Business
‘Lick Ya Down’ was the band’s first single and its success catapulted them into UK recognition and celebrity status when it debuted at Number 4 in the iTunes UK charts.
Despite the excitement about their new material, the band still credit some of their original songs as big favourites. “I love to play ‘Lick Ya Down’,” says T-Ray, the drummer. “I love the rock element we incorporate into the live performance of the song.” ‘Lick Ya Down’ was the band’s first single and its success catapulted them into UK recognition and celebrity status when it debuted at Number 4 in the iTunes UK charts. The title, a Barbadian phrase, has been a source of entertainment for the group as they always run into trouble explaining what it means. “We wanted a first single that was really Bajan (Barbadian), and was fun, but we didn’t realize that the world would think it meant something else!” laughs Amanda. The innocent phrase simply means to knock someone down, and it an example of Bajan ‘slang’. Since ‘Lick Ya Down’, Cover Drive has opened a major gig for superstar Rihanna at the Kensington Oval, and also for American star Kelly Clarkson. Describing themselves as the ultimate lovechild of No Doubt and Black Eyed Peas, their self-confessed ‘Carib-pop’ sound has attracted a unique audience, and opened international eyes to even more Barbadian talent. They rate opening for Rihanna one of their career highlights, and thoroughly enjoyed working with the Barbados Tourism Authority alongside her to promote the island. T-Ray says, “We are always looking for new ways to work with the BTA and promote Barbados. We are always in touch.” And its Barbados the band misses the most when they travel, and they’re quick to point out that they didn’t realize exactly how hard it would be to leave. T-Ray says, “It’s the little things that you miss the most and take for granted. Like when we’re in England you realize that there’s no whistling frogs when you go to sleep.” “And the sun,” adds Amanda, “The sunshine always makes you feel warm. Not to mention the macaroni pie!” The mention of Bajan food generates a chorus of agreement among the bandmates, with Barry adding that Chefette (a Barbadian fast food chain) is one thing he hates living without in the UK. Currently, the band lives between Barbados and London, traveling every three months back and forth. They all agree that the worst part of the whole journey is dealing with the planes, and luggage allowance. “One time we were traveling back from Barbados,” says Amanda, “And we had SEVENTEEN pieces of luggage. Thankfully the ladies at the desk were so nice and gave us some passes to go through,” but T-Ray adds, “The second time we weren’t so lucky.” Despite their globetrotting they have no plans to leave their island permanently, and are content to return to ‘the Rock’ to record their albums and recharge the batteries. It highlights the affection and love they have for their home and the huge economic spinoff is that many more people will want to share that experience having been introduced to it through their music.
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