“Dreams Die, Visions die, People Die because they settle”- Not Settling by Ricardo Clarke. It’s plain as day for anyone to see that this rising Bahamian artist doesn’t settle for anything. This Acoustic/Roots/Reggae singer has been climbing charts at home in The Bahamas as well as across the globe with no plans at stopping there. Not new to the music biz but being currently thrust into the limelight; Ricardo Clarke is using his music to uplift and encourage young people to strive and to try and make their dreams come true. He has worked with artists such as Christian Massive, Monty G., Mr. Lynx, DJ Counsellor, DJ Nicholas and Isaac Blackman and is in the process of working with some international producers.

As we sat down in Star Bucks going over in our heads the questions we were eager to ask, Mr. Clarke comes walking in dressed in a suit like any business man on Bay Street. It was refreshing to see an artist of his genres differ himself by not dressing in the usual urban wear.

In the following interview we sit down with the super-chilled musician as he goes over everything from what inspired him to start a career in music to his opinion on the current and future state of The Bahamian music industry to his plans for the follow-up to his album Uprising, Vol. 1: Not Settlin’.

You can connect with Ricardo Clarke on Myspace and Facebook.

C.S.: So first question, how long have you been singing and writing?

R.C.: Singing, writing, practically most of my life; most of my adult life. Professionally, I’ll probably say more than 2 years. As a solo act I had spent some time with a group called ‘Christian Massive’. We did some work together… I really didn’t take the music seriously until a year and a half back; 18 months? Yea…

C.S.: Wow why didn’t you take it seriously?

R.C.: … well because it was just something that came naturally. Y’know, like most Bahamian singers; we did the church choirs, you know stuff like that. After doing a song and I saw how powerful the music was, especially with kids… It was just something that I considered, not necessarily to even say for pay but it was just like wow the influence of music is just so crazy.
I work with kids, some stuff you say in spoken word they don’t get it…

S.: I partake in spoken word so I actually get it!

R.C.: …it’s like crazy, and then I realize that we learn in melody. You go to any primary school teacher. Y’know they singing the 1, 2, 3’s and the A, B, C’s and most of the fundamentals they do it’s in a melody. I’m like that’s the catch so you know what, I ga tap into this music thing cause it’s more powerful than we really can fathom. It’s really powerful. So it made me check it more rather than take it for granted.

C.S.: So did your talent for spoken word come naturally or…

R.C.: Well my dad, my mum are both public people; religious public people. They’ve been public speakers for a lot of years and it’s just something I grew up seeing… I don’t know, blame it on my condition. I never did ‘Toast Masters’ or anything like that and it just came. Just to have the ability to articulate and communicate with people… I just take it as a blessing from God.

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C.S.: How would you describe your music style?

R.C.: My music is motivational, it’s encouraging. You could turn my music on and really change your mood, literally. You having a bad day and pop in “Not Settlin’”, it’s like you literally change your whole outlook on the day. Y’know ‘cause I do have an album out ‘cause some people think I just stuck on this one song. I have songs like “Fire on the Inside”… If you just listen to the lyrics, it’s from a personal perspective that most people can identify with… Most of the songs are like a soundtrack; if you put those songs on it’s literally a soundtrack to motivate you. So my music is encouraging, it’s motivational, it’s inspirational, it reflects my faith and more importantly it touches people. Once I can get a rise out of people, preferably good, it’s good for me.

C.S.: So what was the process like for creating the album, did you come up with a theme or was it just a natural flow of songs?

R.C.: It just came out of me because it’s a reflection of who I am. I’m not one of those guys that approach music scientifically. I’m kinda organic… If I don’t feel it then I pretty much throw it away. ‘Cause if you don’t feel it the people won’t feel it. You can’t transmit the passion that’s necessary for a good performance or a good song. I think people like the music because they can identify with it. It’s raw, it’s passionate, it’s personal, y’know it’s authentic… It’s something you can listen to and be like is this dude talkin’ to me. No dude I’m talkin’ to myself…

C.S.: <LAUGHS>

R.C.: At the end of the day, y’know, me being true to myself helps people to see the truth inside of themselves… Really and truly dude, I can’t even tell you how I write these songs. I know it’s kinda played out to say I don’t write… Sometimes I’ll put the music on and depending on the mood I’m in, lyrics just come out of me. I try to record it and then I write it down. But then it came out before I actually wrote it down. I just work naturally. So my process is, I just follow my feelings, I try to regulate it so people can understand it and I don’t go over the edge and lose people. The process is pretty much put the headphones on…

C.S.: Were you under a deadline for this album?

R.C.: Personal deadline, yea, ‘cause it’s personally funded. I’m pretty much my own boss, no cliques, no groups…

C.S.: We applaud that… <LAUGHS>

R.C.: <LAUGHS>  Yea I’m pretty much an independent person. It gives me the opportunity to say what I want to say as opposed to speak on this line, we need you to sing like this one, we need you to look like that one… I needed to be independent…

C.S.: Oh yes, speaking of being independent do you feel when The Bahamian music industry starts to further grow and they incorporate labels it will affect the organic quality of the music?

R.C.: Well I think it depends, the way the industry is shaping up people are especially established… I just think the way the music is now, I mean I’m independent but I have accomplished things. I have my company of ‘Uprising Sounds’ and I think the business is pretty much favoring the independent artists. Not necessarily independent from a label but independently distributed. Y’know if you check music news Jay-Z is currently an independent artist seeking distribution. I think that’s going to be the way the music industry evolves as opposed to back in the day when you were bound to a million dollar contract… No it’s gonna be where you present your project and you come pretty much ready-made with your distribution… Most of the guys pretty much operate like that to this day…

C.S.: But to speak on Jay-Z he’s also a well established business man/ musician who already earned a comfortable living to…

R.C.: Yea, he funded his first album out of his pocket when people didn’t want to sign him. You know that’s the story that people kinda missed. Y’know when you believe in something you do not want to compromise what you believe needs to be out there, you’re going to find the finances to ensure the word gets out… You know I’ve had distributors from all over trying to hit me up… My album is getting worldwide distribution on iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon, and GospelReggae.com. Physically as well, I just sold out on cdbaby.com. You know pretty much all that money comes to me…

C.S.: <laughs>

R.C.: … So I think the way the labels are working right now from what I can see is they’re looking for an artist that’s ready-made. They’re looking for someone who’s established an audience, a following, and I think what we’re doing in The Bahamas is good because we’re creating a market so by the time they reach us we can control negotiations etc… It’s not like we’re some slaves to this big pay day.

C.: Right, they won’t be like some manufactured product.

R.C.: Yea, we’d pretty much be functional; at least that’s my goal. My goal is not to be tied to a big label. My goal is to become functional in that I record, I distribute, I tour. When you reach me I can set my own boundaries and my own conditions.

C.S.: So your song “Not Settlin’” has been blazing up the airwaves. It’s such an inspirational song; did you expect it to have the positive impact it has when you first released?

R.C.: I mean, no, I expected it to have a good impact on the people who wanted to go somewhere in life. You know those who were feeling down and felt they deserve more. It was those circles I expected it to resonate in. I didn’t expect the primary school children at age 4 to know the words of the song and get excited. It’s just weird that kids who haven’t started life yet; who don’t know about settlin’ or compromise, y’know because of their innocence and they’re singing the song. I’m like that’s pretty good ‘cause then if they could really get the message… they could really understand and not make the mistakes we make as adults. You know that song came out as yea I did settle, I made mistakes, I flopped, y’know in a lot of areas and it came out as a rebellion at my extent. So I couldn’t picture the impact in one way shape or form. You ridin’ pass and they bussin’ it in the club, then you go to your local youth group and they bussin it then. Y’know you hear it on 101, you hear it on 100 Jamz… My music is being played in Europe and it’s crazy, like it’s really crazy… and I couldn’t fathom it for what it is but I give God thanks, he’s pretty much opening the doors for me that I could have never got in, never. It’s just pretty amazing and humbling at the same time.

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C.S.: Your song, “No Minutes” is a fun type of song, where did the inspiration come from for that?

R.C.: No Minutes pretty much is a poke at a good friend …He plays in my band , I wont call his name but one day I needed to reach him and unfortunately I had lost my cell phone and I needed to reach him so I called from a landline. I mean he had this big iPhone on him…I callin’ but I couldn’t reach him, too busy… ‘cause y’know I’m not big on cell phones. Later when I caught up with him, I was like I was calling you and I keep getting the busy signal. He looked at me and like I committed a cardinal sin… So I was like I gat a song for you dawg… We did the original song in ’07; it’s on the ‘Taxi Riddim’, y’know “Driver”. I did it as a fun song; it wasn’t even going to be released professionally… So every time he says somethin’… See that song right there, that’s for YOU! <laughs>

C.S.: <laughs> On your Facebook fan page you said “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Do you think pertaining to the music industry in The Bahamas, that’s why we have so many cookie-cutter artists?

R.C.: Well honestly I can’t necessarily speak on that aspect ‘cause honestly I don’t really watch nobody like that but I do understand the temptation to conform because it’s easy to do something that’s already been done, or something that has already been accepted. I can tell you one thing; you’re not gonna be anything of worthy proportions always following people. For instance, you should emulate good principal but I do not believe in copying. If you are a hard worker, being diligent, being honest, possessing integrity; these are good things to emulate but when I look at you and see you, man it’s like that’s not yours. How can you just jump on a style… because it looked like a lot of people liked it. That’s not cool at all but like I said I can see why people are tempted because here it is you are working with minimum resources and you’re working in an industry that’s not necessarily earning he/she a lot of money so you just have to make the most of you’re cake.

C.S.: What have you been up to lately, particularly concerning your music?

R.C.: I’ve just been really busy doing functions, shows. I did ‘e-Life: Unplugged’ a few months ago. For me I’m just pushing my project. A lot of people support the project, they’re so encouraging. I get good feedback and good sales. That’s not too bad y’know.

Musically I’ve been doing a lot of networking, a lot; locally and internationally. Right now I’m working on an EP with a band in Europe. It’s a 6 track project. Exclusively produced by them and exclusively written by me. It should be out in the summer.

C.: Oh man, thanks for that exclusive <laughs>

R.C.: Yea bui <laughs>. But y’know I’ve been getting great feedback from the radio stations like Power 104.5, especially 100 Jamz. I’m just working with some great producers… I mean this new global age is ‘retarded’. I’m working with people I never thought I would be working with… I’m possibly working on an international tour which would be really really REALLY cool. I’m just doing things to expand my brand; the music.

C.S.: Well aside from the upcoming EP, do you have any plans for the follow-up to Uprising…?

R.C.: Yea, I’m actually working on both at the same time. I’m 3 tracks from completing everything.

C.S.: A possible release date?

R.C.: By next year, this time, it’ll be out . I’d also say that by October/November of this year you’ll be able to hear the lead single from the album. Trust me, the song is CRAZY. I did a little demo, tested it out and it’s bananas.

C.S.: Do you feel that being a well known artist has changed you in any way?

R.C.: I’m pretty much aware of my ability to influence people. I just try to channel it and make sure that I use it to highlight a couple of charities I’ve been involved in before music… So now that a couple more people know me, highlighting the charity of the ‘Sister-Sister Breast Cancer Support Group’… They’re not as popular as say some of the other charities but they’re very much respected and have been a very good support group for those that have been infected with that type of cancer… So that’s what I’ve been doing, just highlighting some of the things to bring it to your attention.

C.S: Now this question may a bit out there but have you experienced any Bahamian groupies?

R.C.: I mean I really don’t believe in terms like groupies, etc… Bahamians are pretty much down-to-earth people and they’re not really moved by any celebrity. Well Jay-Z and Beyonce, alright then, cool.

I’ve had a couple good experiences with kids. I was doing a function and a bus filled with kids was there. The function was canceled due to torrential rains. There were 30 or more people in the bus waiting all excited to see me. So I walked up to the bus and they just started screaming. I never had an experience where so many people were excited just to see me. So since the night was canceled I had 8 phone cards and I just passed them out. They waited a half hour to see me, in the rain with no light. I mean all the signs were there that the show had to be postponed. You just have to be humble man. I believe with that kind of power and responsibility you have to because you can end up taking advantage of people. I mean if you’re that excited to see me then it’s time to pass on something good.

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C.S.: To make this interview more exciting we reached out to some of you fans and asked them to submit some questions.

R.C.: WHAT! I have fans? <laughs>

C.S.: <LAUGHS>

OJEB: What inspired you to get into music? Why?

R.C.: Well pretty much what inspired me was like I said; just seeing the effects of music… Sometimes kids, they just kinda look back graciously all the time as if they’re sure. So I’ve seen the power of music translating the same message and it’s just crazy. That’s what moves me to do it, not the money just the power. That’s pretty much why I do it professionally.

CRHO: Since you have a public addiction for Star Bucks, what’s your favorite drink?

R.C.: I have a problem. I just keep it real on this thing. ‘Cause if I like it I like it… It’s safe to say I like the ‘White Mocha’.

Sean: Where do you see the Bahamian music industry in the next 20 years?

R.C.: Twenty, man eh. 20 years? Let’s go 5. Let’s go like next year. It seems The Bahamas is pretty much becoming a buzz place… A lot of people are independently grindin’, they’re independently getting their music out there. I just think the exposure; the international connection is going to blow up the industry. You gat some artists right here who are eatin’ off of it. I just see the industry becoming more functional and accepted. Then gaining international acclaim and acceptance is the next step. I think that’s when people will recognize our music industry; we have the influence.

TAP: I know you’re a Christian, but your music has a lot of crossover appeal and you had to perform at a lot of places. How do you manage to keep so grounded with all the temptations in the music biz?

R.C.: Well I mean I pretty much just anchor myself. I just don’t take anything for granted. Some people kind of lose their way and lose their head. I think the thing that keeps me the most grounded is the fact that I know people depend on me. People are actually inspired by what I do.

Shortz: How does it feel to be a public figure?

R.C.: It’s cool. The only difference is you have to mind what you do. It requires discipline… It’s good and I enjoy it but I don’t let it get to my head. What it takes someone to achieve in a year… being a public speaker, you say it once and a ton of people get it all at the same time.

C.S.: Now for the hard and controversial questions, no we’re just kidding <LAUGHS>. Is there anything we haven’t asked that you want to leave for your fans?

R.C.: <LAUGHS> Thanks everyone that supported the message, even if you used Bluetooth or whatever… I still appreciate the fact you take the time to listen. That’s just the age we’re in. Thanks to all the radio and other media personalities, y’ know just recently “Not Settlin’” went to #1 on “Our Stage”; they’re partnered with AOL Music. It’s becoming a really respected place for independent talent and the song was in the top 10 for a couple of months… It’s something about the whole #1 thing that I just don’t get. It’s still the same song right? Anyway, whatever. I just appreciate everyone who was down from day one with the music… especially my Facebook crew.