Kes' Man With No Door Celebrates Creative Fusion in Caribbean Music

I sit down with the Soca sensation Kes, lead singer of Kes the Band. He takes us on a spirited journey from the early days of his namesake to the dynamic experience that has become Kes the Band, an evolution spurred on by passionate fans and the electric atmosphere of live shows. Kes's voice, imbued with the wisdom of his musical voyage, offers a treasure trove of advice to his younger self and paints a colorful panorama of his beginnings in Trinidad & Tobago, where the pulse of Calypso and Soca set the beat for a life in music. Our conversation spins through the tracks of his latest 16-track adventure, a fearless fusion album where Soca meets Afrobeats, Reggae and Dancehall all rooted in Kes's signature style.

Kes peels back the curtain to reveal the craft behind captivating music videos such as "Banga" and "Liki Tiki," showcasing how visual storytelling can be just as powerful as the music itself. Through playful characters and the warmth of Caribbean dance, he illustrates the importance of embracing one's culture and the collaborative spirit that fuels creativity. The mood turns contemplative as we honor the memory of lost comrades in the music world, feeling the weight of their absence while recognizing the imperative to live fully and make a mark. Join us for an uplifting session with Kes, filled with infectious laughter, cherished memories, and an unwavering love for the transformative power of music.

Bring home Bob Marley: One Love on Digital now! Celebrate the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love, peace, and unity.  Buy Bob Marley: One Love on Digital today and get over 50 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes! Available at participating retailers. Rated PG-13. From Paramount Pictures.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:40

Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of the Style and Vibes podcast with yours truly Makayla. If you are new here, welcome to the family. If you are returning, welcome back family. Today we have our first Soka artist on the podcast. We have none other than Kes. I don't think you need an introduction, in my opinion, because I know my followers are going to know exactly who you are, but I need to start somewhere and I need to start with okay, break it down, please. The name of the band is Kes. The Band your name is Keys. How did that transition? Is it because we just keep messing up your name in the in the media?

Speaker 2: 1:24

and that's how you adapted the name partly um, I think it was a lifelong curse. I mean, my actual name is kws, so it's a. It's a dutch name, um, but it's pronounced case. But in, you know, english speaking, trinidad, um you, they call me Kes and I knew myself as Kes since I was a kid.

Speaker 2: 1:47

How the name of the band really came about was kind of roundabout. We were part of another group called Image Company me and my brothers and we decided to sort of form our own vibe again and my brother was like you know, we didn't want to start a whole new name, people know who you are, so let's just name the band k. Yes, yes, we're like fine, cool. But you know, in our culture, you know, when we do shows, we do parties, sometimes you perform with your dj, sometimes you perform with your band. So fans were like, well, who's playing on the show?

Speaker 2: 2:20

Is it kes or kes and the band? You know what I mean. Is it kes? Or on the show, is it Kes or Kes and the band? You know what I mean. Is it Kes or Kes and the band? And then it became Kes and the band, because the fans were calling us Kes and the band all the time. It's like no Kes and the band is playing oh, okay, cool, and it's a different experience, I guess, from doing tracks on a solo show. And then, as well, the band now has become such a big part of the act you know like for us to play live and spread that live vibes. So Kestivan was a result of all of that, all of that.

Speaker 1: 2:50

It's kind of like the reverse of Sade, because I feel like people just really realize that the name of the band is Sade.

Speaker 2: 2:57

Yes, similar.

Speaker 1: 2:58

Not just the front woman singing, so I see it on social they're like nobody knew. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Similar, Not just the front woman singing, so I see it on social. They're like nobody knew.

Speaker 2: 3:05

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah yeah.

Speaker 1: 3:07

But that's super cool. So you're gearing up to release this new project. Tell me about the space that you were in to really create it, and I want to talk about the name, but it's 16 tracks, some of which the public has probably heard. We've been jamming to it for a while now. So tell me about going into the creation of this project.

Speaker 2: 3:28

Yeah, well, you know, going to this, I really wanted to. In this new phase, I feel, you know, I felt like after lockdowns, lockdowns kind of closed a chapter in my life creatively and I felt like I was stepping into the next realm and I really wanted to create a body of work that sort. I felt like I was stepping into the next realm and I really wanted to, um, create a body of work that sort of represented where I was at, you know, um, so I mean I'll go into it. My no, no door is a free creative space. You know, for me, um, it just represents not having boundaries and, um, you know, actually met a guy with no door and and he, you know he's always had interesting people coming into his home and and he was always fearless. So I felt that way creatively and so I decided to name it that and explore, explore all the rhythms and sounds that I feel inspired by growing up and and in life.

Speaker 2: 4:17

You know so, of course you're gonna get that sweet, so, but then even the soca that we have on it has its own sort of twist. Like songs, like Tack Back is like that I'll shine real kind of capture. A 90s Calypso feel Miracle is a power soca but yeah, it's like a romantic song as well. But other than the soca aspects, know, you're gonna get a touch of dance, all that such an afro beat. There's some reggae in there, um, and then there's some other other mixes there as well. So it's really a free space and if you love all types of music, um, especially music you can dance to, then you're gonna love this album, you know what would the man with no door cast say to the young teenage guests?

Speaker 2: 5:05

keep dreaming, because all your dreams gonna come true. Every single one that you dream are gonna come true, so don't have a limit. As well, dream as big as you want to dream and stay the course. You know, um, I feel like I'm proud of my younger self, um, for taking leaps and bounds without even having any guarantee of success, and I felt like that bravery led me to this point. A lot of things that I've thought of, dreamt of, has come to pass already, so I probably needed to dream a little more. So keep dreaming.

Speaker 1: 5:38

Yeah, yeah, I hear that. So, in terms of being in a band with your brothers and close like friends growing up, like how did you guys initially really come together and who's the younger? Like, where do you fit in the in the order of of brothers?

Speaker 2: 5:55

I'm the youngest um, we started off in south trinidad and palmis um, in those days, you know, in Trinidad of course Calypso is huge, calypso was king, soca was king, but you know you had in the 80s especially dub and dance, so it was now coming into the fray. But rock music was huge, you know. So 80s rock in Trinidad was huge and my biggest brother actually is the ringleader, is the one who really got us into music. I mean, I always used to sing, but when it came to band life and understanding band stuff, you know, it's really my brother, hans the oldest, the drummer. He used to go by his friend and watch MTV, you know, and they were the only ones with a dish and you know you'd see these bands.

Speaker 2: 6:45

There was a particular band called Van Halen and Van Halen having a kind of German name, but they had brothers. You know, he had this bright idea of like I'm going to take my brothers and my friends and like form this band, and he called the band Lads L-A-D-S, lads L-A-D-S and it was like the first letters of their last names. You know, that summer I remember my brother built a drum kit out of buckets and PVC and you know, my other brother had a guitar with a, the pickup was a nail and we tried to build a stage and my dad eventually felt sorry for us but it was very intrigued and bought a second-hand kit and bought some second-hand equipment and then got somebody to help us build a stage in our backyard and we did a concert for our friends, you know, but it was rock music.

Speaker 1: 7:33

It was like my first song was a punk rock song, you know you know, and um, wait, walk me through the outfit that you had on for that performance you know, I still remember I had a shirt and I had like a little sleeveless inside with like three stripes.

Speaker 2: 7:45

It's still red, gold and green. You know still have vibes going on, you know. But we were young, you know, I was seven years old, my other brother was 11. We were kids, you know, and it was. I think it was just cool for us to feel what it was to rehearse and have a concert, and I don't think we've ever left that space. I think from that, that kind of sparked a fire that just continued to grow all through school or you know, all until now, you know.

Speaker 1: 8:13

That's great. It seems like you guys have a great creative synergy amongst all of you. Because I saw you perform a couple years ago now because this is pre-COVID I think it was Tuesday on the Rocks in Manhattan I can't remember the name of the location. I admitted to my followers like I think I'm a sound snob when it comes to like bands and where and the location and how it sounds, and you guys really put a lot into the show. So when you talk about that rock influence, I can hear it in your live shows.

Speaker 1: 8:49

So I think, that that is super intentional, like what you guys do, so naturally, and it really led into even some of your catalog. You guys have such a great catalog. Talk to me about that. Like being able to have this catalog of music that people really resonate with. It must make it really hard to choose your song set.

Speaker 2: 9:12

You're right. I think at this time it is because, yeah, we do have a lot and I give thanks for that, because there was a time when we had to play a lot of covers. You know we had to do that and stick our songs in between the covers to try and promote it and stuff like that. But now, you know, I really do have to pick and choose. There's some songs that are staples and classics and some people, you know, want to hear particular songs that we can't all fit into the set or else we'll be on stage for like hours, you know.

Speaker 2: 9:37

But at the end of the day, it's a problem to have. You know, it's a great problem to have and I feel like, you know, I try to stay true to the process and I feel staying true to the process and finding my truth in my creations every single time, I think it never fails. You know, when I believe in it, when I love what it is, I think feels, you know, when I believe in it, when I love what it is, I think it resonates with someone. You know, that's my, that's my take on it. I don't know how big it will be, I don't know how. You know, that's up to the people and up to people. But if I know it tastes good, I'm gonna put it on a plate your ability, yeah, you're gonna leave it on the stage.

Speaker 1: 10:16

I I think that that's truly amazing. So the album man With no Door has a lot of collabs and a lot of different sounds. How did you guys, kind of collectively, decide who you wanted to work with? You have Michael Brunn, you have Busy Signal, you have oh, now I'm drawing a blank. Hold on, let me. I got to pull it up, but you know all of the people that's on there, it's not a lot, but it's it's like a tight-knit group of. So how did you come to that selection process?

Speaker 2: 10:45

I mean it's all natural. I mean I like to do collabs naturally. I like to, you know, really link with people and not just do something out of convenience or opportunity or anything like that. So you know, every collab is a collab. That was, you know, thought about and people who just fit, you know, and I felt, like you know, with Shaggy, with Mood, I was attracted, it was just amazing.

Speaker 2: 11:08

I felt like, you know, he called me actually on the track and had the idea and you know, I felt, like everyone that we've worked with, we have a similar, I guess, goal and dream within our own lanes and that was a common thread and I feel like that spoke with the music. You know, like Busy Signal, he's just a natural bridging his dance all with other music and I think he does it so well, seamlessly and honestly. And you know, queen Omega, you know that was a great collab and just an easy process. Each process was pretty easy. And, of course, michael Brune, hayati, jay Perry, otay, hayati, and you know this is the reason why I do it. You know this is like the fire, you know, to really be the bridge and expand the sound and reach of the music. You know to really be the bridge and and and expand the sound and reach of the music you know.

Speaker 1: 12:02

And talk to me about the videos. Now, benga, I think it really portrays you in a completely different light. It's so funny You're playing multiple characters, like tell me about how that video came about.

Speaker 2: 12:15

Yeah, I mean, I love doing visuals, like every, every visual. You see, I've definitely had a part in like, creating the concept and, you know, really wanting to put forward or something, because I feel like, you know, um, the visuals is just another aspect of like expression of the idea. You know, and banga, the song came about of us really talking about the days when we were awkward teens and we had, you know, you have that crush and you have that person. I miss you from the time you went away. You know, not knowing what to say, the awkwardness, and we said, you know what, let's just do something in ode to how we grew up, you know.

Speaker 2: 12:54

So we had that kind of house line that we were accustomed to in the caribbean and you know that birthday party that just spent a month trying to get ready for and, um, and just had an opportunity to play all these roles. I was like yo, I'm gonna play all these roles. Actually, it was kind of mimicking my dad in one of these shots. You know what I mean. Um, I had a great time, I think. I think visuals and doing all of those things just make it worthwhile for me, and I was, I was up for the challenge of like, becoming different characters and like it was something different.

Speaker 1: 13:26

You know yeah, yeah, and even in licky tiki I think the, the consensual movement is just everybody's kind of like just grooving in it and you know you have some nice cameos of mika ben uh wrestling is in there um, and and. Tell me about even that one, because it just it seemed like a nice fun.

Speaker 1: 13:47

But I feel like videos don't get the credit that it like, the, the attention that it I think so because mtv vet, all of you know it's condensed to a screen, so the only time you really get to enjoy it is if, like you're sitting down or you're watching it through like YouTube. It's one of those things I wish would come back, but I'm also part of the same era that you are.

Speaker 2: 14:11

So I have a different connection to it.

Speaker 1: 14:14

But you did have, you know, some really great energy there, so tell me about that video as well yeah, like it was a great vibe.

Speaker 2: 14:22

I mean, I think I think it just kind of like stemmed off of the vibe that I had with michael broon and j perry in the studio. You know, and you know like it is uh, even the phrase like it is just me kind of mimicking our iron. You know we have something where we beat a bottle and spoon or we beat the iron, and it was me trying to explain the calypso beat to michael and he was like yo, there's a hook, I love that asherini song. And I was like, oh for real, yeah, man, cool. And so, you know, we wanted the video to feel in that way, that that kind of again, that kind of sort of classic, you know, the classic kind of dance or vibe to it. But yet it was like one Caribbean. So all the flags and, you know, as I said, you know the cameos from people from different places. You know, rest in peace.

Speaker 2: 15:09

Mika Ben that was actually the first time I met him and it was a great experience. The entire cast and big up to maya. She's a young, amazing director up on coming. She, she did a few videos for me actually, she did um mood, she did licky ticky and she did jolene for me as well, and so, um, I've had fun working with her and her crew because they're open to my crazy ideas, you know, I mean. I mean they're open to when I say, hey, I want to do this and that, and they're like, yeah, let's do that Because you know, and so it's always fun. It's always fun, they're great to work with.

Speaker 1: 15:48

And in terms of we kind of touched on it slightly, but you know Mika Bent, you know he was such a pillar in the Haitian music community. We recently lost Ricardo Drew. What does that losing artists and camaraderie they're almost like family co-workers in a way, in the industry. When that happens within the industry, like what is your thought process and how did how does that impact you as an artist, as a person? It's just like you know, these are people you used to see on shows and you know, and now you, there's like this empty space there. What does walk me through that, for you as an artist?

Speaker 2: 16:28

well, I mean, I guess for me, simply put, I feel like, um, you know you live each day like it's your last.

Speaker 2: 16:34

You, you, you, you. You move with intention, because you never know when is your time and you know, I always feel like that this moment right here is the sum of all your moments, like everything I've experienced is right here, right now with me, and I just feel like, um, we need to hold that into the forefront and live like that, because I feel like, again, if it's one thing we all have in common is that we will all walk in towards the same thing, but it leaves. What are we doing while we're here, you know, and I think we just need to be impactful and make sure that we are living from our true self every time. You know, it's surreal. It's surreal sometimes, to be honest, to think about the people that you know especially. I've lost a few close people within the last few years and I let them live with me. You know, whatever piece of them they shared with me, they live with me. If something comes up and I know I would probably ask them themselves and me comes up.

Speaker 1: 17:33

You know what I mean and and I celebrate them in that way, you know do you think a lot about legacy and your legacy as a contributing to soca music and music as a whole?

Speaker 2: 17:45

I think so. I mean, I, I personally feel like I'm in motion, so I'd already think about, like, well, what would be my legacy? Because I don't know what would be my legacy in the end of the day. All I know is that I feel something and I feel and I follow that. You know, I follow what that is and I've been following it, that feather, that soul, whatever it is, for all this time and it's led me here, so it's leading me to something. So I'm just going, you know, I'm going with faith, you know in terms of the creative process.

Speaker 1: 18:16

Do you like performing, writing, being in the studio? What do you? What is your preference?

Speaker 2: 18:22

um, I love performing. I have to say performing sort of stimulates the other things. Um, doing that, that sort of exchange between you and the person loving the music, is what it's about. So, because you know, before we could even record anything, before we could even tape anything, it was about that. It was about that exchange and I think that's not changed. You know, I feel like that's such a powerful, much as we could speak over the, you know, the internet and our devices, that's just the idea of a conversation. It's not really an exchange, like all the energy, all the things that are exchanges unsaid, you know, and I feel like we, I feel that energy when I perform live. So I have to give live the number one on that I like that.

Speaker 1: 19:14

I like that. What lessons have you learned being in the music business as long as you have?

Speaker 2: 19:21

that's a. That's a good question. Um, a few things. Uh, definitely, a dream requires commitment. You know you have to choose it every day. You have to choose your path every single day, and if you choose one path one day and one path the next day, you're putting two different things into motion. You know you need to choose. If you want this to happen or you really need this to happen, you have to choose that every single day and go for it. Two sometimes everything you need is right there in front of you.

Speaker 2: 19:55

I always loved the book the Alchemist. I mean, for those who didn't read it, it's really about going on a full journey and a full walkabout to end up right back where you're at and understand that everything you had was right there. And I feel like I've done that a few times in my life where I went walkabout and I came back and I'm like you know, and I feel like, um, I've had done that a few times in my life where I went walk about and I came back and I'm like you know what I. It's in me, you know it's, it's within me, you know, I mean, and, and you need to believe and trust what that is. You know, um, and as well too, that that we all have so much in common with each other.

Speaker 2: 20:28

You know, I feel like with music. I've had the opportunity to one day be in a penthouse somewhere and the next day I in the ghetto somewhere and I just see people. I don't see things, I see energy, you know, and I realized that I mean, as things rightfully said, we are spirits in a material world, like most of of all, we are spirits walking around, and that's your riches, you know, and that's what it is, and it doesn't matter what you have. And music gave me that opportunity to walk through walls, you know, to not have a door.

Speaker 1: 21:05

I love it Okay, one fun question for you. You're throwing a dinner party for your closest friends and family. What's on your playlist?

Speaker 2: 21:15

Playlist Dinner? Good question, I would love a little classic, because we're in a festive mood too. You know Some classic Calypso definitely, and I don't mind going deeper into the crates. You know even 50s and 60s. You know um definitely some classic reggae. I love my dennis brong and my little bob marley and stuff like that. Um as well, I would play past the chord. You know what you want to hear, because I I definitely um like to hear new music and things that I want to be interested in.

Speaker 2: 21:52

You know what I mean. So that's, in a nutshell, the fact that you would actually share and let other people pick. It says a lot about you.

Speaker 1: 22:00

Yeah, a lot of people are like no, no, no, don't touch my music, don't touch my music.

Speaker 2: 22:05

I want to have a new favorite song.

Speaker 1: 22:07

I hate those people.

Speaker 2: 22:08

Yeah, I want to have a new favorite song. Give me something like when I have a new favorite song I love that, I love that all right, so, so what?

Speaker 1: 22:15

what's for dinner? What's for dinner?

Speaker 2: 22:18

you know what. That's a good question. I want to know what's for dinner as well. You understand, I actually have pilau, I've been talking about tonight. I'm hungry.

Speaker 1: 22:30

It's left over by you know. Thank you so much. I know you have, you're doing your runs, you're doing your performances and I'm really looking forward to the response that everyone is going to love your album and love what you guys have put together for us. But any last words what do you want the people to know about this album?

Speaker 2: 22:53

No, you know, stay free everybody. Do you want the people to know about this album? Stay free everybody. Open your mind, open your hearts and continue to love each other. Continue to appreciate and love each other and that we are really powerful as a human race, together In this world of division. Fight that, fight that with love and enjoy this album. May it connect wheels. May it connect wheels for you, you know.

Speaker 1: 23:15

May it make you explore some new, new spaces you know, absolutely all right, my peoples meds upon the new album by kes man with no doors. It is out on march 29th, so make sure you guys stream it, download, download it, watch all the videos, follow on social. I'll be sure to link everything, kes. Thank you so much. Please also give my respects to the band, the brothers, the family as well, and have a great evening.

Speaker 2: 23:46

All right, thank you.

Speaker 1: 23:50

Thanks for listening to the latest episode of the style and vibes podcast. If you like what you hear and I know you do share it with your friends and family. If you want more, make sure you visit stylingvibescom and follow us on our social channels, twitter and instagram. At styling vibes until next time.