#HANCEMMXVI The revelation, rebirth of local soca star

It’s 2016 and in Roman numerals that is MMXVI – what is the significance of this? To Hance John, it symbolizes a milestone

of five years in his music career as a Soca Dan, under the management of Island Network, and by the artiste named Hance. Admittedly, Hance has felt like supporting cast to the dominant Soca Dans brand and has now expressed in a recent conversation that he is ready to take on a leading or supporting role of his own brand – Hance,{{more}} and move forward in 2016 with more music, and independence; junior soca champ Hance John is growing up!

Taking on more responsibility as an artiste could mean spending more time with your music, and your brand and not necessarily your team and fortunately for Hance, he has the full support of his team, and most importantly, his manager, Herric Horne. This year symbolizes a parting, but in the same breath, a bonding of energies to help create the rebirth Hance has requested from his long-time friend and manager, Herric, who, as Island Network Inc, was able to solicit the services of Kubiyashi Productions to aid in visualizing the sound and direction of his client’s musical ambitions.

Hance’s creative roster is impressive, hailing live musical elements from legendary Lucian drummer and producer, Thygeson Penn Joseph, guitars from Zan George, keyboardist skills from African musician and producer, YtwoKe (a current resident of St Vincent and the Grenad-ines), production and composing skills of Alex Kubiyashi Barnwell and writing skills of fellow Vincentians Akene “Prez” Keizer, Sulani Roberts and Kevon Kev Allyene. He has a mission to be one with his music and ensure he collaborates as much as possible to not only express unity and maturity, but also to provide St Vincent and the Grenadines with a cultural product that is truly expressive of the lifestyles, festivals and Carnival season.

While it is his main focus, music isn’t the only thing on Hance’s agenda, being only 24 years old, he is also a student of UWI Barbados, studying to obtain his BSc (Bachelor of Science degree) in Accounting. Juggling his many lives as a family man, farmer, student and artiste sometimes proves difficult and emotionally taxing. Admittedly, in the past his music has suffered, due to sacrifices he had to make for his education and family.

MMXVI is the year in which education, family, friends, musicians and industry have supported Hance over months to help construct a vision of art that will symbolize his rebirth and new commitment to the art form of calypso and his own brand. When it came to his image, he had the support of local designer Peta Odini, who outfitted him for most of his photoshoots, and soon, his live performances. Local producer Kubiyashi has crossed competitive lines to aid in supporting the young artiste, putting aside perceived negative energies that exist between his production house, and that of Island Network Inc/Soca Dans. It will not be the first time Kubiyashi has worked with Hance/Soca Dans – and he has stated that it will not be the last. Kubiyashi mentioned to us “Music is music, vibes is vibes – a hit can come from any studio any direction, or any camp. What’s important is our efforts in aiding young stars and local music product. We will also enhance our export strategy by helping these hits manifest – saying that alone leaves no room for negativity or competition – we are all in this together, we are Vincy.”

His first release is entitled “Zone,” a festive down tempo song performed live and different to his past productions. He is extremely excited about this record, due to its ability to respect tradition and at the same time deliver his ideas and visions in a creative fashion. All of his music is recorded and ready to be released, which is an uncommon feat for most artistes in the Caribbean when it comes to festivals. His follow-up songs to look out for are “How I Feel,” featuring Zan George; “Old Mas,” featuring Kev; “Run the Road” (Square Deal Riddim); “Drinking Partner” (Rebel Panda Riddim); and some secrets he says he can’t reveal as yet. He will be launching an album at the end of June and hopefully, a music video as well, for one of his leading songs.