There are artist who do more than create art – they live and embody their artistic expressions in every facet of their being. These talented individuals have the ability to reconstruct their vision of the world into a palatable artistic commodity for all of us to enjoy.
Vocalist and reggae artist Jah Goatfish is one of those artists.
His medium? Music.
Goatfish, however, does more then create music. He has the ability to make music express the way he interacts with the world.
Originally from Panama, Goatfish sees almost all situations as musical interactions. “There is music in everything if you pay attention,” Goatfish says. “I’m able to express myself on a very soulful level by creating music that represents the full spectrum of emotions that weencounter
everyday in our lives.”
Music is a metaphysical language Goatfish says and one of the oldest and most powerful tools that people have the ability to tap into. “As the Parliament-Funkadelics once said, ‘Funk cannot onlymove, but remove.’”
Goatfish believes in the power ofmusic, and believes we often take for granted how music can be utilized in many beneficial ways, such as healing, therapy and as a spiritual practice to raise our consciousness and awareness.
“Much of our culture today has become mechanical andprogrammed – which removes us from our natural essence,” he says and hopes to help infuse art back into the culture, to allow us to get back to a place of a deeper understanding of the possibilities of what life could entail.
“Our current culture climate affirms some of the worst parts of our nature and affirms these characteristics through programmed repetition. Things such as television programming and major entertainment outlets that emphasize self-destructive behavior,” Goatfish says.
“I cannot understand why we glorify and consume violence and self-destruction on a regular basis. Similarly to the food that we eat, the media weconsume, does not simply disappear, but leaves a residue which affects the way we think. We currently live in a hyper-militaristic society that does not adequately leave room for the creation of art and expression or any type of feminine energy. We have allowed ourselves to devolve into a place where we love war and applaud over aggression.”
Goatfish points out that newly elected President Donald Trump is the embodiment of many of these characteristics, and notes that we have created the perfect climate for someone like that to come to power. He fears that we will push so far in that direction that we will create an artless society that is incapable of empathy.
“Much of the art we consume now is mechanical, pre-programmed and comes with an agenda – which should alarm all of us, as creating art is one of the core principles of any holistically successful culture or society,” Goatfish explains. “One of the reasons I believe Black people around the world have been able to create such powerfulart, is because they have a unique ability to put spiritual flames into the soul of our music, which allows it to resonate at a more palpable frequency with those that hear it.”
The focus on what type of vibes one allows to resonate in their spirit is essential to Goatfish’s philosophy.
“You have to start with yourself,” he says, “holistic good vibrations, and that is a principal you must put into practice on a daily basis.”
Goatfish fundamentally believes to know thyself is a key principal of a holistically healthy lifestyle, and once we understand ourselves, we can refine and craft our own behavior.
Goatfish has embraced music from every region of the earth, as well as an amazing array of different sounds within that sphere. Everything from merengue, to classical, to Afro-Beat and punk rock groups like Bad Brains have intrigued and influenced the music he creates.
“Having such a wide variety of styles to choose from helps shape my music, and allows me not to be limited.”
Goatfish has been playing music since his teenageyears, and has remained just as passionate about the process of creation ‘till this day. He has played everything from pure James Brown-style funk, to slow ballads. He treasures his ability to be able to bend genres and rub one genre right against another, which allows him to infuse any type of energy he sees fit into his performances.
Goatfish has quite the busy schedule lined up for the next couple ofmonths, and is looking forward to producing quite a bit music in this next stage of his career.
On Feb. 12, Goatfish will have an intimate performance with Denver keyboardist Dr. Michael Williams, where they will be performing the smooth music of Brazilian pop artist Djavan. There will be a short Q&A when attendees will be able to ask questions and get to know him (and Dr. Williams) “Up Close and Personal” at Jazz at Jacks in downtown Denver. On Sunday, March 19, Goatfish and Fiends will be performing for a special Pisces Birthday Party with DUS publisher Bee Harris’ birthday at the Kasbah Nightclub in Aurora. And kicking off the 30th-anniversary celebrations for DUS, Goatfish will be performing with some of Denver’s most talented musicians on April 26 at the Clocktower Cabaret in downtown Denver.
“I want to continue helping kids from our community be able to practice music as so many of them lack the opportunity for a musical outlet in any other capacity,” he says.
Editor’s note: For more information on Jah Goatfish, call 720-849-4197, email info@jahgoatfish.rocks or visit www.jahgoatfish.rocks. To view Goatfish’s musical talent, visit bit.ly/2jnvNvV.
