As he continues to promote his latest album, ‘Call to Balance’, singer Kēvens also takes time to talk about his role as an EDM pioneer. The South Florida-based artist says he was pivotal in the creation of a genre that was the rage 10 years ago.
‘Call to Balance’, which was released last October, has eight songs that hear Kēvens utilizing the influences that define his sound. Those influences include dub and 1980s dancehall which he discovered in South Florida over 30 years ago.
He speaks about the importance of getting his due as an EDM originator.
“It’s about shedding light on history. If we’re going to teach the new generation where this music comes from, they should know that this fusion was not an accident. It came from love, from roots, from a conscious intention to bridge worlds,” said Kēvens. “When the story is told, I want it told truthfully—not because I need the credit, but because the journey matters. The message matters. I know I played my part, and those who were there know it too.”
When EDM (electronic dance music) exploded, its most successful purveyors were American artists/producers Major Lazer, who worked with a number of Jamaican acts including Tarrus Riley, Johnny Osbourne and Mad Cobra.
Although his role as a pioneer is largely ignored, Kēvens says he was present when EDM’s seeds were planted during the 1990s in South Florida clubs like Stephen Talk House, The Washington Square and The Cameo.
While he pitches his EDM credentials, ‘Call to Balance’, which Kēvens describes as “a very personal project”, is priority.
“It’s addressing the chaos of the world and reminding people that we have the power to bring things back into harmony. The single ‘Save Me’ has gotten great response, even Rolling Stone magazine covered it. I’m also continuing to perform internationally, bringing Reggae/EDM to new audiences,” he said.
