The name Third Bass is quite a familiar one in the Trinidad and Tobago music scene. The DJ/Songwriter/Artiste has been around for quite some time; travelling the world while flying the soca flag high. I am sure most of us didn't know that Bass has written hit songs for the likes of Denise Belfon, Precious, Traffik, Super Blue, Singing Sandra and was also responsible for the discovery of now deceased songstress Onika Bostic and Soca diva Destra. So it was quite a privilege for us to speak with Third Bass, who was very vocal in letting Entertainment Macco know of the challenges that he now faces in the industry!
Entertainment Macco: Who is Third Bass?
Third Bass: “Third Bass is Adrian Joel Hackshaw a simple lover of music born oct 5th 19.. lol”
Entertainment Macco: Lol....
Entertainment Macco: How long have you been involved in the entertainment industry?
Third Bass: “I professionally started radio at 98.9 FM in 1992 ... wow long time”
Third Bass: “I professionally started radio at 98.9 FM in 1992 ... wow long time”
Entertainment Macco: For those who may be unaware, please state all the different hats you wear in the industry?
Third Bass: “DJ/Radio Announcer/Songwriter/Artiste.”
Entertainment Macco: You were living in the US for some time, what made you decide to come back home?
Third Bass: “I honestly, believe it or not came back home because I was in a long distance relationship that ended and wanted to re-unite with the woman I love.”
Entertainment Macco: *jaw drops* Ok I guess I have no choice but to believe it. ...
Entertainment Macco: Was it easier to do what you are doing in the US when compared to here in Trinidad & Tobago?
Third Bass: “While in the U.S. I did manage to do radio not only on a Caribbean level I did a great stint at NYC’s Hott 97 FM ... doing music up there was a bit frustrating though...but at the end of the day home is home.”
Entertainment Macco: Tell me about the frustration, explain...
Third Bass: “It is hard to be an artiste while based in the USA, especially if you are doing Soca...you have to be here in Trinidad to get the airplay and support. The only artiste who has really made it so far and is based overseas is Lyrikal and that took him years...”
Entertainment Macco: Are you single/in a relationship or married?
Third Bass: “Single..”
Entertainment Macco: What about children, do you have any or plans of having soon?
Third Bass: “Lots of Godkids...lol but seriously YES I would love to have kids, when god is ready for it to happen it will happen because nothing happens before it’s time.”
Entertainment Macco: I understand you are experiencing some difficulties as far as airplay is concerned, tell me a little about that?
Third Bass: “Well over the years airplay in certain quarters have been an issue all I want is a fair shot once my music is good enough...”
Entertainment Macco: Why do you feel this is happening?
Third Bass: “I have an idea, but honestly to believe one human being would be so petty and childish is beyond me..”
Entertainment Macco: Do you mind saying which radio stations refuses to play your music?
Third Bass: “96.1 FM, the P.D (programme director) actually said my music will never play there again and well the other station I won’t say they don’t play me.....certain djs do, certain djs don’t...I stop being concerned lol”
Entertainment Macco: Didn’t you use to work @ 96.1? How long ago was that?
Third Bass: “Yeah I left there in 2000.”
Third Bass: “Yeah I left there in 2000.”
Entertainment Macco: So he didn’t give a reason as to why your music will not be played?
Third Bass: “There was something that I said on the radio a couple years ago about him where I made reference to him and he didn’t like it..it wasn’t anything disrespectful but it is time to get over it!”
Entertainment Macco: You were mentioned in a recent note which was written by Devon Mathews, what is up with that?
Third Bass: “Well what can I say bout Mr. Mathews...he was just expressing about the new mafia which I openly denounce.....I have no problems with new blood and talent getting into the biz but just remember the same people you step on, on your way up are the same people you gonna meet on your way back down.”
Entertainment Macco: It have a new mafia? Talk nah!
Third Bass: “If you listen to Bunji’s song “Push Out” he talked about the same thing but he didn’t call any names but there is a new mafia out there. You could probably call Devon and ask him about it. The thing is I don’t mind them having new blood in the game but just deal with the music and let it speak for itself”
Entertainment Macco: So, as a dj/artiste/songwriter, do you have issues playing the music of other dj's who are now artistes?
Third Bass: “I don’t have a problem playing good music no matter who it’s from.”
Third Bass: “I don’t have a problem playing good music no matter who it’s from.”
Entertainment Macco: Is it now a “do for do” scenario? (They not playing yours so you not playing theirs')
Third Bass: “Well at my station Boom 94.1 fm I am the announcer not the dj so I have little say in what plays...”
Entertainment Macco: Is this the first time, you are experiencing a "fight down" in the industry?
Third Bass: “It is not the first time ... when you dwell on the fight down thing it has you really negative and I have people who are willing to help me... I don’t like to dwell on the fight down ting, I just wanna make my music..”
Third Bass: “It is not the first time ... when you dwell on the fight down thing it has you really negative and I have people who are willing to help me... I don’t like to dwell on the fight down ting, I just wanna make my music..”
Entertainment Macco: How do you plan on dealing with this?
Third Bass: “Getting back into urban radio was one way, thanks to Boom I am getting good rotation not just because I work there but because my music is good and I am also getting the opportunity to connect with the urban audience once again. Thanks also to Next 99, Soca 91.9 fm ... and CT 105 FM ... been working facebook with the videos and I launched the official video for my song “Big Tune Gyal” on 20-01-2011 which I took to “Synergy” you seen it yet lol?
Third Bass: “Getting back into urban radio was one way, thanks to Boom I am getting good rotation not just because I work there but because my music is good and I am also getting the opportunity to connect with the urban audience once again. Thanks also to Next 99, Soca 91.9 fm ... and CT 105 FM ... been working facebook with the videos and I launched the official video for my song “Big Tune Gyal” on 20-01-2011 which I took to “Synergy” you seen it yet lol?
Entertainment Macco: Sounds good to me, and yes we have seen the video!
Entertainment Macco: What is the most memorable experience in the industry thus far?
Third Bass: “Everyday in radio is a memorable one for me, I do what I love and I touch people, make them aware and make them laugh.....just taking a phone call and someone says “you are doing a great job” is a blessing... plus just walking down the street and someone tells me they love my music or telling me I said something that meant something to them is always unforgettable.”
Entertainment Macco: Awww Bass you’re a sentimental one? (j/k)
Entertainment Macco: You have been in the industry for quite some time, if you look back at the industry when you started off to what it is now, tell me one thing you would have liked to remain the same.
Third Bass: “Respect!!....nuff said”
Third Bass: “Respect!!....nuff said”
Entertainment Macco: Tell me about your releases for carnival 2k11, as we speak how many songs are out?
Third Bass: “I have 5 songs out; B.T.G – “Big tune gyal” produced by Ma$tamind in NYC,“Jammin yuh” on the Hot Gal Riddim produced by Mastamike of Tuff Nutt studios,“Today is Carnival” a song dedicated to kiddies Carnival that’s on the Makalele riddim produced by the Phoenix. “By the trunk” on De Tin-Pan riddim produced by Ma$tamind again and a serious road march contender called “Ready 4 d road” produced by Mr. Neil Bernard.
Entertainment Macco: Can we expect more releases from you, (if yes) would you be willing to give us a sneek peek..
Third Bass: “Definitely after carnival, look out for music right through the year.”
Third Bass: “Definitely after carnival, look out for music right through the year.”
Entertainment Macco: I have been anxiously awaiting the video for BTG (Big Tune Gyal) and finally it is here, tell me a little about the concept and how the cameos came about?
Third Bass: “Yeah nice video ... it is what it is ... girls, some kixx and lots of cameos ... I wanted as many artiste whose names I called in the song to be there....bless up to Kess, Shurwayne, Iwer, Ravi B, Blaxx and Alison Hinds her name wasn’t called but she is a big tune gyal lol”
Entertainment Macco: Yeah Alison is definitely a B.T.G ... Who directed and produced the video?
Third Bass: “Directing was a combination of myself and Brian Herbert of Video Lab Productions ... he produced and edited it.”
Entertainment Macco: What do you look forward to the most, during the carnival season?
Third Bass: “The music and the women.”
Entertainment Macco: Generally what are your views on the Soca Industry?
Third Bass: “I call it a dustry not industry cause we are in dust ... It’s basically a big lucrative hustle … run in eat a food ... but it is nice to see people living well and making money in spite of.”
Entertainment Macco: Do you have any intentions of releasing an album anytime soon?
Third Bass: “All my songs will be available online soon for sale..”
Entertainment Macco: I am glad to hear this...
Entertainment Macco: Why do you think there are more successful men in the entertainment industry than women?
Third Bass: “Hmmm good question ... women need to take more charge of the thing ... yuh know what I would love to see a female music producer that would be hotttt...”
Entertainment Macco: I hear that!
Entertainment Macco: What advice would you give to someone who is now trying to enter the industry?
Third Bass: “Pray don’t stray ... have patience ... be prepared ... listen ... take every critique with a pinch of salt ... pay attention to what the producer is doing and not doing ... and if anyone ever you to give them money to play their music make sure you record it and send it to me... third.basstnt@yahoo.com.”
Entertainment Macco: Sound advice.... Sorry I do not mean to laugh but Lol @ record and email; it’s just the way you said it...
Entertainment Macco: Is there anything that you would like to add or mention? The floor is open.....
Third Bass: “God is love, thanks for the interview...bless to the fans of Third Bass and those who listen to me on the radio now and over the years...I just want that if my music is good it gets a fair chance to be heard just like any other artiste...Respect”
Category:
94.1,
96.1,
Adrian Hackshaw,
Devon Mathews,
Ma$tamind Productions,
Mastamike,
Soca Mafia,
Third Bass
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4 Responses
Bless up Third Bass a well rounded and sound artiste over the years
Quite an interesting read...... I love to listen to Third Bass in the morning on Boom!
I love Third Bass !!!
Great read....all the best Third Bass