KINGSTON, Jamaica -- When Dave Susser, Jesse Serwer and Martei Korley got together five years ago to start a website highlighting Caribbean lifestyle, they were determined it would transcend the region's sun and sea stereotype.
Their website, largeup.com, is one of the go-to forums for fans who want to know the latest news about Caribbean artistes and trends.
This week, largeup.com was named one of the 100 most influential music blogs and publications in the world by the popular British magazine, Style of Sound.
This week, largeup.com was named one of the 100 most influential music blogs and publications in the world by the popular British magazine, Style of Sound.
According to The Style of Sound, "The sites contained in the Style of Sound 100 cover popular music genres such as alternative, electronica, dance, hip hop, folk, soul, pop, rock, punk and others. Many blogs strictly adhere to one music genre whilst others tread into multiple categories."
For editor/writer Serwer, the most satisfying aspect about The Style of Sound nod, is recognition of largeup.com's unique look at Caribbean pop culture.
"It's something similar to what hip-hop and rock magazines do now, which is show a different side to the artiste. Music doesn't sell anymore, people buy into the lifestyle of the artiste," he explained.
Susser, a guitarist/keyboardist also known as DJ Gravy, is largeup.com's founder and publisher. He says he was always taken with Caribbean music, especially traditional reggae and dancehall.
"I'm a musician, so I listen and study all types of music. Caribbean music really resonated with me," he said.
That impact was strong enough for him to start a website committed to showcasing the region's movers and shakers.
Largeup.com has done feature stories on Sizzla, neo-roots acts Chronixx, Addis Pablo and Jesse Royal as well as Bunji Garlin, the current Trinidadian soca sensation.
"In the case of Jesse, it wasn't necessarily about his music but his cooking. We really go for an energy experience," he stressed.
Korley, born in Denmark, has Ghanaian roots. As largeup.com's creative director and chief photographer, he has soaked up the energy of many Caribbean acts and events including Sting, Reggae Sumfest, Rebel Salute and the Portland Jerk Festival.
He noted that the site stays clear of controversy such as the Vybz Kartel murder trial.
"We're more about presenting the Caribbean in a positive way. We stay away from things like the high murder rates and stick to the positive."
The Caribbean beat has had a periodic presence in mainstream American publications, starting in the 1970s when major magazines like Rolling Stone and Time covered Bob Marley and the roots-reggae revolution in Jamaica.
There was much more coverage in the 1990s when dancehall made moves on Billboard charts, earning acts like Shabba Ranks and Super Cat exclusive spots in hip glossies such as Vibe and The Source.
The multi-platinum success of Shaggy and Sean Paul 12 years ago drew even more mainstream attention. Even then, Serwer says the stories were mainly one-dimensional.
Largeup.com, he claims, has changed that.
"There are other websites covering dancehall but they are not dedicated to widening its appeal," said Serwer. "We want to illuminate the whole experience."
