Am” is a reflection of who I am as an individual and an artist, exploring themes of grappling with trauma, growth, love, and resilience. The creative process itself has been incredibly collaborative. I’ve had the privilege of working with a talented team of musicians, producers, and engineers who have helped to bring my vision to life.
6) Have you established a unique sound, or do you continue to explore genres and influences?
I’ve attempted to break down genre barriers and create a sound that’s uniquely mine by combining elements from a variety of genres, including pop, singer/songwriter, folk, reggae, and world music, and smash them together to craft my sound. My goal is for my genre-blending approach to transcend traditional boundaries and create music that resonates with a wide range of listeners. Whether you’re a fan of pop hooks, introspective singer/songwriter lyrics, or the laid-back vibes of reggae, there’s something for everyone in my music. By blending these diverse influences, we create music that is both familiar and fresh, drawing listeners in with catchy pop melodies while also infusing the soulfulness of singer/songwriter and folk music. Our incorporation of reggae rhythms adds an infectious groove to our tracks, while elements of world music introduce unexpected textures and flavors.
7) If ‘Jamaica Time’ could be summarized in five words, what would they be?
- Groovy
- Island-inspired
- Laid-back
- Irresistible
- Sunshine-infused
8) You collaborated with high-profile producers Native Wayne Jobson and Jeff Barry on ‘Jamaica Time’. What did you learn from this collaboration?
Collaborating with high-profile producers/songwriters like Native Wayne Jobson and Jeff Barry on “My Island” and “Jamaica Time” was an incredible learning experience for me. From Native Wayne Jobson, I learned a lot about the intricate rhythms and vibes of reggae music. His expertise in the genre helped us infuse the track with authentic Jamaican flavor, from the basslines to the skank rhythm. Working with him taught me the importance of paying homage to the roots of a musical style while still adding our unique twist. Jeff Barry, on the other hand, brought his wealth of experience in writing pop music to the table. He helped us refine the melodies and song structure, ensuring that “My Island” was not only catchy but also accessible to a wide audience. His insights into songwriting and production techniques were invaluable and taught me how to craft a song that resonates with listeners on a deeper level. Overall, collaborating with Native Wayne Jobson and Jeff Barry expanded my musical horizons and taught me the importance of combining different influences to create something truly special. It was an honor to work with such talented and experienced producers/songwriters, and I’m grateful for the knowledge and inspiration they brought to the project.
9) Do you have any other dream collaborations or artists you’re currently inspired by?
Absolutely! There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with, as well as those who inspire me currently. Here are a few:
- Sting: His ability to blend various genres like rock, reggae, and world music has always fascinated me. Collaborating with him would be a dream come true.
- Janelle Monáe: She’s an incredible artist who effortlessly blends funk, R&B, and pop with thought-provoking lyrics and powerful visuals. I admire her creativity and fearlessness in pushing boundaries.
- Jason Mraz: His laid-back, feel-good style and his knack for storytelling through music are qualities I admire. A collaboration with him would be a fun and uplifting experience.
- Kacey Musgraves: I’m inspired by her modern take on country music, blending traditional elements with a contemporary twist. Working with her could result in a beautiful fusion of genres.
10) To finish off, what do you have in store for the rest of the year?
I plan to take the music from ‘I Am What I Am’ on the road and connect with fans through live performances. Touring allows me to share the energy and passion of my music in a truly special way. I’ll be focusing on growing my fanbase, engaging with listeners on social media, reaching new audiences, and continuing to deliver high-quality music that resonates with people. I’m working on collaborations with other artists as well. I plan to continue writing, recording, and releasing new music, songs in the works currently like Drink Deep, Same Moon Tonight, Keys to the Kingdom, and a cover of a lesser well-known Bryan Adams song called “Coming Home,” which will round out my first LP by the end of the year.
