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-- by Renée-Lauren Ellis

In just 2 years, Hpnotiq Sound System has become a regular on Florida’s social scene. But don’t let the youthfulness of the sound fool you about the experience, dedication or skill of its members. Their success is not a fluke and is but one way that Palmer Stylez (Jason), Marvelus (Sean) and Gibbo (Stephen) put their experience to work and still manage to retain their effusive love of music. They have not been sullied by bad experiences or difficult times. Plus they know the Florida scene so well – having spent more than ten years there – that it would be hard for Hpnotiq not to have done so well. That ‘environmental’ advantage combined with their expansive sound experience gives them a big advantage over other new sounds systems

L-R Palmer Stylez, Marvelus and Gibbo

Marvelus and Palmer Stylez are the front men for the group, while Gibbo concentrates on the management and business side of things. Gibbo and Stylez met back in Jamaica while they were attending the same high school, while Stylez and Marvelus met in about 2001 at a chance play out. Soon, events were coalescing around the formation of the sound in late 2001 and the three young men embarked on their own sound system venture. Before Hpnotiq, Marvelus and Stylez gained experience from a number of stints on other sound systems. Gibbo’s experience comes from a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, which included music theory and other topics particularly useful for a career in the music industry. Stylez too has a BA, but in Political Science and History and while he was working hard at school he was very involved in his community and in the music industry.

Stylez has been friends with Supa Dups (of Black Chiney) for about twenty two years. They worked together on the Riddim Stylez sound system and Stylez acknowledges that it was on this sound that he matured and learned much about being a sound man. Then one summer while he was working with Black Chiney, he met Marvelus when they did a play out together at the Ginger Bay Café. It was at this play out that they realised they formed a good team and the idea for Hpnotiq Sounds began to take shape. Stylez, too, has an interest in producing and vows to “be like mercury – every changing, ever moving and never constant.” Like many young Jamaicans now involved in the industry, Stylez grew up hearing the strains of various sound systems at night from his home. He particularly remembers Silver Hawk at night so much so that as night fell, he began to listen out for them.

Marvelus on the other hand got early experience playing out on his father’s sound system. He eventually went on to play on Sweetness and Black Shadow sound systems before linking up with Stylez. This early exposure to the sound business only cemented his love of music. In addition to being the selector, Marvelous also does production work and so far has been quite successful. His X5 riddim featured DJS Capleton, and Bounty Killer; he is also involved in the increasingly competitive remix business as well as in promoting events. According to Marvelus, his wide and long involvement in the music industry gives him the advantage of always being able to “understand that the people dem want.”

All of Hpnotiq’s members have been in the business for so long that they are accustomed to and unfazed by the murky politics. They agree that politics infests the industry but refuse dwell on it, preferring instead to follow Sizzla’s advice of achieving and going beyond the negativity. They are in this business for the long haul and are quite honest about the genuine passion that they have of music. In fact, they are keen on using any and all negative energy directed at them as motivation. Clichéd though it may sound, it’s important for DJs, selectors and other people involved in the Jamaican entertainment industry to be able to deflect negative criticism into something useful, since, as with everything else there will be criticism that is to no one’s benefit. Bad mind is active. So don’t expect Hpnotiq to pop down and fall apart because of malicious comments. Like I said before, they’ve been around too long to fall prey to that tactic.

Miami Jouver't 2003

Equally exciting for them is the recent consistent presence of dancehall on the world stage. Both Marvelus and Stylez agree that selectors have played an important role in the “dancehall upheaval” as they are a crucial element to influencing the music listnership. They also acknowledge that is refreshing to hear and to be able to play, to a receptive audience, someone other than Shabba (no disrespect intended). The joy that they take in tantalizing the ear is evident in their innovative mixes, featured on Radio@Partyinc, and in the skillful ways they handle the crowd and the vibe at a live play out.

Aside from Gibbo’s (Hard Times) and Mervelus’ (X5) successful ventures into producing, the members also dabble in other ventures. As mentioned before, Marvelus’ promotes events and is also involved in the clothing industry. Of course, music and fashion go together to it seems only sensible. Wayot Shirtz produces hip urban shirts and is available in Florida and California. Stylez, not to be outdone, dabbles in beverage creation and promotion.

Although they have spread their efforts, Hpnotiq is a common focus that continues to unite them and to which they are very committed. But their broad experience and training gives them an advantage of being involved in any aspect of the entertainment industry on the slim and unlikely chance that Hpnotiq folds. However, it’s more likely that we will be hearing from these three as Hpnotiq and in many other aspects. They seem to embody the new breed of industry personality who not only have boundless ambitions, but who are also successful at their many ventures. And they are quick to embark on their ambitions instead of waiting years before branching out. Given the new heights of dancehall and the resulting challenges it is now facing, it is comforting and good to know that those involved in the industry have the necessary tools to navigate murky politics while still capably pushing dancehall, reggae and Jamaica to the top. Hpnotiq has the quality goods and look to keep delivering.