For dub chemists Red-I and Soulsteppa, making music is literally crossing borders.
Soulsteppa’s new 7-inch single is a collaboration with Indian singer Lady Skavya titled, ‘Chakra’. It is Lady Skavya’s first official release in English outside her native Tegulu. Prior to her collaboration with Soulsteppa and Red-I, Lady Skavya recently released her full-length debut album, ‘Peru Gurthu Pettukondi’, Telugu for ‘Remember the Name’.
Local dub master Red-I mixed the song with British dub legend Steve Vibronics handling mastering chores, and the record manufactured by Japanese indie label, Oto Records.
Chakra was released internationally last September 17 by the Japan-based Oto Records.
The single also happens to be the 20th release by Red-I since he put out that bold debut album Jahdgement Day that fused Red-I’s love for reggae, dub, hiphop, bass, and experimental music in a self-released on 12-inch vinyl on April 20, 2012.
More than the fusion of sound, Jahdgement Day was the first locally produced vinyl record this 21st century.
And 13 years onward, Red-I has been prolific averaging two vinyl releases a year.
As for Chakra, it is his second work with Soulsteppa who released her debut 7-inch single ‘Spiritual Warrior’ in 2023 with Croation reggae singer, Anya G.
”Chakra’ has this heavy eastern riddim by Soulsteppa,’ described Red-I. ‘The flipside is a heavy meditative dub built for sound systems.’
Red-I bared that their releases – even under his own Dubplate Pressure Records – does better outside the Philippines. In fact, he was invited to perform at the One Love Festival in England back in 2017.
‘Outside Jamaica, dub music does very well in Europe especially in the United Kingdom and France,’ bared Red-I. ‘In the Philippines, hindi pa. Malayo pa.’
On the average, Red-I’s records see anywhere from a 300-500 copy run. And the price goes high up in the back sellers’ market.
A recent release, ‘Siam Punch’ sells for US $100 and pound 100!
‘We have more releases and some really cool collaborations coming up,’ promised Red-I. ‘We’re just getting started.’
According to Red-I, there are few copies of ‘Chakra’ left for the domestic market. Interested parties may inquire at his Facebook page, ‘Red Astrid’ or through Dubplate Pressure Records’ Bandcamp page.