Sadeke Brooks, Gleaner Writer

Kurt 'The Party Animal' Riley says he play music on radio 30 minutes per week. - Contributed

On the Jamaican party scene people usually listen to dancehall, R&B, hip hop, rap and reggae music. However, in the last few years selectors and disc jockeys have deviated from the standard fare to includ and rock as part of their musical catalogues.

Since the increase in popularity of the genres it is not uncommon to see large groups of people jumping around in the middle of some party venues while chanting the lyrics of popula or rock songs. And they might just be bumping heads or throwing liquor on each other on the dance floor.

Kurt Riley, radio disc jock from FAME FM and party selector, attributes this increase in the listenership of the genres to people's increased access to cable television, specifically stations like Vh1 and MTV.

American things

"Anything they see on TV gets heavy rotation because people are attracted to American things," he said.

This also applies to the more rugged side of dancehall, as MC Nuffy, well-known for hosting shows such as Sting and Champions in Action, says "You have to play everything to please the people dem 'cause this is not a one-way thing."

Nuffy explained that the selection of music is based on the audience's mood. Therefore, the selector has to know when the people want a change. He says the way in which the music is played is just as important as the timing of the songs.

Avril Lavinge is one of th singers getting attention in Jamaica. - Contributed

Selector Marc Chin of Coppershot Disco says "Alternative music brings a difference to the party, but you won't play a full hour of it 'cause some people don't know all the songs.

"It (alternative music) is more recognised 'uptown'. I don't think we ever tried playing it in the garrison," continued Chin.

Chin explained that in some venues where there is a mixture of socio-economic groups, like the crowd at the recently held Twisted Spiritz, it would be rewarding to play th music, as it would be well received by the audience.

"Not everywhere you get the opportunity to play it (alternative music). On the radio I will play it once per week for 30 minutes, but it won't get the same rotation as dancehall, reggae or hip hop music is an 'uptown' thing; mi naah go play it inna de ghetto," commented Riley.

Geefus, who has been in the business for several years and plays for the 35-year-old sound system Stone Love, says the songs will be played where they are requested. He says this depends on the crowd, area, location, event and the popularity of the songs.

Most selectors and disc jockeys acknowledge the increased acceptance o and rock music in Jamaica. However, Geefus says he "can't go too deep". He explained that some people will listen to it because Stone Love is playing it, but not all persons listen to BET or MTV and are receptive of the music.

Cobra

the package

Rock an songs can be attractive to all audiences, depending on how it is packaged. Chin of Coppershot says th and rock songs can create 'hype' at parties if they are remixed with dancehall or reggae songs. Geefus says songs like DJ Kareem's remix of Fly Away with Lenny Kravitz and Vybz Kartel have created a stir in the dancehall. Also, the remix of Press Trigger with Mad Cobra and Teddybears was also popular and appeared in the movie After The Sunset. Geefus also says these remixes are popular at clashes.

There are several songs which are currently popular, such as Nickelback's You Remind Me and Rockstar, Last Resort by The Cockroaches, Linkin Park's Crawling, Bubbly by Colbie Caillat, Avril Lavigne's When You're Gone, Clumsy and Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie and Maroon 5's Wake Up Call.

Some people sing these songs or nod their heads to them without knowing the names, but they continue to get their fair share of play on the radio and at parties.