Rastaboyz.com - The Voice of Reggae Dancehall (Vancouver, Canada)

March 21, 2011

Lyndon John X
Written by Aisha Wickham Thomas

Lyndon John X Music has been an integral part of Lyndon John's life since he was a young boy growing up in the 1970s and 80s in Cambridge in a home filled with R&B, Reggae, and Calypso music. Lyndon and his older sister would sing and dance together to the music introduced to them by their parents and uncles. His formal interest in music began at the early age of 5, when he started lessons in violin and piano. Lyndon later took up guitar as his instrument of choice, and has been writing his own music since age 16.

Fast-forward to 2007, when the multi-talented vocalist, songwriter, producer and musician made his debut on the Reggae music scene in 2007 with the release of his critically-acclaimed debut album, Two Chord Skankin'. The project earned him a 2008 JUNO nomination (Canada's equivalent to the Grammy Awards) and a nomination for Best Male Newcomer at the 2008 Canadian Reggae Music Awards.

As an independent artist in a niche genre within the Rock-centric Canadian music scene, Lyndon and his team have worked tirelessly to deliver original Roots Reggae to the masses and help the genre gain more widespread exposure on the Canadian music stage as well as on an International level. A performance at Switzerland's esteemed Montreux Jazz Festival in 2009 as well as a trailblazing national television showcase on CTV's Canada AM are two examples of the fruits of this labour.

"I represent the '70s rockers dancehall style to the fullest," says Lyndon. "My music is conscious, soulful, and uplifting Roots Rock Reggae with a healthy dose of Blues and even a bit of Jazz influence. I have a broad range of artists I admire, from Burning Spear to Steel Pulse to Carlos Santana to Stevie Ray Vaughn to Wes Montgomery."

Lyndon's current album, Brighter Days (released August 2010), features nine tracks reflecting his broad musical influences and his desire to use his art form as a tool for social change. Lyndon produced the entire project, and wrote all of the songs except for his rugged yet smooth interpretation of The Romantics' 1983 hit, "Talking in Your Sleep".

"'Music with a message' is a concept that is consistently reflected in my music," says Lyndon. "The rhythm and melody of the music is of paramount importance, of course, but anytime I write a song, I focus a lot on how I can make a positive impact with my words, whether it's speaking out against social injustice or promoting love, unity and togetherness."

"We need to stand together for a new position
Change these policies and administration
For the betterment of living in this population
Make love #1 in your central station"

- Lyndon John, "Rasta Rational"

Brighter Days is nominated for a 2011 JUNO Award for Reggae Recording of the Year, and is also up for several 2011 Reggae Music Achievement Awards (Best Male Vocalist, Best Reggae Single for "Brighter Days", and Best Reggae Album).

Check out Lyndon John live in performance at the JunoFest Urban Showcase on Saturday, March 26 at 9:30 pm at The Hard Rock Café Toronto (279 Yonge Street at Dundas). The JUNO Awards take place March 26-27 in Toronto, Canada.