Italian producer Paolo Baldini (centre) is flanked by Mellow Mood members Giulio Frausin (left), twin brothers Jacopo and Lorenzo Garcia and reggae act Forelock (second right). (PHOTO: ANTONIO GRAHAM)
By: Simone Morgan - Jamaica Observer
ITALIAN reggae band Mellow Mood is in Jamaica filming a documentary and recording songs by emerging acts for their Dub Files project.
According to vocalist Lorenzo Garcia, Dub Files is a new musical style which combines freestyle and deejaying.
"We brought our own producer and we are currently operating from a mobile studio. In addition to recording established acts, our aim right now is to give unheard talents a chance to shine," he said.
So far, the band has recorded upcoming artistes such as Hempress Sativa, Juba Lion, Daddy John and Philip Krucial.
The five-member band, who are all in their 20s, consists of twin brothers Jacopo and Lorenzo Garcia, Giulio Frausin, Federico Mazzolo and Pilippo Buresta.
"Reggae music has the best feelings attached to it. All of the emotions that one experienced throughout the day are often expressed in a song. Reggae gives off a positive and spiritual message, one that is soothing," Frausin explained.
The musicians made their debut performance in Jamaica in Papine recently and said the reception warmed their hearts.
"We played at some of the largest venues in Europe, but to come to Jamaica and perform for just a few has been our greatest achievement. We heard that the Jamaican audience is the hardest to please, so to get a positive feedback from even a small gathering is just a blessing," Lorenzo said.
"It's not that easy getting it right because we were not born in Jamaica. Therefore, we had to study the genre and we decided to come to Jamaica to get first-hand knowledge," Frausin added.
Mellow Mood formed in Pordenone, Italy, in 2005. Four years later, they released their debut album called Move!
Produced by close associate, Paolo Baldini, Move! was an unexpected success, according to band members. Two singles, Only You and Dance Inna Babylon, received more than 10 million views on YouTube.
Three years later, Mellow Mood released their second album called Well Well Well.
"Well Well Well is intense and elegant, and showcases the progression of Mellow Mood, as we proved to be among the protagonists of a new generation of reggae artistes coming from all over the planet," Lorenzo said.
The tour to promote that album took them to 12 European countries. They performed at top festivals on the continent such as Rototom Sunsplash, Sziget Festival and Sumol Summer Festival.
During the second half of 2013, Mellow Mood did several collaborations with Jamaican artistes. Among them, Extra Love with Tanya Stephens and Wipe Away featuring Jah9.
