The man himself. Big Bad. Picture by TrinisInLondon

Big Bad, a well known face on the UK soca scene, has scheduled time into his busy schedule to catch up with the UKSS team.

Were to start? Big Bad a.k.a Tubbs a.k.a Joel Hamilton-Mills known for his mischievous behaviour and general hype in a fete, has surprised many with his vocal talents. He is quite clearly a diverse individual with a mass of ability

A few things you may not of known about Big Bad. He likes traveling, carnivals, festivals, pan (steel pan) and football. He is family orientated and being a father of three this is where his heart is. He dislikes ignorant and judgmental people (sings move, away from me).

I finally got the answer to what everyone has been asking. How did you come up with the name Big Bad (when we all call you Tubbs)?

“I used to have a ‘private’ joke with my Soca Facebook family, where I used to deny all knowledge of pictures catching me ‘misbehaving’ while in fetes. I used to blame my ‘evil twin’. I could of gone with that name, but the evil scares people more than bad, so I opted for Big Bad.”

Big Bad has a number of big tunes from Riddim Tribe, We Drinkin, Wine on Yuh Bamsy (which should be released very soon) and Dat Bumpa Is Mine (unreleased but performed at 2012 UK Soca Monarch)

I asked Big Bad who has influenced him in his life? (A question I regret asking lol). The list was endless (but all now I don’t hear my name mentioned at all lol).

“I’ve been influenced by many different people from different eras and genres, throughout my life and within my music such as; Soca Johnny, Trini Boi Joocie, Lieutenants, Silva, Fakekou, Mz Desire, Bunji, Machel, Maximus Dan/Prime, Kerwin Du Bois, Lord Kitchener, Merchant, Mighty Sparrow, Crazy, David Rudder, Denise Belfon, Ronnie Macintosh, Benjai, Krosfyah, Square One, Burning Flames, Inspecter, Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh, Jah Cure, Beenie Man, Ninja Man, Papa San, Garnet Silk, Fela Koti, Micheal Jackson, Jodeci, H-Town, Luther Vandross, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Jay Z, Nas, Biggie, Tupac, Timberland, DMX, Canibus, Sting, Phil Collins, Elton John, The Ratpack, Motown I can’t forget Chardanai and Keety General. There are too many to mention, this is just a few!” (Phew my hand was starting to kill me. Now you know why I regretted the question.)

How did you feel when you got the call/message that you will be supporting Bunji Garlin at Viking 15 ?

“The first message I got was ‘Are you ready for the big stage?’ I was baffled (confused), but replied ‘Well yes!’, next thing I know they’re telling me I’ll be supporting Bunji on the 10th of August. Not gonna lie, I was a little bit light headed (took a drink of rum to level me lool). Being given the chance to support one of my favourite artists is a massive honour and I’m very grateful to Wildmeat Promotions for the opportunity.”

What are you future plans and goals?

“More music, I already have a few songs ready to record. I am going to be working with other producers as well as going into the production side of things myself, also events.”

Future Goals – “I want to help build a better Soca community here in the UK. I’m currently in the process to make this happen watch this space.”

Any final words or shout outs ?

“Overall I want to send my love and appreciation to everyone for their continuous support throughout. Without many of you I wouldn’t be were I am now trust.

I want to shout out Soca Child and Riddim Up Studios, V-Boogie, GrooVee, RDR/D Riddim Tribe, Soca Cartel, QT2Hype, Dready Tee, Candy Mas, Funatiks, Bahkanal Radio and Wildmeat Promotions, Gen Gen and Keenz Designs. Sorry I know I have missed out loads of people (but the look I am getting now from Soca Bailey I’m gonna wrap it up looooool). Once again thank you all.

Last but not least catch me at Vikings 15, O2 Islington ,10 August 2014 (Sings We Drinkin).”

Interview by Soca Bailey