OVER the past three weeks, we have followed local rock band, ‘Feed The Flames’ on their regional journey of carrying their Guyanese sound to the Caribbean through their attendance at the Skyy Rock Festival hosted in San Fernando, Trinidad.
Fresh off the jet and back on Guyana soil, the band is still reeling from their two-day stint after performing at the event from April 22-23.
The band’s bassist, Gavin Mendonca said that based on reviews from many who attended the concert, FTF was considered the best rock band to grace the stage for the event. “I think it is because we were different, and because of how we represented the Guyanese sound,” Gavin told The Buzz.
In fact, their patriotism was seen in every aspect of their performance, from the title of their first album, ‘Kyk-Over-Al’, which was launched at the event; to the performance of a rock version of Guyana’s National Anthem; performances of rock-styled folk songs from Gavin’s own ‘Creole Rock: The Beginning’; to the actual presence of the Golden Arrowhead flying proudly on stage throughout the band’s performance.
If nothing else was ingrained in the minds of Caribbean concert-goers that weekend, it certainly was the signature of Guyana, through Feed the Flames’ presence. The band was also featured for a special radio interview on the island’s popular ‘Total Local’ radio programme hosted by Trinidadian host, Mike Ross.
TRAVEL PLANS
Following their performance, Gavin said that the band has already begun to make travel plans for next year and are also looking toward other touring possibilities. “We have already been booked for next year’s festival. This is a huge accomplishment for us having been invited to perform in Trinidad twice in less than a year second,” Gavin said, adding:
“We feel more inclined to do big shows, having seen the crowd and the level of production in Trinidad. We have also come back with a lot more knowledge and experience, which we will put to use as we put together gigs in the future.”
Soon, the band will begin preparations to perform at another regional event in Suriname.
On April 23, Feed The Flames presented some Guyanese Rock n’ Roll, in the form of ‘Creole Rock’, a creation of the bassist, Gavin Mendonca. Gavin also used the opportunity to launch his album, ‘Creole Rock: The Beginning’, making it a double Guyanese album launch on foreign shores. The crowd especially enjoyed Creole Rock’s latest single, ‘Gangamani’, which is a popular Guyanese Folk Song that covers a very topical issue.
Sharing the stage also was Josephine Mitchell, AKA ‘Josi’, a young, beautiful and tremendously talented young lady hailing from the mining town of Linden.
‘Josi’ was the only female performer at the entire festival, and was also the only performer to receive an encore. The audience rated Feed The Flames as the best act for the entire festival.
FTF aims to be a band that proudly represents Guyanese Culture whereever they may roam, contributing to the preservation of Guyanese Culture and Ancestry through their music.
Both albums, ‘Kyk-Over-Al’ and ‘Creole Rock: The Beginning’ are now available for purchase Online, via cdbaby.com, itunes, spotify and other popular digital retailers, as well as locally at Chetson’s, Zoon and Howard’s Restaurant in Eccles.
Feed The Flames recently hosted Surinamese Rock band, ‘Revolt’, and plans to continue to set a new standard of live entertainment here in Guyana, by hosting more Rock Concerts that include bands from around the Caribbean.
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for all updates regarding their next big move.