Soca Music

Destra Garcia was born on November10, 1977 in Laventille Trinidad and Tobago. She was raised in Desperlie Crescent, Laventille in eastern Port of Spain. Music runs in Garcia’s family. Her grandfather was a jazz musician while her dad was a guitarist. She is a Soca singer and song writer who is known for her high energy performances, harmonious vocal skill, and her eccentric fashion sense. Destra is famous for her radical and revealing clothing. During her performances, her outfits usually consist of low-cut bra tops paired with short shorts. When performing, Garcia appears to be in her own world. She is wild in both her movements and her vocals. On stage, Destra is wild and explosive in her movements and vocals, sometimes seemingly performing in her own world due to her passion. Destra considers her music and fashion as a mash up of American punk rock and Soca. This influence can be heard in the instruments that she frequently uses in her music which include the rock guitar.

She discovered her love of music while attending secondary school. While there she won her school’s Calypso Monarch title for five years in a row. All of the songs she performed were written by Garcia herself. She was the member of a group called PSYKE for a short period of time. After the group went their separate ways, Destra Garcia decided to attend school. In 1999 Roy Cape All-Stars became interested in Garcia after hearing her single Ah Have a Man Already with Third Bass. They invited her to join a band called Roy Cape All-Stars. In 2002, she pursued a solo career but eventually joined the band Atlantik. She is still the lead singer for this group to this day.  In 2003 Destra released her first album Red, White, Black. This album contained a song call “It’s Carnival” This song featured Soca artist Machel Montano and became a big hit for both artists.

In the Caribbean, Carnival is a time for people to leave their worries behind. It’s all about having a good time and enjoying yourself. People dress up in barely there outfits with beautiful embellishments. Everyone throws any worries they have and party until they no longer can. The streets are full with people walking around with a drink in hand having the time of their lives. I chose this song for my blog because I love it! It’s a feel good party song. It just makes me want to get up and dance as if no one is watching. Even if I tried, I can’t listen to this song without dancing (which I am currently doing as I write this blog).  I so desperately want to attend the Carnival. Hopefully, someday I can. I want to hear Soca music and experience all the festivities that come with the event in person.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destra_Garcia

Destra Garcia ft. Machel Montano: It’s Carnival (2003)