Corie Sheppard Podcast

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In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Kory and Kevon of Full Blown Entertainment, the songwriting and production duo behind some of soca’s most iconic modern anthems.

From Antilles, Mr. Fete, Fog, Like a Boss, and People’s Champion, to the globally impactful Big Linksrhythm, Kory and Kevon break down how these songs were created, why some artists initially resisted them, and how culture, timing, and belief shape a hit.

They open up about:

• Writing songs artists didn’t believe in — that became career-defining records
• The Big Links controversy, Trinidad Killer, and how they handled public backlash
• Why they chose silence over social media warfare
• The story behind Cheers to Life
• The difference between writing for competition vs writing for the people
• Why soca is not seasonal — and why storytelling matters more than trends
• The role of AI, production, and independence in the future of Caribbean music

This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how soca hits are really made, the sacrifices that never make the headlines, and what it takes to build long-term cultural impact in Caribbean music.

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In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit with internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and educator Etienne Charles for a wide-ranging conversation on music, memory, and cultural responsibility.

Etienne reflects on growing up in Trinidad, his formative years at Fatima College, and how calypso, jazz, steelband, and African diasporic traditions shaped his artistic voice. We explore his commitment to live music, his philosophy on albums as historical documents, and why he believes Caribbean artists have a duty to preserve and contextualise their culture on global stages.

The conversation also touches on mentorship, discipline, education, fashion as expression, ancestry, and what it means to stand in the gap between generations — carrying stories forward while creating space for what comes next.

This is a deep, reflective discussion on legacy, excellence, and why culture must be treated with care.

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Just a quick check in from Corie & David to say thanks for being a part of the journey in 2025 and to share some of our plans to make 2026 even greater!

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In this special on-location episode, we sit with Alvin Daniell — cultural archivist, lyricist, educator, engineer, and the visionary creator of Calypso Showcase — for an in-depth conversation on legacy, preparation, and preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural memory.

Recorded in Miami, this episode explores Alvin Daniel’s journey from mathematics teacher and engineer to one of the most influential interviewers and advocates in Caribbean music history. He reflects on the origins of Calypso Showcase following the 1990 coup, his meticulous approach to interviewing calypsonians, and the responsibility of documenting artists with depth, respect, and historical accuracy.

We discuss:

• The philosophy and process behind Calypso Showcase
• Interviewing icons such as Baron, Shadow, Growling Tiger, Merchant, Maestro, Black Prince, Zandolee, and Marshall Montano
• The unseen labour behind cultural documentation and archival work
• Calypso adjudication, lyrical analysis, and colour commentary
• Panorama arrangements, thematic storytelling, and the genius of arrangers like Pelham Goddard, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, and Jit Samaroo
• Alvin Daniel’s role in copyright reform and artist advocacy
• Teaching, engineering discipline, and excellence as a lifelong principle

This episode is both a masterclass in cultural interviewing and a tribute to the people who shaped Trinidad and Tobago’s musical identity. It is essential listening for artists, researchers, broadcasters, and anyone serious about Caribbean culture.

🎧 Click the link in my bio for the full episode
#coriesheppardpodcast #AlvinDaniell #CalypsoShowcase #TrinidadCulture #Calypso #Panorama #CaribbeanMusic #CulturalArchives

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We’re back with our annual Christmas episode, sharing calypso and parang music from Trinidad & Tobago 🇹🇹 — a simple holiday check-in we do every year for our audience.

As always we’re joined by my son and our producer  Zachary for a relaxed Christmas lime filled with music, laughter, and conversation. Together, we revisit Christmas traditions, talk about music old and new, reflect on the year gone by, and make space for younger voices while still honouring the culture we grew up on.

As always, this episode is our gift to you — something to listen to on Christmas Day while you cook, lime, or take a quiet moment to yourself. We also acknowledge that while the season is joyful for many, it can be a difficult time for others, and we hold space for that too.

🎄 Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

👉 Click the link in my bio for the full episode
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

#coriesheppardpodcast #TrinidadChristmas #Parang #Calypso #CaribbeanCulture #ChristmasVibes #TTMusic #Family

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In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Sackie, a young artiste and performer whose journey reflects the reality, resilience, and creativity of a new generation of Caribbean artists.

Sackie opens up about finding his voice through performance, growing up between church, football, and music, and navigating grief, discipline, and self-belief at a young age. We talk about authenticity, creative risk, testing music through social media, and what it really takes to build momentum without industry shortcuts.

This is a conversation about growth, identity, and trusting the long game — especially when the odds aren’t stacked in your favour.

🎧 Episode drops Monday
👉🏽 Click the link in our bio for the full episode

#coriesheppardpodcast #Sackie #YoungArtiste #CaribbeanCreatives #NewVoices

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In this wide-ranging conversation, Rome joins us to unpack a career that spans engineering, music, radio, television, and cultural leadership. From his early days as a mechanical engineer at Petrotrin to becoming one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most recognisable entertainment voices, Rome reflects on the risks, pivots, and purpose that shaped his journey.

We dive deep into the state of Carnival and live entertainment, including venue shortages, promoter challenges, and why Trinidad and Tobago still lacks purpose-built cultural spaces. Rome shares rare insights from his time as former President of the Promoters Association, explaining how policy gaps, policing costs, and weak consultation continue to affect the sector 

The conversation also explores:

• The evolution of soca parang and why generational renewal matters
• The creative discipline behind writing clean songs for dirty minds
• Lessons from failure, from empty dance floors to breakout hits
• Behind-the-scenes stories from VH1 reality TV, international stages, and LA acting school
• Why projects like Carnival Catwalk and Ultimate Soca Champion are about building pipelines, not just shows

At its core, this episode is about culture as industry, risk as growth, and the responsibility of creatives to build platforms for the next generation.

🎙️ If you care about Carnival, creativity, and Caribbean excellence, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

👉 Click the link in my bio for the full episode
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Umba (Matsimela): Foundation Dubplates, Sound Clash History & Trinidad’s Sound System Legacy

In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit with Umba, selector and driving force behind Matsimela, Trinidad & Tobago’s most formidable sound system. From playing records as a child to clashing on some of the world’s biggest stages, Umba breaks down the real history of sound system culture — not hype, not nostalgia, but lived experience.

We trace Matsimela’s rise from grassroots dances to World Clash appearances, unpack how dubplates were sourced, funded, and protected, and explore why Matsimela is known for having the deepest foundation dub box in the country. Umba shares behind-the-scenes stories involving icons like Bounty Killer, Capleton, Sizzla, Everton Blender, Buju Banton, Sean Paul, and more — plus what it really took to compete with international sounds like Mighty Crown, Panther, Tony Matterhorn, Fire Linx & Stone Love.

This is also a masterclass in sound clash strategy: momentum, psychology, crowd control, and why preparation — not volume — wins clashes. Beyond clashes, Umba reflects on radio’s golden era, building audiences before social media, mentoring younger selectors, and why sound system legacy must be documented, not diluted.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about Trinidad’s music history, sound system culture, dubplates, and the business behind the culture.

🎧 Click the link in our bio for the full episode.
#coriesheppardpodcast

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In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit with Ken Corbie — musician, educator, and one of Trinidad & Tobago’s most respected cultural voices. Ken takes us through his remarkable journey in music, the mentors who shaped him, and the lessons learned from a lifetime of service to culture and community.

From his early years discovering his love for music, to the people who guided his path, to the relationships and experiences that shaped who he became, Ken shares stories filled with wisdom, humour, and heart. We explore themes of discipline, gratitude, faith, legacy, and the responsibility of carrying forward the values taught by those who came before us.

This conversation is a masterclass in humility and purpose. Whether you’re a lover of music, culture, personal development, or great storytelling, this episode offers inspiration from one of the most grounded and genuine voices in Trinidad & Tobago.

Topics We Discuss

• Ken’s early musical upbringing and first encounters with the artform
• The people who mentored, influenced, and supported his growth
• Lessons learned from a lifetime in music and education
• Stories of discipline, responsibility, and navigating crossroads
• How faith and family shaped his outlook
• The cultural values he believes Trinidad & Tobago must protect
• What legacy means — and how to build it with intention

Hashtags

#coriesheppardpodcast #KenCorbie #TrinidadAndTobago #Culture #MusicEducation #CaribbeanStories #SteelpanCulture #LegacyBuilding #TTMusic

Amazon Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Leadership-Lessons-Unexpected-Teachers/dp/1969564016/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3SCKOJA6F7R88&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.r7r8QRpT491kjYHMkE4LdA.LSrz9e_99qx7PQK-YAxGOCgzXtNvNGXKrLDYcYH3enc&dib_tag=se&keywords=kenneth+corbie&qid=1765399332&sprefix=kenneth+corbie%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1

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In this episode, we sit with Trinidad & Tobago cultural icon and legendary pannist Dane Gulston — the face of Trinidad All Stars and one of the most recognisable steelpan performers of the last four decades.

Dane takes us deep into his journey from Nelson Street and Eastern Boys’ Government School to touring the world with Trinidad All Stars, training under musical giants, and eventually becoming a soloist whose performances have captivated audiences from Cuba to Scotland.

We explore:

• His early years learning pan at age nine and joining All Stars at just 13.
• Touring internationally and the global reverence for the steelpan.
• Working with icons—Kitchener, Desperados elders, and Trinidad All Stars arrangers.
• The evolution of pan culture, discipline in the panyard, and the transformation from “badjohn bands” to world-class orchestras.
• Behind-the-scenes stories from performing Heat, Unknown Band, and Woman on the Bass.
• Why pan must return to schools, and how young players can build discipline, musicianship and lifelong opportunity through the instrument.
• His philosophy on performance energy, cultural pride, and legacy-building for the next generation of pannists.

This is a masterclass in musicianship, discipline, heritage, and Trinidadian identity—told by a man whose life is inseparable from the sound of the steelpan.

Click the link in my bio for the full episode.
#coriesheppardpodcast #Steelpan #TrinidadAllStars #DaneGulston #PanMusic #CultureTT