NeeNee Rushie grew up in Jamaica where her mom and her 3 sisters raised her. She’s always been very touched by music and songs from a very early age. She sang in church and school choirs since the 4th grade- when she discovered that she had a talent for singing and performing.
NeeNee moved to NY in 2003 and went to college in New Paltz in 2005 where she met the original drummer and Rob (their current bass and musical director) that same year. The band would form in a couple of years. Since then, they have released 5 full length studio albums, a couple live EPs, performed all over the country and experienced countless strange and unforgettable moments. The band has had some line up changes over the years. Some wonderful musicians have come and gone. Rob, Chas and NeeNee are original members. Guthrie, Manuel, Roger and Ryan have been on board for several years now. The band operates like a family. They play reggae-ish, ska-ish, world-ish grooves, sprinkled with some soul-ish nuggets.
When NeeNee became a mother, their strategy changed from playing tons of shows, to being more picky about the shows they play. She realized that she was going to have to make the same or stronger impact, but by playing less shows. NeeNee’s daughter really regenerated a new love for the band in her. Her daughter has taken a major interest in the band and their music, and that has given NeeNee a new perspective. She’s never felt more passionate about the band and is feeling prouder of what they have done, and more confident about what they are working on.
https://www.bigtakeoverband.com/
On today’s show NeeNee shares about her childhood and the music that she was surrounded by while living in Jamaica and what it was like leaving her home and her mama. We talk about her process for writing and collaborating with the band, being a woman in a male dominated industry, and listen to a few songs and hear what they mean to NeeNee. Of course, we also talk about motherhood, how that’s impacted her and the band, and how they are evolving as a result. They have two local shows coming up. First up is at The Falcon on September 28th and then The Linda in Albany on October 26th.
Here’s the Tarot reading that I shared from Nikki Foggerty. “I bring love and compassion to myself and embrace all the possibilities that lie ahead.. “
We listened to a song from Amber Rubarth who will be a guest on the show Sept. 9th. She’s also playing this benefit…Neighbors for Neighbors on September 14th supporting People’s Place and the O+ Festival.
Here’s a link to today’s playlist.
Today’s show was engineered by Ian Seda from Radiokingston.org.
Our show music is from Shana Falana!
Feel free to email me, say hello: she@iwantwhatshehas.org
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