Erphaan Alves | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Also known as | EA |
Born | November 23, 1991 |
Origin | Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago; University of the West Indies, St Augustine |
Genres | soca |
Occupation(s) | Musician,songwriter |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano |
Years active | 2012–present |
Erphaan Alves (born November 23, 1991) is a Trinidadian soca recording artist and songwriter. He initially gained full recognition in the soca world 2012 when he qualified as a finalist in both Groovy and International Power Soca Monarch Finals with the songs "In your Eyes" and "Terrible".[1] His transition to soca megastar proved complete when he cued the HD band into his 2018 monster hit ‘Overdue’.[2]
Erphaan was awarded Best New Male Soca Artist in the International Soca Awards 2012 and he was also an MTV IGGY Artiste of The Week that year.[3] Erphaan acts as a songwriter alongside his soca career, writing songs such as "Precision Wine" sung by Kes the band, and "Make You Rock", "Take You Home" and "Doh Friad" sung by Machel Montano.
Early life and career
Erphaan Alves was born on November 23, 1991, in Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago, where he grew up with his parents and brother. He attended Rosary Boy's RC Primary School in Port of Spain, then went on to St. George's College, Barataria where he participated in several competitions, and was the lead male vocalist of the school's parang group.[4] He later moved on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Arts from the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus in 2013.[5] Erphaan began singing at the age of nine and gained recognition when he entered Rosary Boys RC School Calypso Competition Calypso World in 2001 and won with his upbeat rendition, "Carnival Time".[6] He moved on to make his name in both the Junior Calypso and Junior Soca Monarch Competitions, winning consecutively in the latter, in 2008 and 2009 with his own compositions titled "Soca Moving" and "Musical Journey".[7]
Soca originated in Trinidad and Tobago and was created by Trinidadian Garfield Blackman, who felt calypso was fading away.[8] Soca derived from calypso fused with Indian music.[9] Soca has grown into a massive industry taking over the Carnival Scene and Carnival Road March Arena. Soca artist records, releases and perform continuously during carnival season to ensure a chance of winning Carnival Road March song and the Soca Monach.[10] Erphaan managed to consistently make waves being a finalist in the International Soca Monarch 2014 and 2015. His song, "On D Spot" was once featured on an MTV Real World Episode in 2012.[11] The musician offered his hit single 'Overdue' and an energetic collaboration with the soca queen Destra Garcia called 'Waistline Pelting' to 2018 carnival.[12]
Community Engagement
Erphaan's success can be owned by the strong support system he had from family, friends, and St George's College, the secondary school he attended.[13] In an effort to give back to his secondary school community, he created Alves' St George College music fund through which he donates musical equipment. This music fund falls under the umbrella 'tEAm' a larger organization formed by Alves and friends to do more in his community. "Together Each Achieves More, it is actually an acronym, me showing that I care about them just as much as they cared about me at the start of my career. I have a platform now to shed light on everybody and in turn as we grow together they shed light on me," Alves explains tEAm.[14]
Erphaan is very active on social media with Twitter, Facebook and Instagram profiles.[13] He believes that social media opens up avenue for artists and its important for him as an artist to take the time out to understand the marketing strategies behind social media.[15]
#noSeasons
The #noSeasons project was founded by Erphaan in 2016. It is geared towards promoting, inspiring and encouraging more soca release in Trinidad and Tobago after carnival. The objective, according to EA, is remove the ‘Soca is carnival music’ stigma, while fostering a new culture where, soca thrive all year round.[16]
Since 2016 EA has been releasing new music as a part of the #noSeason project. In 2016 he released "Never Find",[17] “Believe”,[18] and “Island Crashers Medley”.[19] In 2017 he released “Morning Come”,[20] “Grip Me”,[21] and “Knock knee” ft Salty.[22] 2018 he released “No Habla”.[23] In May 2019 at the Vas Lounge, Woodbrook, Trinidad, EA premiered the music video for his latest single under the #noSeasons project, ‘Lock On’.[24] "Rather than playing the same soca tunes year round, we should see new soca singles dropping every month, that is why I chose the theme of 'No Seasons' to describe the event. No other genre has any season, and neither should soca music."[25] EA addressed fans and supporters at the premiere.
Background
Musical style
Erphaan reflects a diverse musical style, bringing a fresh pop-type sound to soca.[7] He is known to incorporate clever story-lines and memorable moments into his music.[26]
Discography
Music Videos
Title | Year | Director (s) | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
"Blaze In Love" | 2019 | Ian Davis | [27] |
"Brave"
(Erphaan Alves, Nailah Blackman & Sekon Sta) |
2019 | Steven M. Taylor | [28] |
"Compromise" | 2019 | Ahmad Muhammad & Adverb media | [29] |
"Overdue" | 2018 | Adverb media | [30] |
"Waistline Peltin"
(Erphaan Alves & Destra) |
2018 | Sirlan Davis | [31] |
"Morning Come" | 2017 | [20] | |
"Do it for them" | 2017 | [32] | |
"Believe (Oh Yea)" | 2016 | King Studios | [18] |
"Island Crashers"
(Erphaan Alves, Preedy & Sekon Sta) |
2016 | King Studios | [19] |
"Tanty" | 2015 | [33] | |
"Highest Feeling" | 2014 | [34] | |
"Eruption" | 2013 | ||
"In Your Eyez" | 2012 | Jeston Lett | [35] |
Singles
Title | Released | Album | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
"Overdue" | 2017 | Non- album singles | [36] |
"No Habla" | 2018 | [23] | |
"Intentions (Wine & Touch)" | 2016 | Get Soca 2016 | [37] |
"Blaze in love" | 2018 | Non- album singles | [38] |
"Brave"
(Erphaan Alves, Nailah Blackman & Sekon Sta) |
2019 | [39] | |
"Compromise" | 2018 | [40] | |
"Waistline Peltin"
(Erphaan Alves & Destra) |
2017 | [41] | |
"Come From?" | 2014 | Jam Band Riddim EP | [42] |
"In Your Eyes" | 2012 | We Muzik Trinidad & Tobago Vol 1 | [43] |
"Terrible"
(Erphaan Alves & Machel Mantano) |
2012 | We Muzik Trinidad & Tobago Vol 1 | [43] |
"On d Spot" | 2012 | We Muzik Trinidad & Tobago Vol 1 | [44] |
Filmography
Film | Year | Director | Character | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lock On[45] | 2019 | Steven M. Taylor[45] | Fake Police Officer[46] | Erphaan stars in the film as a fake police officer, who is the leader of an ongoing illegal operation. |
References
- ↑ "OMG Digital Magazine Issue 251 23rd March 2017". view.joomag.com. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
- ↑ "Welcome to the Home of Carnival: Trinidad Express – Machel's search for new soca royalty". carnival.trinidadexpress.com. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ↑ "No letting up for Erphaan Alves". The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Erphaan Alves – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday Archives". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday Archives. February 1, 2014. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ↑ "The.Baje.eMCee". Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ↑ Buzz. "Erphaan Alves – ID 46". buzz.tt. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- 1 2 "New soca sensation Erphaan Alves blazing his own trail". The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ↑ Kitt, Jessica (June 20, 2013). "A History of Soca Music in the Caribbean | Caribbean Luxury News". Luxury Caribbean News. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
- ↑ "Calypso". nalis.gov.tt. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
- ↑ "Soca: The Music Of Trinidad's Carnival". NPR. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
- ↑ "Erphaan Alves – Soca Lyrics". socalyrics.net. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ↑ "Alves teams up with Road Trip TT". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. January 11, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
- 1 2 omgtvtt, OMG 251 Erphaan Alves Video Interview, retrieved December 11, 2018
- ↑ "Erphaan Alves grateful for success and his 'tEAm'". looptt.com. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
- ↑ OJO TTRN -Trinidad & Tobago Radio Network Limited, Erphaan Uses Social Media To Promote His Music, Drops "Overdue" & "Waistline Peltin", retrieved December 11, 2018
- ↑ "Erphaan Alves pushing hard, support or not". Fire Online Radio. May 31, 2019. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
- ↑ OJO TTRN -Trinidad & Tobago Radio Network Limited (April 7, 2016), Erphaan Alves - Never Find #noSeasons Project [Official Music Video], retrieved June 16, 2019
- 1 2 JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (June 2, 2016), Erphaan Alves - Believe (Oh Yea) "2016 Release" (Trinidad & Tobago Official Olympic Campaign), retrieved February 25, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - 1 2 JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (May 15, 2016), Island Crashers Medley Feat. Erphaan Alves, Preedy & Sekon Sta (Official Music Video) "2016", retrieved February 25, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - 1 2 JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (August 4, 2016), Erphaan Alves - Morning Come (Official Music Video) "2017 Release" [HD], retrieved February 25, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (June 12, 2017), Erphaan Alves - Grip Me (Tan Lines Riddim) "2017 Release" (Trinidad), retrieved June 16, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ KING PIN (June 23, 2017), Erphaan & Salty "Knock Knee Butterfly & SALTY "KNOCK KNEE Butterfly", retrieved June 16, 2019
- 1 2 No Habla by Erphaan Alves, retrieved February 26, 2019
- ↑ JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (May 21, 2019), Erphaan Alves - Lock On (Official Music Video) "2019 Soca" [HD], retrieved June 16, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ "Erphaan Alves 'locks on' to soca year round". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. May 23, 2019. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
- ↑ "Watch: My Release – Erphaan taps into Spanish market with blazing love". looptt.com. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
- ↑ JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (October 14, 2018), Erphaan Alves - Blaze In Love (Official Dance Video) "2019 Soca" [HD], retrieved February 22, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (January 27, 2019), Erphaan Alves, Nailah Blackman, Sekon Sta - Brave (Official Music Video) "2019 Soca" [HD], retrieved February 22, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (December 19, 2018), Erphaan Alves - Compromise (Official Music Video) "2019 Soca" [HD], retrieved February 22, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (September 12, 2017), Erphaan Alves - Overdue (Official Music Video) "2018 Soca" [HD], retrieved February 22, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (November 5, 2017), Erphaan Alves x Destra Garcia - Waistline Peltin (Official Promo Video) "2018 Soca" [HD], retrieved February 22, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (December 29, 2016), Erphaan Alves - Do It For Them "2017 Soca" (Trinidad), retrieved February 25, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (November 3, 2014), Erphaan Alves - Tanty (Official Promo Video) "2015 Trinidad Soca", retrieved February 25, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (December 2, 2014), Erphaan Alves - Highest Feeling (Official Music Video) "2015 Trinidad Soca" [HD], retrieved February 25, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ JulianspromosTV | 2019 Music (January 30, 2012), Erphaan Alves - In Your Eyes (Official Music Video) "2012 Soca" [HD], retrieved February 25, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ Overdue by Erphaan Alves, retrieved February 26, 2019
- ↑ Intentions (Wine & Touch) by Various Artists, retrieved February 26, 2019
- ↑ Blaze in Love by Erphaan Alves, retrieved February 26, 2019
- ↑ Brave by Erphaan Alves, Nailah Blackman & Sekon Sta, retrieved February 26, 2019
- ↑ Compromise by Erphaan Alves, retrieved February 26, 2019
- ↑ Waistline Peltin by Erphaan Alves & Destra Garcia, retrieved February 26, 2019
- ↑ Come From? (Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Soca 2015) by Various Artists, retrieved February 26, 2019
- 1 2 In Your Eyes by Various Artists, retrieved February 26, 2019
- ↑ On d Spot by Various Artists, retrieved February 26, 2019
- 1 2 Erphaan Alves: Lock On, retrieved June 16, 2019
- ↑ "Erphaan Alves". IMDb. Retrieved June 16, 2019.