F.Y.A.H. pours heart into beautiful new reggae music while representing Kingston worldwide
Left to Right: Nicolas Groskopf (Guitar); Delroy ‘Pele’ Hamilton (Bass); Elton Earlington (Vocals); Photo credit: VP Records.
Daily Reggae connected with F.Y.A.H.’s bassist, Delroy ‘Pele’ Hamilton, to learn about the band’s recent collaboration with Steel Pulse, unique writing process, and live shows around the corner.
We are loving your new single, “Freedom Fighter”! What was the inspiration for this track and what was it like collaborating with Steel Pulse to bring it to life?
The idea and inspiration for a collaboration with Steel Pulse came to mind after listening to a riddim track we had created and realizing the pulse and vibration gave us a similar vibe to songs Steel Pulse had done in the past e.g. Chant a Psalm or Stop You Coming and Come. So we start writing about something we knew represented both F.Y.A.H. & Steel Pulse - Freedom Fighter. The collaboration was very smooth, even tho we weren’t in the studio together we could feel each other energy across the internet.
As a Kingston, Jamaica-based band, how important is it to you to bring the sound of Jamaica around the world? What or who are some of your local influences and where do you like to record in Jamaica?
Reggae music is in our blood, it is our heritage. Our forefathers set the foundation, we honour their work and sacrifices and it’s a Joy for us to continue representing our country to the best of our ability.
We feel proud to be Jamaicans, knowing that Reggae music was created here and has influenced the world so positively. A few of our local influences are Morgan Heritage and Jimmy Cliff. We do have our own recording studio but its always a special feeling recording at Tuff Gong Studio.
How does the band get inspired to write and what is your typical writing process like?
As musicians, inspiration comes in many forms, but in writing songs, we try to be as Authentic as possible. The writing process varies from time to time; It might just be sharing a short voice note with a melody - sometimes not even words - that we then vibe to and it becomes a song. Another day we might just be vibing on the acoustic guitar or jamming in rehearsals and new ideas come about. We record a lot of riddims as well, so we go back from time to time and write lyrics to the riddims.
You have some upcoming tour dates in California and Nevada with Landon McNamara. Those are going to be rad! What can fans expect when seeing your live shows?
We’ll definitely be bringing the Fire! Good and positive vibes only.
Your band stands for Free Your Authentic Heart. Can you share more about what that means to you, and tell us about the new album you’re working on due out in 2024 via VP Records and Dub Rockers!
During the pandemic, there was that period of solitude for me. And of course, with solitude comes clarity. With clarity comes peace of mind. With peace of mind comes the confidence to "free your authentic heart." That's how the name came about. That period also coincided with me challenging myself to become a better writer, musician, and producer, which led to the birth of the band F.Y.A.H.
The album "Free Your Authentic Heart" will feature a unique sound that reflects my personal journey and experiences. I have a deep love for reggae music, but as a musician, I also appreciate other styles. You'll hear those influences on the new album, but at the heart of it all, it's always reggae music. I'm not trying to change that.
It'll be a dozen new tracks with a message of hope, resilience, and love. I poured my heart into these songs. This is me, not an act.
