Local artist Heritage says his performance at the up coming BVI Music Fest 2012 will show his growth as an artist. Photo: VINO

Heritage encourages younger artist to write constructive music that can motivate the people of the VI.

In an exclusive interview yesterday May 23, 2012, with Floyd ‘Heritage’ Burnett he told this news site that he will be performing on Friday night May 25 2012, at the Music Festival as part of the VI all-star explosion.

This is the first time being on a Music fest line-up for the artist hailing from East End.

Heritage stated that there is so much in store for the fans for the fact that he has had time to grow as an artist and to perfect his talent.

He said the fans and attendees should expect a very hype performance, where he will be performing some of his new songs from his most recent album.

“Come on out and expect a good time, feed off my energy and be blessed,” said the artist.

In comparing his regular performances to how he expects his performance to be at music fest, he said that it will be very different.

“My growth as an artist will definitely be present and evident while performing at this year’s Music Fest, along with new and improved songs.”

Mr. Burnett said he is ecstatic to perform at the fest but there are disadvantages of doing so. He said the disadvantage of performing on the Music Fest line-up is because some of his songs are fresh out the studio and being a small artist within the Territory, presenting a song for the first time for 3 minutes is very hard in relation to singing a song the audience already knows and can sing along.

“It doesn’t really bother me though, I chose songs that promote positivity, with good messages and good energy that the crowd can listen to and feed off of it.”

The local artist told this news site that being on the line-up has been one of his goals for years and he is honoured to finally be a part of it.

“Thanks to the committee for reaching out and realising the talent… it is a great feeling and a privilege being able to share my message with the people.”

Heritage has been writing and producing his own songs since 2001 but had his first stage performance in 2006.

He stated that through his reggae music he speaks about life, good times and social issues. “My music is the type that the guy on the corner or the guy on the block can relate to.”

He added that overall he promotes consciousness.

He mentioned that he has dabbled in Rap and Calypso and Soca in the past but his main theme and genre is Reggae.

The artist said that he takes his music very seriously and sees the reality that it can be a career that can hold him financially. “I don’t see my music as fun I see it as a career. I said to myself that I can take something that comes naturally and try to make a living out of it.”

Heritage produces his own music in his own studio in East End called Lion Den Records where he has released two albums, Rastafari Heritage in 2009 and HBH on March 30, 2012.

He has performed all over Tortola, in different festivals, shows and parties but apart from the VI, he has traveled to New York to perform at Virgin Islands Labour Day Weekend in 2009 and 2010.

“Growing up I have always been into music, listening cassettes, different bands and singing with my friends. My creativity was the main thing that encouraged me to write my own songs and start singing. I use to sing other people’s songs and mixing and remixing them with my own lyrics.”

He designs his music to attract both the young and old. “People who could relate to life in general, people who have dealt with struggles, rastas and mature people, the common man."

Some of his popular songs he is known for are ‘Loving you’ and ‘Trample dung Babylon’.

He stated that the idea for his songs automatically appears from nowhere. He added that sometime he would just be relaxing and a concept just appears for a new song.

“Sometimes I hear different conversations and I build something out of that but most of the ideas I have comes from life experience.”

When having problems with his music he looks up to, reggae icons Sizzla and Taurus Riley, as well as Lil Wayne and Rick Ross for guidance.

“I’m into any artist who promotes good things through good songs, good energy and good performances. I learn a lot of things from a lot of artist.”

He said he is appreciative of the people of the VI and the recognition he receives and needs to be a good artist. As much they don’t know all his songs, they know enough to commend him on a job well done, he said.

With a lot of growth as an artist, growth in the music industry in the Territory and growth as a country itself, he would like to see not only his music but Virgin Islands music on an international stage.

“My goal as an artist is to try get my music on a international stage where it would be known all around.”

To promote the young artists, he stated that they have to be persistent. “Things may not go your way today but there is always tomorrow.” He encourages them to write constructive music that can motivate the people of the VI.

Heritage would like to thank everyone who helped him through the years, such as his family and friends and fans for helping him grow as an artist and still growing.

“The day I started singing I wasn’t declared the Michael Jordan of music and still to this point I am not but many friends and family members gave me advice and influenced me to be better.”

He is a strong believer of the Rastafarian heritage and embraces it greatly.

The activities for the 2012 Music Festival kicks off tomorrow Friday May 25 where several local artists including Heritage will take the stage for the special VI explosion segment followed by soca and calypso sessions. The fest continues on Saturday and Sunday with reggae and R and B showcases.

One of Heritage popular songs