Local band Cover Drive is taking a break but definitely not breaking up.
The four-member group – made up of lead vocalist Amanda Reifer; guitarist/keytarist Barry “Bar Man” Hill; bassist Jamar Harding and percussionist/back up vocalist Thomas “T-Ray” Armstrong – have performed far from these shores.
They have made waves in the United Kingdom and opened for Barbadian megastar Rihanna as well as being the featuring artistes in the hip hop and electronic music group Far East Movement’s hit single Turn Up the Love which can be viewed on YouTube.
THE NATION caught up with Hill after the Alexandra School’s recent Founder’s Day service, where he was the guest speaker as a former student. He said the band was taking time to recharge.
“We’ve been touring now for six to seven years and everyone is tired. We’re taking the opportunity to get a breather and then come back fresh,” he said.
Even though the band is not performing together, they are still working together, helping each other on their projects.
Hill said he had just finished working on Reifer’s solo effort for Trinidad Carnival. As for himself, he said he was also working with other artistes.
“T-Ray is also doing a solo project while I am focussing on music production. I’ve been working with Mikey and doing some international work,” he said.
Hill said their whirlwind success had been “an eye opener” and “a great experience”, with travels all over the world. He said it was a far cry from school days’ expectations.
“I remember the days just chilling in the music room. I didn’t expect I would be in a position where people would look up to me,” Hill said.
As for his words of advice for the current students of Alexandra, Hill told them not to take their time at school for granted; to persevere through rejection; to get a strong support team and enjoy their journey. He also thanked teachers Evelyn McClean, Julian Bowen and Leslie Lett. (CA)
