Brothers Shane and Shawn Stephens have similar taste in music. Their approach to recording is pretty much in sync which makes them click as 2 Of A Kind.
In June, the sibling duo released “She’s Bad”, their first EP, through their Kindem Music label and Zojak World Wide. It contains six songs, including the title, a world beat-ish number reminiscent of Jimmy Cliff, circa 1969.
Shane, older of the two, said writing songs for the mainstream has never been their intention. But once it hits, they don’t mind.
“She's Bad is kind of lovers rock reggae, an authentic, unique vibes with a touch of ska, all wrapped up in adoration for a woman in 2 Of A Kind style and pattern,” he said.
Shawn added that, “As for eyeing the crossover market, it’s kinda like yes and no, but it’s more like we are eyeing that reggae song that can crossover, but staying true to the roots.”
2 Of A Kind are originally from St. Thomas parish in rural Jamaica. Influenced by acts like Bob Andy, Dennis Brown and Garnet Silk, they released their first album, “Nubian Star”, in 2004. “From The Roots”, the follow-up, was released in 2014.
During the seven-year break between album and EP, 2 Of A Kind’s members returned to school to get qualified academically. Shawn believes they have also come a far way musically.
“I think we have improved a great deal. Firstly, I think our voices have grown and somewhat matured, and you can hear it in this project compared to the previous project,” he said. “Even our ability to write songs and record has become much smoother.”
Written By Howard Campbell