Jace, a rising star in the world of soca music, has a story deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of the Grenadine Islands. Born on Bequia and later moving to Mainland St. Vincent, Jace’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering connection to his heritage.
Early Beginnings in Bequia
Jace’s early years were spent on the picturesque island of Bequia, where his mother’s family originates. Completing his preschool education on the island, he then moved to St. Vincent, his father’s homeland. This transition marked the beginning of a journey that would see Jace become a prominent figure in the soca music scene.
Discovering a Musical Path
It was during his primary school days that Jace first discovered his love for music. Participating in school concerts, competitions, and national music festivals, he began to hone his craft. His passion for soca truly ignited when he attended the St. Vincent Grammar School, where he competed in the Junior Soca Monarch. His debut song, “On di Highway,” written by Skarpyon, paved the way for future successes as he started writing his own music.
Musical Heritage Unveiled
Jace’s connection to music runs deeper than he initially realized. While he was unaware of any musical relatives during his early years, he later discovered that Gideon James of Touch fame is his cousin. Childhood memories of mainland Carnival and being placed on “Touch the Band” trucks began to make sense. Further family connections in the music world were unveiled when he met Fonando, another cousin.
The Power of Soca
For Jace, soca is more than just a genre; it’s a lifeline. “Soca is the only genre of music that I can sit and listen to for hours on end. It makes me feel whole, lifts my spirits when I’m down, and there’s nothing better than seeing an entire crowd come alive to soca music,” he says.
Influences and Mentorship
Throughout his career, Jace has drawn inspiration and guidance from several key figures. Jamesy P has been a mentor, providing invaluable advice. Dougal “D. Fresh” Allen and Jean Claude Patterson, aka DJ Jeanie, have been instrumental in helping him develop his craft and produce music. Additionally, Problem Child and Hypa 4000 are artists he turns to for advice. His parents and brother, known for their candid critiques, also play a significant role in his musical evolution.
Rising Through the Ranks
Jace’s professional journey took a significant leap in 2012 when he began singing with the Vykinz Band, led by Mr. Junior Sutherland. This opportunity led to the release of his first song, and he has since been the lead vocalist for top bands like K’netik and Hi-Profile.
Songwriting and Inspiration
Jace’s songwriting process is fluid and intuitive. “There’s no real ‘process’… When a vibe hits me, I record it with my phone if I’m not in a position to write it out. I revisit the idea and write until I either feel blocked or decide to take a break. Sometimes, I complete a song in under 20-30 minutes,” he explains. His inspiration often stems from the people and vibes around him.
Career Milestones
Reaching the Soca Monarch semi-finals in 2019 and performing on the H2O stage in 2022 after the pandemic are among Jace’s career highlights. He also takes pride in mentoring, as evidenced by his student’s third-place finish in the Junior Soca Monarch Competition.
Collaborations and Performances
Jace has collaborated with artists such as Caspa G, Magikal, and Vincy Marshall, with “Pon Di Grung” featuring Caspa G being a personal favorite. His standout performance at the Bequia Music Fest remains a cherished memory.
Looking Ahead
Focused on becoming a top contender for Roadmarch and Soca Monarch, Jace is building a repertoire of hit songs for local and international markets. For Vincy Mas 2024, he’s working on a Wet Fete song titled “Weather for Leather.” Post-carnival, he plans to release more soca tracks and a parang for the Christmas season.
In the next five years, Jace envisions himself being well-known across the Caribbean, driven by consistency and the love for music. “There were times I felt like giving up, but I am pushing through those thoughts,” he admits.
Beyond Music
Outside of his musical endeavors, cricket is a significant part of Jace’s life. He has also made efforts to connect more with his fans and community through performances and social media engagement.
Soca’s Future
Jace believes soca is at a critical juncture. “Our older artists have paved the way for us, the younger generation, and it’s up to us to decide where we would like to go with our product. Soca has started to become more mainstream, and I hope that we continue to work on a more ‘international’ product,” he says.
Words of Wisdom
To young artists, Jace offers this advice: “NEVER give up. Make yourself your ONLY competition… with each song you attempt, try to outdo yourself.”
Dreams and Personal Insights
Jace dreams of performing in iconic venues like Madison Square Garden or Times Square, New York. Despite his dynamic stage presence, he reveals a shy side offstage—a fact that might surprise his fans.
Ultimately, Jace aspires to collaborate with the King of Soca, Machel Montano, viewing it as a dream come true and a step toward being the best soca artist he can be. His message remains clear and consistent: good vibes only.