THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Written By Editor: C. Harrison/March 18, 2017PM

New York, NY…Coming off a much enjoyable birthday bash Anthony Mayler released his first EP  called “Simply Loving U;” earlier this year, his first for the Mind Music Production Label. The singer also released a hot new single call “True Love,” dropped also earlier this year for said label. The EP launched took place at Henrica’s Restaurant in Queens New York, Saturday, March 18.

Remember where you were when you first heard an artist sounding so good and uniquely distinguish, that you just had to inch a bit closer to get a keen listen. Well, hearing reggae’s beacon, Anthony Mayler for the very first time, reminded me of that exactly. Upon seeing him performed at the Wimbley Night Club in the Bronx, it was nostalgia. Thereafter, I asked him for an interview which came weeks later.

The EP carries six songs, some of which a few of you have already heard them, including fan favorites’: Just Out of Reach, What’s The Use and Wonderful Woman You Are. The EP which is undisputable  stands with its own force. Mayler is an artist with a chart recognizable voice with its own built-in style. Knowing the voice of Garnet Silk, Keeling Beckford, U-Roy and others, you will understand the uniqueness of Mayler’s tone, which is an added advantage.

Mayler’s coveted tone is also very refreshing. I must insert here that the EP will, hold your attention. This EP has become a favorite and carries something for everyone. This artist is the epitome of what the music industry should be. His EP is what you will want to add to your personal catalog.

We met in Brooklyn for the prized interview and while sitting in his van, we listened to a couple of the songs off the cd. God’s truth, as I sat there and listen, I was blown out of the water, the music sounded that good. The only thing was, the cd was not yet mastered and I told him a of the few songs had to be tighten up before they’re released, which he already knew and agreed…this was in Dec. From there on in, I wanted answers. Thus, my inquires.

In making his imprint, Mayler have been for the past several months, gaining respect and grounds with new found fans and reggae insiders. The resilient pragmatic who is not new to the game of music but true to it, was earlier in his career briefly associated with a label called Affiliations, where he wrote and sang on his first album that frankly did not go anywhere. Mayler thereafter, formed his own band called “Blessed.” During this period, he toured around the New York tri-state area; up and down the east coast; including a performance in Prospects Park, Brooklyn. “Blesseds’,” operations lasted from 2009 through 2013, when he gave it up. The creationist has toured Canada, England and Jamaica.

The astute artist contents today, that the music business is a different climate. He stated that this time around his music career will be different because at this index in his life, he’s more than ready. He also noted that it helped what he learned and gained from the association with the Affiliations. “I’m now more versatile and much more experienced,” he maintaines.

Moreover, and according to the singer/songwriter, he came to know and develop the love for music from his father who owned and operated a sound system. He explained that as a youngster, his father taught him how to select music and from there he learned to understand melody.

Mayler began singing at age 10, and by age 15, he was writing his own music.  At said age, he also developing other skills in the molding and crafting  of his music. Thus, being a fifteen year old, up and coming musician, he was also listening to pioneers in the music game like: Denise Williams, Cynthia Schloss, Skeeter Davis and Pam Hall and was influenced by them.

In addition, It was along side doing this, singing and gaining valuable music techniques that Mayler simultaneously attended Alman Town Primary School. From here he moved to Hanover with his mother.  While here, she deemed him getting too unruly and shuttled off to Lucea Primary School in Montego Bay. Thereafter, he attended Russes High School, where he continued his music development as a deejay. The completion of high school spurred him back to Kingston where he settled down in East Kingston, on Winward Road.

It was the influx of East Kingston that the music scholar started hanging around music studios at age 16.  Here, he hung with child-hood friend, reggae singer Madoo. But, forever seeking prominence his restless spirit droved him yet again, this time to Seaview Garden, where he met a slew of Reggae’s ambassadors comprised of veteran artists: Wayne “Slingthing” Smith, who had one of the biggest hit single at the time called Under Mi  Slingthing: Courtney Melody, Frankie Paul, Shabba Ranks, and Ninja Man.

 At this juncture,  Mayler inserted that while he lived in Alman Town, he was going back and forth to Greenish Farm to his fathers’ via Caster to Stereophonic studio; where he met other reggae superstars including: General Hectco, Walton Irie, King Yellowman, Ringo, Loneranger, Derrick Ariett, Carlton Livingston, Sami Dred and Supercat. In his nostalgic maze, he further revealed that it was Denis Brown and Bob Kinsley, who gave him pointers and showed him love and the essence of writing music.

Conversely, Seaview Garden, was not stationary and Mayler was on a quest; he would soon moved again venturing to Spanish Town, where he stayed until he left for Lucea Nigril, at age 30.  While there, he stayed at the Hilton Hotel, where he met General Tree. The singer soon thereafter this chance meet, migrated to the United States permanently in 2000. At this intersection of his life, the resilient musician wisely realized his full potential; thus his envisioned of implementing his first album was born.  It was also hereafter his arrival and his stint with the Affiliation Label, that he proved himself significant and became the protégé of New York’s famed music producer, Ed Robinson to present

Incidentally, the charismatic artist, boldly took on veteran reggae icon, Freddie McGregor. He sang over McGregor’s smash hit “I Wanna Be Loved,” The new version resonated and many fan of both musicians loves either version.  In his explanation for doing over the hit single Mayler said, “I sang over this particular song because I heard something different from Freddie and voiced a different approach to it than he did.”  He claimed that McGregor liked his version when he heard it.

 in addition, Mayler would furthermore confided that over the years, he learned resiliency. He candidly divulged that even after he hanged up his band he never lost sight or got sidetrack when it came to his music.

Throughout my elicitation from him, the mellow tone musician, displayed impeccable decorum and was very humbled. He is poised to tour Brazil later this year. You can get your copy of the cdat all major music website.

Some highlights from the b-day bash and EP launch. All photo credits ..C. Harrison and photographer George Spence

 

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                           C. Harrison