Nicole Sonnier

The music industry is overflowing with singers, musicians, and song-writers. Very seldom are these all are a part of one entity. Singers work with their back up bands and call on others to pen their greatest hits. Groups of singers pair their voices to become legendary duos. Reggae crossover band New Kingston is, on the other hand, the full package. Not only is the group made up of three distinct voices, but actual musicians and song-writers each contributing to the collaborative effort. Just like in fashion people go back to the old, people want to see live bands,” says Steve. And they deliver the full show with every performance. There are no power plays, no stealing the spotlight for Courtney, Steve, and Tahir. They each appreciate each other’s talents and pull upon their strengths to make the music that they love. Although they seem to be new to the scene these brothers have been taking deliberate steps over the years to debut a few years ago as a group to be reckoned with. Managed by Courtney Panton, they have found their own style – reggae infused with all the genres that they have loved growing up. All three write and lend their vocals to the group’s material. The youngest of the three, Tahir, adds his skills as a pianist to the mix. Drums are mastered by Courtney and Stephen plays a mean guitar on their tracks. The three together have talents and smarts that will surely lead them through the industry with finesse. They have yet to develop superstar egos and, according to Steve, it won’t happen. “We are going to be ourselves. We are fun-loving people who keep it simple.” Reggae itself was based off of old school soul so it was only natural that the current R&B music would find its way into their sound, according to Steve. As they performed around their cities deejay’s heard their sound and introduced them to popular reggae artists Collie Buddz, Gyptian, and Shabba Ranks. The performances with such reggae greats gave them a platform and they proceeded to follow their own dreams and make their sound known worldwide. They performed with Collie at the popular South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival in 2011 and hope to make a return to the musical gathering on their own in the coming years. If you haven’t seen them live just yet, you will have heard their single “Can’t Give Up” from the “In the Streets” album on Sirius Radio. In the song they express how they work to reach their dreams, against any odds. It’s an inspirational song that shows that they do count their blessings and know that there is too much that the future holds for them to ever give up on their goals. The video, now on YouTube, shows their personalities and gives listeners a feel for who they are. The album also includes work with Collie Buddz and Mr. Vegas featured. You’ll also find love songs, straight up jams, and some sexy joints. Fans can find the group this Saturday in Kirkwood, California. Texas gets the pleasure of welcoming the trio to the Austin Reggae Festival April 20, as well as stops in Houston and Dallas with Collie Buddz on April 19 and 21. Their East Side Drive tour has stops in Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Miami in May. In June fans can catch them in Philadelphia and Germany will see them as a part of the Summer Jam Festival. Friend the group here on My Soul Rebel, like www.facebook.com/NewKingston, check out their website www.newkingstonmusic.com, and follow them www.twitter.com/newkingstonlive.