UB40’s iconic drummer, Jimmy Brown reflects on landmark career and creative process

Photo courtesy of UB40. Photo credit: Jeff Widener ‘Tank Man’.

Dailyreggae.com caught up with legendary UB40 drummer, Jimmy Brown to learn about his creative process, new music he’s excited about, and fun memories from over the years!

We're loving the new track "Champion" ft. Gilly G and Dapz On The Map. What was the songwriting and recording process like for this song?

Writing is a fairly open process in UB40. Ideas can come from anywhere. We all contribute to the finished product. That’s how we have always written. That’s why every band member gets equal credits, and everything is shared equally.

What has it been like working with new vocalist Matt Doyle?

Matt Doyle joining us has been a real pleasure. He’s young, enthusiastic, and super-talented. He’s also Norman’s [our percussion player and singer] nephew. We like to keep things in the family.

Congratulations on hitting a landmark 45 years as a band! In terms of how both the sound and fanbase of reggae has evolved since UB40s formation; what have you been happy to see as the genre has progressed, and is there anything you think modern reggae music might be missing from the earlier sound/scene?

Reggae may have started in Jamaica, but it’s a global phenomenon now. Even back in the late 1960’s and early 70’s they were making records specifically for the British market because it was so popular. And since then it has spread around the world. There are great reggae bands all around the world, all with a different flavour. Reggae is such inclusive music. And great reggae music is as strong today  and it ever was. I don’t subscribe to the idea that all the best music is in the past.

When creating a new song, what is your approach as a drummer in determining the right groove?

When we write new material we get in a room and play. We start with bass and drums. To be honest we don’t over-think things. It’s about feel. When something gels we record it. The approach is we just throw down ideas, as many as we can as quickly as we can. Then we pick out the best ones.

Are there any messages or themes you want to touch on in your future releases?

As a band we are political. So when we write new material we often have a political message, even when a song seems like a love song on the surface there can often be a political subtext. It won’t change the world, but it’s nice to have a rant now and then to get it off your chest.

Of all the live shows you've played as a band, are there any particular concerts or live moments that stand out as extra memorable or funny?

We have had such a long career there are many highlights.

Like playing a sold-out Madison Square Garden in NY, with a number one single and album in the USA. Or being one of the first bands to play South Africa after Mandella was released and the cultural boycott was dropped. I think we still hold the record for the biggest live show there still. 100,000 over 2 nights. Also, being one of the few bands to tour Polynesia. We are really popular there, so touring some of the most beautiful islands on the planet, like Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga, with thousands of people singing our songs with us , that was such a wonderful privilege.

What is your favorite song to play live currently?

My favourite changes from day to day, but right now my favourite live track is called ‘Broken Man’ from the album ‘For the Many’. It’s got a militant vibe.

“Champion” by UB40 featuring Dapz On The Map and Gilly G is the Daily Reggae Song of the Day.