Etana has become a sensation in reggae circles via her breezy, infectious music that blends R&B and roots, with conscious lyrics.
Her second disc, "Free Expressions," is out this month on VP Records and features a sound based largely around live musicians instead of technology. That's a nice change blowing back into Jamaican music these days after decades of digital.
We got a chance to ask her a couple questions about her music and the her second LP.
OnMilwaukee.com: It seems like reggae is returning to a more organic sound thanks to producers like the ones you work with. Do you think the digital era had taken some of the soul out of the music?
Etana: The digital era has taken a lot from the music. The real drums that speak to our heart and soul, the real horns, the real feel of reggae music. Makes me wonder if all can still feel.
OMC: Speaking of soul, your music is a nice blend of roots and soul. Tell us a bit about your musical influences and how they show themselves in your music.
Etana: My music is expressed exactly how I feel it inside. Straight from the heart with true emotions and I use some of the best in the reggae for years to help bring that to life.
OMC: Do you think listeners outside the circle of Jamaican music lovers are still listening or do we need another breakout artist to re-smash the barriers?
Etana: People outside of reggae still do listen to reggae. The turnout to some of these reggae events especially in Europe is sometimes overwhelming. I'm happy for that.
OMC:What's your favorite tune on the new record? What do you love about it?
Etana: Its kind of hard for me to just choose one. "I Got You," "Free," "Day By Day," "War." I could still go on. I love the truth in the lyrics and mellow vibe the songs bring.
OMC:Do you know anything about the city of Milwaukee? When are you coming to visit us?
Etana: I have never been to Milwaukee. Hope to visit one day soon.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
