Story Courtesy: Overtime Media
Anthony “Chaos” James is a passionate songwriter and a dynamic performer, who began writing songs at an early age and sharpened his vocal abilities in the church choir. Determined to explore his passion and talents, he just released a music video for his new song on the Bruk Out Riddim, “Rocking Chair” and is hosting a dynamic dance challenge on social media as well. Overtime Media sat down with this rising talent to pick his brain on a number of relevant topics.
Q: Who is Chaos? Why did you choose that name and how does it represent your style and your goals?
A: Chaos is a reflection of my raw, unfiltered energy and creativity. I chose the name Chaos because it symbolizes breaking boundaries, challenging norms, and bringing unpredictability to my music. It represents my desire to keep listeners on their toes and push the limits of what’s creatively possible. My style aims to inspire change and innovation in every track I produce.
Q: Tell us about your latest release? What inspired it? Who produced it and what kind of plans do you have for it (dance challenge, music video, etc.)
A: My latest release is “Rock You Out” on the Bruk It Riddim, produced by Azaryah, also known as Flipo. It was inspired by listening to a group of women talking about what they like, dislike, and how they like to tease men. We plan to release a music video and launch a dance challenge, encouraging people to post their dance video on their social platforms, get their friends or whoever to like it and by 29th of each month Participants are asked to tag me on Instagram, TikTok (@totalchaos1978), and Facebook (Chaos1978). The challenge runs through June, July, and August, we pick a new winning each month,with the person with the most likes winning $500.
Q: When and why did you get into making music?
A: I started making music around age 15 as a way to stand out from my surroundings. Growing up in Laventille, music became my outlet for self-expression and staying positive.
Q: Who are some of your favorite artistes and inspirations?
A: Some of my favorite artistes include Mighty Sparrow, David Rudder, Kitchener, Nadia Batson, Machel Montano, and Problem Child. They inspire me with their authenticity and genre-blending skills. I also look up to artists like Bunji and Ras Shorty I, who push boundaries and challenge the status quo, encouraging me to stay innovative and true to my vision.
Q: Do you think that local acts are given enough support and opportunities to succeed by the industry stakeholders and gatekeepers? How would you like to see that change for the better?
A: I believe that local acts, especially emerging artists, often face hurdles like limited funding, exposure, and support. There’s a need for more structured platforms, funding opportunities, and promotional efforts focused on nurturing local talent. I’d like to see more government and private sector initiatives investing in artists, more cross-island collaborations, and a stronger local infrastructure to help us shine globally.
Q: There’s talk about possibly having another Carnival in August, what are your thoughts on that idea ?
A: I think another Carnival would be nice. We already established Tobago’s carnival in August and we not taking anything away from that. Having a next carnival is a great way to showcase our culture, give artists a platform to perform, and connect with audiences. It can also boost tourism and bring economic benefits to the region.
Q: How do you feel about our neighbors in the region and our ability to work in any country and promote Soca and Dancehall music as a region and not just individual islands? How important do you think the region and regional unity is to our artistes achieving global success?
A: Regional unity is essential. Soca, Dancehall, and Reggae are shared cultural treasures that can reach beyond borders when we collaborate. Working together across islands can amplify our music, create unique sounds, and strengthen our global presence. By sharing resources and promoting each other’s work, we can develop a collective identity that opens doors for our artists worldwide.
