WHILE working as a journalist within the newsrooms at Irie FM and the North Coast Times Andre Hinds-Allen would write songs in his spare time. In some unspecified time in the future he had to choose between covering or making the news.
He selected to do the latter as Bas360, a singjay based in Los Angeles (LA). His latest song is A Matter of Time, which he wrote and produced for his Steamatic Records.
Bas360 told the Jamaica Observer that A Matter of Time is for the depressed who feel there is no such thing as a way out.
“There are lots of lost individuals on the market who think there is no such thing as a road to redemption for them, but this song goals to encourage those that need guidance on their method to spiritual recovery,” he said.
The dreadlocked singer has lived in Southern California for seven years. During that point he has recorded a lot of songs he describes as “comfortable music that can make you dance but additionally think deeply”.
Those include Got the Medical and Fatherless.
Born in St Ann, Bas360 entered journalism after graduating from York Castle High School in that parish. He remembers covering mainly current affairs and court dates, but while the job of a newshound was “thrilling and edifying”, the aspiring artiste desired to emulate his heroes who include Garnet Silk and Tarrus Riley.
After covering the West Kingston incursion in May 2010, Bas360 called time on his journalism profession and sought a new life as a singer.
In LA he has fit right into a thriving reggae scene led by American bands like Rebelution and Stick Figure. LA can also be home to veteran roots-reggae artistes like Ras Michael of the Sons of Negus and members of the Soul Syndicate Band.
Bas360’s objective is to jot down and record songs which have a consistent message.
“My inspiration comes from my day-to-day struggles and wins. I aim to deliver a positive message to my fans that will help them deal with the various obstacles life throws their way. I actually have been through rather a lot and with the strength of Jah I actually have all the time overcome, and that is my fundamental inspiration in every song I do,” he said.
