Problem Child ‘not angry’ about third place spot

Even though this is the highest he has ever placed in the Power Soca Monarch competition, third place winner Problem Child is convinced that he deserved to place higher.{{more}}

Shertz “Problem Child” James was quick to point out that, despite this feeling, he is not angry about it.

“The general consensus of people on Facebook and Twitter and people I meet on the street is that I should have placed higher… I know I did my best,” he explained.

Problem Child went on to say that despite this, he knows that on the night of the competition he won over many people with his song “No Discipline” and its accompanying performance.

“I won the hearts of a lot of people, but there’s no trophy for that… That victory is huge! I’m happy because my fans are happy.”

He does, however, want to point out that a remark he made during his performance was in no way a slight against any one competitor.

On the night, he said that “Soca Monarch shouldn’t be based on props,” and later came to find out that many people in the crowd thought that he was referring to defending champion Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle.

Problem denies this totally, pointing out that there were 14 other competitors besides himself, and that his message was directed at everyone.

“Some people just can’t afford that [elaborate props],” he explained. “It goes to show the mentality of the people that I said that and they singled one person out!”

Problem Child admitted that he and Skinny Fabulous are not as close as they used to be in times gone by, but insisted that there is no “bad blood” between them.

“Outside of music, we’re pretty much cool,” he noted.

He further explained that as two solo artistes, they’ve both been busy furthering their careers and have simply drifted apart.

On Soca Monarch 2014 winner Delroy “Fireman” Hooper, Problem Child expressed his full support for the artiste, especially when it comes to him representing St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Trinidad and Tobago Soca Monarch competition next year.

He disagrees with members of the public who think that Fireman Hooper’s style is outdated and can’t compete with that of regional artistes.

“Fireman is a Vincentian artiste… he goes into the studio and works hard just like anyone else,” he said. “He’s old school, but that’s who he is and we have to support him, regardless.”

Problem Child praised local artistes for stepping up their musical “game” for this year’s Carnival releases.

“The music this year was incredibly well done!” he enthused.

Regarding his participation in the Power Soca Monarch competition for Vincy Mas 2015, Problem Child said that he is unsure of whether he will take part, but is contemplating it.

“I’m just trying to remain positive… trying to stay consistent,” he said.

But for now, he’s doing as many shows and events as possible and is already working on material for the various Carnivals throughout the rest of the year, and next year.

“I drown in an ocean of music, whether it’s writing or performing,” he admitted. “I can’t see myself doing anything else, honestly!”(JV)