Chat 'Bout it: Vybz Machine

It was all about the Pittsburgh/Cleveland link up as Ten to One Promotions presented ‘Dutty Vybz’ featuring Pittsburgh’s #1

sound, Vybz Machine. Okay, it’s not enough to say that Vybz Machine is just a sound. Having spinning tunes in cities such as Berlin and Yokohama, we can say that Vybz Machine is international. And with selector Fudgie Springer recording more than a few dancehall worthy tunes, we can also say that Vybz Machine is also an artist and producer with his finger on the pulse of the dancehall scene.

Chat ‘Bout Cleveland recently sat down with Vybz Machine DJ Fudgie Springer and Pittsburgh’s Maddest dancer, Dutty Vybz during their visit to Cleveland to chat ‘bout the Midwest music scene, the Cleveland/Pittsburgh connection and where Vybz Machine stands in it all…..

Saturday, April 5th, 7:15pm

Tattletale: Where did you all get your stage names?

Fudgie Springer: Well, my name was King Fudgie, the name Fudgie came from a childhood nickname that stuck with me. Later, as I became a selector, people started to say that I played more for the female audience and got women ‘sprung’, so that is how I became Fudgie Springer.

Dutty Vybz: Fudgie actually named me as a dancer, Dutty Vybz.

Tattletale: ….. And the name, Vybz Machine?

Fudgie: Part of our name, Vybz Machine came from my favorite dancehall artists, Vybz Kartel.

(Other members Vbyz Machine include Unda Taker, Madd Sonic and Faya Ras)

Tattletale: Since starting the sound in 2003, you struggled to build a dancehall following that consisted of new tunes. What have you done to try to get the masses to let go of the old tunes and bring new music to the dancehall community in Pittsburgh?

Fudgie: It was definitely hard at first, since many of the DJ’s didn’t play a lot of new tunes. People were used to hearing the old songs, so when something new was played at the dance, people didn’t really respond. Recently, we have placed some track listings on our website (www.vybzmachine.net) to get people to become familiar with the newer songs that are played at the club. I also make CD’s of live parties with the new tunes and pass them out at dances, so people can hear the newer music.

Tattletale: What makes a great sound?

Fudgie: Great people and the versatility of the DJ. The DJ has to have the ability to cater to any crowd.

Tattletale: Many sounds like to bless the dance with roots and culture, is that something that you like to do as well?

Fudgie: Since there is usually other sounds involved, it depends on what time I start. It also depends on the vibe and energy of the people at the dance.

Tattletale: As a sound, how do you set the vibes for each dance?

Fudgie: We SET the vibes, we bring our own energy!

Tattletale: So, how difficult is it to set the vibes over and over at each dance?

Dutty Vybz: It’s fun! We love it! It’s really NOT work! (Both laughing)

Tattletale: Since you have traveled to other countries, such as Germany and Japan, how does the dancehall scene in the state compare?

Fudgie: It’s really hard to tell….New York’s dancehall scene differs from the Midwest dancehall since and so on…. It’s really hard to compare.

Tattletale: So, what are some of the differences in the some of the cities in other countries?

Fudgie: You can go to places like Hanover, the party is always nice, and there is a party EVERY night of the week. Then you see somewhere like Yokahoma, where they knew every tunes and all the dances.

Tattletale: When you come to play in Cleveland, what should the people expect?

Fudgie: Expect NOTHING you hear on the radio – not TOO clean, SORRY (laughs).

Tattletale: Where are some of the places that you enjoy playing?

Fudgie: Detroit and I would love to return to Yokohama, I try to go there at least 2-3 times a year.

Tattletale: So, what is coming up next for Vybz Machine?

Fudgie: Currently, we started Lamar Clan Records. We feature Jamaican artists like DJ Crazy Criss and Bugle, who will perform at my birthday bash in September. Lamar Clan Records will also produce Vybz Machine as well as the songs of other artists.

Tattletale: Anything else that you would like Chat ‘Bout readers to know?

Fudgie: Definitely looking forward to playing here in Cleveland!

(Well, Cleveland lived up to Fudgie’s expectations, in addition to the pure madness at the Dutty Vibes bash last Saturday, Fudgie was feeling the Cleveland vibes and bought the madness back to 4U2B on Sunday night and to Monk’s birthnite bash at Dailey’s on Monday!)

For more information on this sound, go to: www.vybzmachine.net, www.pittsburghreggae.net, www.myspace.com/fudgiespringer, www.myspace.com/vybzmachine, or www.myspace.com/lamarclanproductionsusa.