Shawn, how long have you been doing music?
I started learning to play the guitar at around the age of 7 and I'm now 25 years old. So if you're counting from then, it's quite a number of years.

Give us a brief history behind the name "Da Mastamind" and Mastamind Productions.
Well the name "Da Mastamind" was actually given to me by Bunji Garlin back when I was a member of his Asylum Band. The name was earned because of my ability to play most of the instruments in the band.
Mastamind Productions was formed in 2005 along with my wife Natasha. The company, based in Brooklyn NY, started off offering services mainly in music production, artist management and development as well as some consultancy. We have had a fair measure of success in our endeavors so far having put out a number of albums. Some of our productions have gone on to win major titles and awards and for this we are grateful. Mastamind Productions continues to cater to both established artiste and newcomers alike.

Who are some of the other people you have worked with?
I've done productions for the likes of Shurwayne Winchester, Maximus Dan, Bunji Garlin, Gailann, Benjai, Naya George, Precious, Lyrikal, De Postman, Pelf, Mistah Shak, Collis Duranty, Yung Fire, Rikki Jai, Leon Coldero, Tigress, Nadia Batson, Shyann Bailey, Faye-Ann Lyons, Crazy, Terri Lyons, Tallpree, Pupa L'eendi, Maisha Zuri Performing Choir, Augusta, Ms Alysha, Bumper Soprano, 3 Suns, Third Bass, Eustace Bessor, Collie Buddz, Adrian Dutchin, Bomani, Naki, Val and others.

Apart from Soca what other genres you have touched?
I have done production of some reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, pop, chutney-soca, parang, soca-parang. I kinda love everything.

Your carnival 2009 season was a successful one, Rum and Roti mash up de fetes. Did you anticipate the track having such a massive impact?
To be honest, once the track was done, we did have a good feeling about it. However, I didn't foresee the response that it received or the success of it. I'm just thankful to all the DJ's and fans for the love.

Your latest tune "Wuk-Up Heaven" has some interesting lyrics. What inspired the track?
Well to be honest, I built the beat with the Crop Over season in mind but not even knowing who was going to sing on it, far less for what I would sing on it. I had it playing while I was doing dishes (yeah! that rare occasion) and got the idea for the hook of the song. I'm still not sure what really inspired it other than my utmost love and appreciation of the ladies. Who else would rule in "Wuk-Up Heaven"?
I started developing the verses and was later on helped by my brother-from-another-mother, Lyrikal to bring the song to what it is now.

Will you be releasing a music video for Wuk-Up Heaven?
What other reason is there for doing what we do? Fans and supporters have a lot to do with the music that we produce We are already exploring our options where the video is concerned but, yes, we will be releasing one.

Your fans have supported your music for years and have loved the music you produce. Do you think this has inspired you to continue to produce good music?
What other reason is there for doing what we do? Fans and supporters have a lot to do with the music that we produce. I'm always looking and trying to pay attention to what they like, what they respond positively to and what appeals to them. We always welcome feedback on the material we release so that we know how best to cater to them and their musical needs. I am sincerely appreciative of the love and support we've received thus far.

You work out of the USA but like "Ah true Trini" make it back each year for Carnival. What do you think of Soca music's acceptance internationally?
Soca is gradually making inroads where worldwide acceptance is concerned. However, as I always say, we as Trinis and West Indians on the whole need to show real love and appreciation for what is ours before we can expect anyone else to pay attention to us.

What do you think as ambassadors of the art form we need to do more to speed the process of making Soca music mainstream?
I think we need to seriously look at ways and means of improving our product in order to make it more appealing to the worldwide market. We also need to treat what we do more as business and less like a hustle; we lack professionalism and expertise and need to make drastic improvements if we are to make movements into the international mainstream market.

For carnival 2009 you joined forces with Shurwayne Winchester in the band Y.O.U. How did this come about?
My being invited to join the frontline of Y.O.U. was unexpected. Shurwayne and myself have a good friendship and working relationship and I guess I gave a good enough showing of myself during the Carnival 2009 season. When I first got the invitation I was thinking "Huh? Me? In a frontline? Naaaahh!!!" But I accepted it as the beginning of another chapter in my musical journey and I'm very thankful for the opportunity thus far and very happy to be a part of that family because that's what it is.

Trinidad Carnival has just ended and the 2010 season is some months away. Have you started working on tracks for Carnival 2k10?
We're working on music to be released throughout the year. My focus isn't on releasing music for the Carnival season only. I actually resent the fact that we only really conentrate on our music for only 3 or 4 months out of the year. In my opinion, there is no reason why we can't release our music outside of the confines of the Carnival season.

What can people expect from Ma$tamind in the future?
Well later on this year (around November) we're carded to release my first solo album so far entitled "Foolish Brilliance", as well our Christmas compilation "A Mastamind Christmas" - pt. 4, as well as a couple more projects we're working on. We're just looking to continue putting out good music for the fans to enjoy all year round.

Any final word for your fans?
Nothing is possible without God! Put Him first in all that you do. Love and respect yourselves and each other. Thank you for all the continued love and support of my music and Calypso/Soca music on the whole. We appreciate it and we appreciate you. Love you all!

To find out more about Ma$tamind and keep in touch visit the following links:

Read the Bio of Shawn Da Mastamind Noel

Visit Mastamind's Official Website

Shawn Mastamind Noel MySpace Page

Mastamind Productions MySpace Page

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