Interview: Stereo Fish

BADH: Could you please introduce yourself to all the BADH members?
Stereo: Neil Smith, also known as Stereo Fish, selector for Libra Love.

BADH: Where are you from?
Stereo: Born and raised in New York City.

BADH: When did you first start playing on sound systems?
Stereo: I owned my own sound system in 1987. I then started playing for LP and in 1996, I started playing for Libra Love and I have been playing with them ever since.

BADH: Which are some of the sound systems/selectors that you feel are top of the top?
Stereo: It depends on which category you speak of. I feel like I am the best (laughing).

BADH: When did you first start playing with Libra Love and how did you get the chance to play with them?
Stereo: Like I mentioned earlier, in 1996. I knew Bugzy Bam Bam from way back. I called him up one night and told him that I wanted to play for the set. He said ok. He then called Lloydie and Baby Q and they said yes also.

BADH: How was the experience at Club Amazura when you emceed for the Bounty Killa show?
Stereo: It was just a vibe I got. I used the opportunity to show the crowd what I can do. It wasn't the first time I played like that.

BADH: A lot of people compare you to JaggaB and Trooper; that you are a combination of both. How do you feel about that?
Stereo: I think that it's good. Both have conscious styles and they are both good at what they do.

BADH: How does it feel when Libra Love is billed for a dance and the place is ram packed?
Stereo: It doesn't matter if the place is packed or not. I'm there to play for the people that are in attendance.

BADH: I asked this question before, but I would like to get your opinion. I've noticed that a lot of selectors are free lancing (going independent) now. What is your view on this and how do you think it will effect the dancehall arena?
Stereo: I don't really know. I think people go on their own because it benefits them which is good. I think it's better to stay with a sound system than to go solo because a team is better than a one man army.

BADH: When will you be keeping your annual dance?
Stereo: My annual dance is my birthday dance and it will be in either May or June of 2002.

BADH: I've noticed that there are a lot of younger and new sound system selectors trying to bust out. What is some advice you would give them?
Stereo: Keep it real and original. There is a way to play reggae music - keep to the basics, but be original, versatile and also know how to entertain.

BADH: Could you tell BADH one of your wild/crazy moments as a selector?
Stereo: Hmmmmm (laugh) I don't have any. (Laughing) I can't think of any.

BADH: So many American DJs have CDs out with them spinning their music and showing off their DJ skills. I notice that very few Jamaican selectors are doing the same thing. Why is that? Don't you think that a lot more reggae selectors should do this?
Stereo: But there are a lot of selectors putting out CDs, but not really putting their names on the CDs. Steelie Bashment and DJ Dale are two I can mention.

BADH: I know Tony Matterhorn has a few of his own CDs out. Do you have any? If so, what is the name of the CD? If not, when do you think you will drop a CD for us Stereo Fish fans?
Stereo: No, I don't have any out, but any that I do would be for Libra Love.

BADH: (Peach mentions that Stereo Fish is loyal to Libra Love)
Stereo: "That's how I feel it should be; loyalty, unless things are not good."

BADH: How can a promoter get in contact with you for a booking?
Stereo: Anyone wanting to contact Libra Love for a dance or event can call Fadda Lloydie at 718.346.7122.

BADH: Now my next set of questions are for my female BADH readers. Is Stereo Fish single right now, or is there a special lady in your life?
Stereo: I'm single, no special lady at the moment.

BADH: Is it difficult to maintain a relationship with the traveling that you do and with so many young ladies going after selectors such as yourself?
Stereo: Depends on the individual and whether she is able to take the attention that we selectors get. She has to have trust and faith in the man that she is dealing with.

BADH: What are some qualities that you look for in a lady?
Stereo: It depends; someone nice, understanding and allows me to be me.

BADH: What advice would you give to a young lady who has her heart set on dating a selector?
Stereo: I would tell the ladies to like him for who he is and not what he is.

BADH: Stereo Fish, thank you so much for taking the time out to talk with BADH. I wish you much success in your future endeavors. Promise me that you will talk with us again. Do you think I can get you to model for our male web-cover page? (smile)
Stereo: Of course, for sure!!! That will be fun.

**BADH would like to give Stereo Fish much love and respect for actually doing this interview over the phone at a time when he had to pick up his son. Fish, GOD will always bless you for always looking out for everyone. Keep that "never forget where you came from attitude" and charming personality.**