PRODUCER, MUSICIAN, CERTIFIED RECORDING ENGINEER, ENTREPRENEUR SHAWN “MR.ROOTS” MITCHELL- THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC

Posted by Marlene Roberts in Entertainment, Featured, Interviews, Music News | 9 comments

Musician, Producer, Certified Recording Engineer, Entrepreneur Shawn “Mr.Roots” Mitchell sits humble, composed and focused, talking to me from his favorite room in his house- his studio of course, reminisces on his success on the Launch of the Fully Loaded CD. This album is also co-produced by Wayne Green and De Leon Walters, all of Homebase Entertainment.

Fully Loaded is a spawn from the label’s first CD Soca City and was always in his mind to do this mix that was confirmed in February 2009 and took a mere six months to complete. Truly a representation of the producer who prides himself in “good work” and successfully flavours Soca with Soul, Hip-hop, Zouk and Dancehall.

He accomplished his goal of creating the first ever CD to represent a cross section of the Caribbean coming together to do one mix. It represents the islands of Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Lucia and Dominica, with the heart of the album being none other than his hometown- Grenada or as he intimately calls it- Greens.

While the embodiment of the album was marked for Grenada Carnival, the now Infamous Bubble- Up Riddim featuring none other than Machel MontanoHD and the HD Family, stole all focus and attention. This Riddim was tagged “The Hottest Riddim” for Summer and all Carnival patrons are eagerly awaiting Trinidad & Tobago Carnival to revel to this collage performed by the Biggest Soca Band in the world with none other than Shawn “Mr.Roots” Mitchell on stage as the Band’s bassist.

A preview to this Carnival Experience was rendered on Wednesday September 2^nd at the world famous Zen Nightclub located in Port of Spain, Trinidad for the revealing of the HD Family backed by the HD Band. The Homebase Entertainment and e360 degrees teams were on hand to experience the emotion expressed by Mr. Roots while both on and off stage, on the performance of the  Bubble-Up Riddim with the old-time favourite original veteran of “ole-time” Raga Soca General Grant and Homebase’s own Nikka Francis, being Guest Artistes of this show.

Now meet the man behind the music in his first ever interview and maybe the closest to intimate that he may ever get when it comes to revealing himself as an individual rather than focus on his musical career-  Meet Mr. Roots as many proudly call him.

His Musical genius is well marked by his passion to develop the talent and music of Grenada by allowing it to be heard by mixing it with other islands that are more listened to. His intention- getting them heard on a wider scale and depicting Caribbean integration, togetherness and an interlocking of artistes with their songs.

With his benevolent energies he invested all his confidence into the creation of his music he “personally feels good about it, likes the concept, likes the sound, comfortable about it and thinks that people will appreciate it ” since the future evolution of Fully Loaded is still to come in the near future.

But this achievement did not come without many challenges and sacrifices since Mr. Roots had to balance this with his touring as a member of the HD Band (where he’s intimately known as the infamous bassist), producing music outside of the album and most importantly his family, but in the end he accomplished the equilibrium required and it was totally worth it.

His humility was magnified when asked to describe himself and being hesitant to focus on himself rather than his music he described himself as “trying to use whatever talent God gave me to the fullest….expressing my ideas musically and hoping people appreciate what I have to offer”.

He spoke with pride about his business involvements that span from Producer to Businessman and his social work with youths.

Homebase Entertainment-“I think that we are achieving our goals of developing relationships, getting artistes to expose their talents but it’s all still work in progress”.

E360 Degrees- “It’s my meshing- not just being a producer but developing my different skills and broadening my scope and vision. This is also my avenue to display and show my work as a producer”.

Potential- “My involvement in this is to give back socially to the youth and their development and creating avenues that they will not normally have. We take them in as raw talent and provide many resources for their growth and development as more established artistes, since there are huge costs attached to recording and producing, but here, they come and get their producing, management, marketing and promotions all under one roof and for free. Being the co-owner of this unique and one of a kind concept feels good”

“At the end of the day, it’s all about gaining experience and developing myself. These ventures which all happened at the right time and with the right mix of people will allow me to transcend to even greater involvements……..it’s all hard work but I believe in the quality of my music and I am remaining focused on my goals…….my aim is one day to become a music mogul”.

Mr. Roots, still maintaining his composure, feels good about his music and its accomplishments thus far in being recognized. “I wouldn’t do anything differently…..my whole life has been about taking steps forward…….I took a step from musician to producer, producer to entrepreneur, if I change anything I will disrupt my entire journey in life. My step as an entrepreneur being the Executive Director of e360 Degrees- a Boutique Entertainment and Events Management Company with International wings is really a step forward to achieve my future goals since I hope to own an internationally known Label”.

As he remains focused on his future, Mr. Roots is determined not to fall short and wants to keep his music on a certain level. While it’s long hours and very hard work….”I will continue doing what I am doing now but on a much wider scale”.

“Shawn Mitchell my first and only boy child.

I always knew he would be successful at whatever he does. I’ve wanted nothing but the best for him. He is a sweet and kind person and also gives all of himself with no strings attached. He is such a beautiful soul. I am truly proud of him a mother couldn’t ask for a better son. I congratulate him on his achievements and wish him many successes on his other endeavours.

I must admit at first I wasn’t crazy about him being in the music business but I saw it is what he loves and it’s just who he is. I remember him bringing his musical instruments home from his music class at Erasmus hall high school and he put his all into learning and playing the instruments. He had such a great love for music and learned so quickly. I saw the happiness in his eyes and I knew once he got his chance there was no stopping him. I now know there is no stopping him he only has further to go. Continue to strive my son, continue to work hard and survive.  You will always achieve all that you set out to do.  I know it and I believe it.  I love you more than words can express so once again congratulations” your loving mother Margaret.

“As a little boy he was quick and smart.  He soaked up everything like a sponge so it’s of no surprise to me he has grown to be the man he is today.  I always knew he was destined to do something great.  At a very young age he was already charismatic and had this smoothness about him. I believe those characteristics shows in the way he plays and handle his bass guitar. The caress of the strings and the boom that hits your heart reiterates the love and passion he has for music on many different levels.  He has managed to take his experiences, the lessons learned and his admiration for the art form and turn it into his own style and brand.

I am overwhelmed with joy to see him achieve his musical goals and strive to be bigger and better things. He is doing what he loves. He is a humble and gentle loving spirit. I am his big sis but he is quite an inspiration to me, he is a wonderful person and I am very proud of him. He has worked hard and never gave up on his dream. My heart is filled with love for him and I know by the grace of god he will propel to higher heights. I now say congratulations to you Roots on all levels. Keep up the good work, keep doing what you doing. Keep those stars shining brightly, that light we all know as Shawn Mr. Roots Mitchell.” Your sister Jillian Mitchell.

“Being both Grenadian’s, sharing the same passion for the culture of Grenada and it’s advancement made us mesh at first, we gave birth to the Record label, Homebase Entertainment. Shawn and I witness the development of the local artistes, their music enhanced the growth of the label, I must say that I am delighted to have engaged in such an undertaking with him, Rising from strength to strength and expanding our horizons especially with the production of our newly released album ‘Fully Loaded’ we have both grown as producers, music makers and friends. We welcome the new things and expansion of the Homebase family and I’m proud to be a part of this team, looking forward to greater and more positive achievements from here onwards“- Wayne Green, Operations Manager- Homebase Entertainment

“ I indeed look at Shawn “Roots” Mitchell as a musical genius anonymous. He has inspired me in that the music that he does, which comprises of a mixture of genres can captivate not only a nation but the Caribbean and now internationally. I am honoured for the opportunity in getting to know, work alongside and become friends with a man whose passion for music is meshed with his very soul and bears similarity with mine, as an up and coming Producer. Looking forward to working alongside you on the Potential Concept”. Druce Joseph- Director of Events- e360 Degrees.

“Shawn, first of all it was a pleasure doing this interview for your first magazine article, not to mention the joy embedded in me to witness your successes thus far and to see on the horizon your upcoming achievements. It’s an honour to be your co-pilot under the e360 banner during the good times and the trial some ones. Hats off to my co-director- Shawn “Mr.Roots” Mitchell…..” Marlene L. Roberts- Executive Director e360 Degrees

Written by: Marlene L. Roberts

Photography by: Marvin Eversley- http//:www.lizbliz.com