Cover Drive are a band on a mission to bring the sunshine and sounds of their native Barbados to the world. The young quartet has already ignited the UK charts twice. Debut single Lick Ya Down reached the Top 10 last year, while its fabulous follow-up Twilight shot straight to No.1 at the tail end of an otherwise dreary January.
With their debut album, Bajan Style, due for release in April, Cover Drive’s fresh, fun, sun-soaked sound is set to dominate the airwaves in 2012. Their YouTube views are at over eight million, their fans include the likes of Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, Labrinth and Jessie J and both their fellow Barbadian Rihanna and UK chart-topper Dappy have allowed them share their stage as main support acts.
“We’re amazed how quickly people have connected with our music,” says Amanda, the band’s sassy, 20 year old singer. “On the first two dates of our tour with Dappy, most of the audience only knew Lick Ya Down. By the third night, because fans had filmed our set and put it online, the crowds were singing along to every song. It was incredible. Then we released Twilight and although we knew people loved it, we were shocked when it went to No.1. Shocked and so happy!”
Cover Drive comprise of the lead singer Amanda, 18 year old bassist Jamar, 22 year old guitarist Barry and drummer/singer T-Ray, 18, for whom Amada used to babysit. Although they joined forces less than two years ago, the four were friends who had been making music individually since the start of their teens.
“We had known each other for ages, but it never crossed our minds to start a band,” says T-Ray. “As soon as we did, it seemed so obvious. We’re the perfect fit. Amanda loves pop music, I like metal and hip hop, Barry likes punk rock and Jamar is into indie music, but our influences meet in pop and the Bajan music we grew up on. When we formed, we found our sound straight away.”
Cover Drive call that sound ‘Carib-pop’. A bubbly blend of their Caribbean roots in reggae, dub and soca with happy, hook-laden pop, hear it and you won’t stop smiling. Little wonder Twilight is still a radio staple.
