Naya Records
About Higher Education
Naya Records, in partnership with Floki Studios, is excited to announce their latest musical journey with the new single featuring Ivan Neville, "Higher Education." This soul-stirring composition serves as a prelude to the new album which promises a tapestry of reggae, dancehall, ska, punk, and New Orleans R&B as an interwoven riddim featuring the next generation of dub and roots reggae artists. The full album pays homage to various genres of Jamaican music that is encompassed in a groundbreaking riddim. “Higher Education” is not only the first single but also the title of the upcoming album. It encapsulates the band's belief in education as a powerful tool for breaking the chains of adversity and uplifting lives. The album features a stellar lineup backed by Naya Rockers the 10-piece band including Jamaican guitarist Earl Chinna Smith and the members of Skatalites , John Brown's Body and Slightly Stoopid . Each song is a new take on the riddim with renowned artists adding their musical touches. Higher Education features collaborations with dancehall pioneer Sister Nancy, new roots protagonist Hector Lewis, Angelo Moore of the iconic punk outfit Fishbone, Clinton Fearon of The Gladiators and Billboard charting Mike Love - to name a few.
TRACK LIST
TAP TO PLAY
ABOUT
Naya Records, in association with Floki Studios, is pleased to introduce a genuine album project connecting pioneers of Jamaican popular music with New Orleans R&B, third wave ska and next generation dub and roots artists. Recorded at Floki Studio in Iceland and backed by Naya Rockers, a 10-piece band including guitarist Earl 'Chinna' Smith (picked by Rolling Stone as one of the world's greatest guitarists of all time) members of The Skatalites, John Brown's Body and Slightly Stoopid, Higher Education was mixed at Bob Marley's legendary Tuff Gong Studio by Grammy-winning engineer/producer Stephen Stewart (Tuff Gong, Third World).
Album Credits
All Basic instrumental tracks were recorded at Floki Studios, Haganesvíkurvegur, Iceland
Engineered by: Wade Koeman
All Tracks Mixed by Stephen Stewart and Michael “Boxy” Howell at Tuff Gong, Kingston JA
Produced by Nathan Sabanayagam & Co-Produced by Nate Edgar
All Tracks Mastered by Jason “Jocko” Randall at More Sound Studios, Syracuse, NY
Know our Partner
Floki Studios, nestled along the stunning Icelandic coastline, is a premier recording studio and independent record label that offers artists an unparalleled environment for creation and collaboration. With top-notch gear and amenities set against the backdrop of breathtaking natural scenery, artists can find inspiration in a variety of outdoor activities, from marveling at the northern lights to engaging in adrenaline-pumping adventures like rafting and hiking. Embracing the spirit of exploration and creativity inspired by its namesake, Floki, the studio provides a serene escape that fosters creativity and friendship. As a company founded by music enthusiasts, Floki Studios is dedicated to empowering artists across all genres, supporting their career visions and goals with comprehensive label services, including both digital and physical distribution, and first-class retail marketing support
Project Beneficiary
Founded as an orphanage in 1880, the Alpha School of Music (formerly Alpha Boys School) in Kingston, Jamaica has been operated since 1890 by the Sisters of Mercy in Jamaica, a Catholic order of nuns who cater to the less fortunate. Music education was introduced in 1892 and since then Alpha has helped launch the careers of key contributors to jazz (Dizzy Reece, Joe Harriott), pioneers of ska (Don Drummond, Lester Sterling) and reggae (Johnnie Osbourne, Yellowman, Leroy Smart). Alpha has been called a “dream factory” (NPR/USA) for “legendary musicians” (Jamaica Gleaner) which “helped release the spirit of one of the most musical islands in the world” (The Telegraph/UK). Today, the Alpha School of Music Associate Degree includes a diverse cross-section of musical styles, allowing students with a passion for music performance and music technology to explore the best that each genre has to offer from ska and reggae to pop, jazz and folk music.
