Mmaps Athletics
Aloha People! As we all know, Reggae Music is a house with many mansions. The love for the culture and the musical vibes has been spreading all over the globe for decades now. This year I stumbled across the sweet works of a Hawaiian producer named Mmaps Athletics. You definitely should check him out. Here are 12 questions and answers. Enjoy!
Can you share a bit about your musical background? What drew you first to reggae music, and who were your early influences?
Greetings Everyone. My earliest influences are bands and artists such as Black Uhuru, Aswad and Barrington Levy. I heard that first reggae music as a kid around 1984.
Hawaii has a unique reggae scene that blends island vibes with the traditional Jamaican sound. How do you think the Hawaiian scene differentiates itself from the global reggae movement?
I would say our scene differs a bit in my opinion. It is more fun loving, not that much suffering in the musical content. Do not get me wrong though; there are some real roots artists out here for example Strongy Mon, Hannimal Selectah, Mr 83, Kali Navales, The Cobra Keys etc…
How did Mmaps Athletics come into being? What inspired the name, and how has your sound evolved since you began producing?
MMAPs athletics came as I was trying to start something else with my younger brother “Busy”. We messed around with a bunch of dub stuff as a group called (BR) Burning Religiously. We just wanted to start a Riddim section type of identity.
Can you tell us something about the role, soundsystems play in the Hawaiian reggae scene and how they influence your production style?
We in Hawaii love the soundsystem culture. From the original Jamaican style to the UK style. But we never have had a real experience out here in Hawaii. Just more of the DJ vibes in the club or a little something at a beach park. No real big speaker box set or anything like that. I know a few brothers that are starting it up, here on the island. I hope to see it set up soon.
You have worked with several artists, including Small Axe and Rexie. How do collaborations influence your creative process, and are there any projects you are particularly proud of?
My creative process is easy. I love to make music and share it. Just meeting those individuals was already inspiring, it was easy to create a sound for them. I am proud that the music has stretched out internationally.
Your track “Run Dem Mouth” with Small Axe has garnered attention. Could you tell us about the inspiration behind that track and the creative process of bringing it to life?
Well it was a standout track as soon as I got it back from Small Axe. Not sure, what his mindset was coming with the topic, but it surely had a vibe. It went with the riddim like bread and butter. We both live on different islands. Small Axe Maui myself Big Island. Therefore, everything was recorded separately.
“Run Dem Mouth” is available on vinyl, with limited runs. Why do you choose to release your music this way, and what do you think about the resurgence of vinyl culture?
I am a record collector myself. I feel it’s important to have my music archived on vinyl. It is just a classic way to keep the culture going in my opinion
How does Hawaii’s soundsystem culture compare to places like Jamaica or the UK, which are known for their robust systems? Do you think the scene here is growing?
The scene is definitely growing. A lot of Hawaiian artists getting recognition from soundsystems around the world so the music is definitely getting attention and the artist are putting out very good music to be played.
Your work incorporates both digital reggae and more traditional dub elements. How do you balance modern production techniques with the roots of reggae?
When I feel like one or the other is getting redundant I go and mess with the other vibes vice versa. Love the styles digital and traditional equally.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career as a reggae producer in Hawaii? What keeps you inspired to create?
For me I just keep creating. I have been making music for 30 something years. I am primarily a DJ. Therefore, I keep my self-going by djing in clubs around Hawaii playing my productions. Challenging for me is trying to get these artists to put out the works we collaborated on. That is the only challenge lol. They sit on it or it never comes out.
Reggae music often carries messages of unity, struggle, and social justice. How do these themes influence your work, and how do you see reggae connecting with Hawaiian culture?
Hawaiian culture is roots and culture. All a we in the same boat! Reggae music is definitely in the soul. Hawaiian people been struggling for decades. So reggae music is a musical expression for us that, without a doubt, creates unity.
What’s next for Mmaps Athletics? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that fans should be excited about?
Rudeboy Irie “Youngest Don EP”, Small Axe “No Happiness Without Sadness Part 2”. Also a Bunch of new mixtapes coming out soon on Mmaps Athletics productions.
Interview: Christian (12/2024)
