The Sweet-Ta’ Band is a new group on the VI calypso scene with a seasoned sound that rivals more established groups.  With the release of their debut album “Sweet-Ta’ In De Area”, the Sweet-Ta’   Band is well poised to take a chunk of the local calypso market.    Though the band was formed a year ago the individual members have graced several stages with various groups prior to their tenure with the Sweet-Ta’ Band; the list includes: Imaginations Brass, Dread Ones, 17 Plus, Wrecking Crew, Final Action, Sound International, Outer Limits and the Wicked Way Band just to name a few.  In addition to their industry veteran members, the Sweet-Ta’ Band boosts skills to back up all the name dropping and hype. 

CORE met up with the whole crew during a practice session to find out the deal behind this skillfully constructed band.

CORE:  Who came up with the name Sweet-Ta’ Band?

Marvin:  Well I suggested we name the band Sweet-Ta’ because no matter which band is sweet we will always be sweet-ta’. 

CORE:  What makes the Sweet-Ta’ band so different from all the other bands out there now?

Bolo:  I feel like this band is going in a direction musically.  The Sweet-Ta’ Band is trying to form an identity of their own.  I can see this band filling the void that was created when brass bands like the Imaginations and Wrecking Crew broke up but in their own way. 

CORE:  For a band that has been together for just a year you all have gotten booked on some big cards.  What makes a Sweet-Ta’ Band jam sweet?

Kirk:  We always try to play studio quality in live performances.  People like the music we play so the word is spreading.

CORE: Everyone is singing “Back In Forward”.  Did you ever expect to have a hit after one year?

Jerome:  We worked hard this year and we plan on keeping at it.  In one year we have accomplished a lot. I can’t go anywhere without someone calling me “Back In Forward” or “Bank Left”.

CORE:  Seeing all that the band has accomplished within the past year, what advice would you give to other calypso bands just starting out?

Al:  Determination.  It has a lot of obstacles out there that bands who aren’t well known have to overcome.   Just stick with it, listen to what the other bands are doing, and try to do something different.   Eventually people will here you and want to listen.