For Immediate Release

Naya Records and Floki Studios Create A Global Harmony In Support of Education

With New Naya Rockers Single 

“Higher Education” Featuring Ivan Neville

“Higher Education” Is Due Out March 1

With Full Album Dropping This Spring!

(Boston, MA) – 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 single “Higher Education” features Ivan Neville and the in house production and backing band The Naya Rockers is due out March 1, 2024. Pre-save here: https://ffm.to/higher-education

Lyrically “Higher Education” echos themes of breaking cyclical chains, the need to educate future generations, and the hope to unlock doors. Each phrase resonates with a profound message as the song urges listeners to reflect on the power of education in overcoming despair and building a brighter tomorrow. It was written by Sarah Brindell, Nate Edgar and Nathan Sabanayagam, with additional editing by Ivan Neville.  Ivan voiced and also played organ and clavinet on the riddim at Buckjump Studio in New Orleans, LA with Paul Schoen. Sarah’s background vocals were recorded at Chillhouse Studios, Boston MA, with Will Holland. The new song had support from the Naya Rockers including Andy Bassford on guitar, Nate Edgar on Bass, Cameron Greenlee on Keys, Alex Beram on Akete, and Nathan Sabanayagam on drums and percussion.

The song was mixed at Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, JA by Stephen Stewart, Michael “Boxy” Howell and Nathan Sabanayagam. With guitar overdubs by Earl “Chinna” Smith, recognized as one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s 250 Greatest Guitarists of all time, at Tuff Gong Studios too.  And it was mastered by Jason “Jacko” Randall at More Sound Recording Studios in Syracuse, NY.

The first single and title track for the upcoming “Higher Education” album sets a unique Caribbean tone, blending New Orleans R&B with authentic Jamaican vibes. It not only captivates our senses but also resonates with a deeper purpose. 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. 

Recorded across continents with the instrumental magic of “Higher Education” conceived at Floki Studio’s in Haganesvik, Iceland with Wade Koeman.  Additional recording sessions happened in New Orleans, Boston, and Kingston. The new album is due out this Spring/Summer!

 The new single “Higher Education” featuring Ivan Neville is due out March 1, 2024! Pre-save here: https://ffm.to/higher-education

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About Floki Studios

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

About Alpha Institution

Alpha has been preparing students for the commercial music and entertainment industry for over 100 years. Music training at Alpha started in 1892 and has since graduated jazz innovators, ska pioneers and reggae icons. Alpha has been called a “dream factory” (NPR/USA) for “legendary musicians” (Jamaica Gleaner) who “helped release the spirit of one of the most musical islands in the world” (The Telegraph/UK). Alpha’s place in Jamaica’s music pantheon can be heard on Alpha Boys School Radio (www.alphaboysschoolradio.com ), a 24/7 streaming station that only plays music in whole or in part performed by Alpha graduates.

IG, FB and Twitter @alphamusicja  

Website: www.alphamusicja.com

The Alpha School of Music is part of the Alpha Institute (formerly Alpha Boys School), founded in 1880 by Jamaican philanthropist, Jessie Ripoll. Ms. Ripoll’s dream was to minister to the hopes and aspirations of young Jamaicans at the bottom of the social ladder. As such, Alpha has long been a beacon of light and hope for Jamaican society. Since 1880 our mission is unchanged–to educate unattached youth and empower them to be the most productive citizens possible. 

Naya Records:

Naya Records is an independent record label founded and established in 2009 by drummer and producer Nathan Sabanayagam. After a six-year period of recording music with veteran reggae musicians and artists in Kingston, Jamaica, it was time to bring the music to the world; Naya Records was born!  In 2021, Naya Records relaunched its frontline label with new releases and collaborations featuring Blakkamoore, Yaadcore, Clinton Fearon and more. 

The label has grown to a rich catalogue of legacy Reggae and Dancehall artists, hit songwriters and musicians such as Earl “Chinna” Smith, Kiddus I, UT Ras, Big Youth, Mikey General, Toussaint the Liberator and many more.

Naya Rockers:

The Naya Rockers are a backing band, anchored by US-based drummer Nathan Sabanayagam, and supported by an international pool of musicians. The Naya Rockers are the heart and soul behind “Guiding Star” and “Naya Sound System”. And whether in the studio or on stage this team is dedicated to bringing the highest level of musicianship. Together and individually the Naya Rockers have spent the past two decades touring and recording with the foundation of reggae including: , The Skatalites, Stephen Marley, Kiddus I, Barrington Levy, Bushman, Earl Chinna Smith, Ernie Smith, Big Youth, Junior Reid, The Congos, Johnny Clarke, Ken Boothe, Mikey General, Tinga Stewart, The Toasters. And in addition to the foundation artist, the Rockers have also backed the next generation including: Kenyatta Hill, Asadenaki Livingston, Blakkamoore, Addis Pablo, Iba Mhar, Hector Lewis and Jah’Mila Smith.

Ivan Neville: 

As a standard bearer for the musical culture of New Orleans, Ivan Neville takes his anointing as seriously as the swamp water that courses through his veins. From the ferocious funk he makes with his bandmates in the dynamic Dumpstaphunk to his high-profile gigs with Keith Richards and Bonnie Raitt, he embodies the irrepressible spirit of New Orleans.

Consider that Ivan’s bloodline runs through two of the most influential groups that New Orleans has produced and that he has played with them both.

His uncle Art Neville was the vocalist and keyboardist with the Meters, who epitomized New Orleans funk and are among modern music’s most sampled groups.

Art also founded the Neville Brothers with Ivan’s uncles Charles and Cyril, and his father, the great balladeer and stylist Aaron Neville. The Nevilles’ musical range not only spanned generations but also idioms like carnival rhythms, pop, soul, R&B, and jazz; their collective identity galvanized Black New Orleans’s cultural life to create a musical identity that focused their individual gifts with grace and grit.