Biography
read full storyThe Katalys Crew is a dynamic force in Reggae music. For over four years the band has proven that a collective consciousness can indeed produce life-changing experiences. Formed in 2003, the band launched its first album in June 2004, the release was indeed a true testament to the future successful journey and destination of this group. Dubbed by industry insiders as one of the biggest, most intriguing and captivating launches ever in Jamaica. Over 7000 people gathered in Kingston's Emancipation Park to witness and celebrate the creative, inspirational, spiritual and powerful musical expressions of Katalys Crew.
Despite being only four years old The Katalys Crew has been through its share of change. The band started with 9 members but today features a stage aggregation of 5. According to band Leader Paul Barclay, the Katalys Crew today is growing and maturing and always more and more reflecting the bands spiritual leadership and collective vision.
THE MEMBERS:
PAUL BARCLAY (Bassist, Vocals), the founder and leader of the band, having recalled his love for chemistry in high school, adopts the meaning of the one word that seemed to have left an indelible mark on his mind: 'catalyst' - an agent which has the ability to instigate change without itself being transformed. His dream was to utilize music as the springboard for change without loosing the essence of its message. As a result, "Katalys" was born.
COURICK CLARKE (Keyboards, Vocals) one of the brightest young keyboard players and upcoming producers in Jamaica at present, joined the band during the 2003 National Gospel Festival Finals and has proven to be an excellent team-player.
KEMOY ROWE R.A.D.I.C (Lead Vocals) 'Righteousness And Divinity In Christ' was first to team up with visionary Paul Barclay and became a Katsjam Recording Artiste. RADIC is the lead singer and DJ and is a very strong songwriter.
COLLIN WHYTE (Guitarist, Vocals) is the founder of the original Ruff Cut Crew that toured with international stars such as Gregory Isaacs, Ken Boothe and Shabba Ranks. The Crew waited two years for the right guitarist and Collin perfectly compliments the band.
Central to the Crew's stability is their collective belief in Jesus Christ. The solid foundation of God given values honed by this strong faith, has obviously translated into a desire to positively affect the local and international community.
As accomplished musicians, the Crew is on a constant quest to explore other musical dimensions. Despite the members relative youth, the Katalys Crew represents many years of experience in the Jamaican music industry allowing for a captivating mix of the traditional elements of Reggae music with the creativity and passion of youth.
Because the Crew sees itself as an Agent of Change, the journey is a conscious one. It is a journey that supports the mission of KatsJam Records, to positively transform the minds of many through the messages in the unique language of reggae music. It is this vision of long term change that fuels the energies within the group. The intention is to continually be fresh and current while remaining true to their stated vision.
Since the launch in 2004, Katalys Crew also launched its Album in May 2005 in the Bronx New York. This event, produced by the group which was dubbed "A Gift to Mom" was also a major success. 2005 recorded other notable achievements. The band has performed in Grand Cayman and St Martin and along with renowned gospel artiste Cece Wynans, shared the headline for Antigua's Independence celebrations.
Katalys Crew was also awarded Album of the Year at the Caribbean Gospel Music Awards in March 2005. Adding commercial production to its credit, the Victoria Mutual Building Society's promotional audio and video for the U.S. market was produced and filmed by the Katalys Crew and at present is being shown in the United States and on all Air Jamaica flights.
The members have been associated with well known Jamaican artistes such as Ernie Smith, Papa San, Judy Mowatt, Luciano, Carlene Davis, just to name a few. Since 2003 the band has been responsible for support music at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) annual gospel festival competition and also as featured guest for the three consecutive years.
The Katalys Crew was the resident band for "First Sundays Unchained" held every first Sunday at the Life of Jamaica Auditorium for three years. The event features artistes such as Luciano, Warrior King, George Nooks, and Ken Boothe. This is a charitable venture to promote education in the prisons of Jamaica under the Student Expressing Truth - (SET) programme.
Katalys Crew is the recipient of the Caribbean Gospel Award for Best Gospel Album for Open Your Eyes in 2005 and Top Caribbean Gospel Group in 2006.
They also received the Maja Award for song of the year in 2006 and were nominated in every possible category in the competition, a first in the Maja Awards. Katalys Crew also received seven nominations in the Marlin Marlin Awards including song of the year.
In 2007 the album Open Your Eyes was nominated for album of the year by IRWAMA.
The group performed at the award ceremonies held at the Apollo Theatre during the month of May when they embarked on a four week tour in the U.S. to promote their new album "4 A REASON", The Crew had the distinguished honor of being the opening act for Morgan Heritage at the Coral Springs Performing Arts Center in July 2007 where their summer US tour was launched.
Katalys Crew - an Agent for Change, the visionary, continues to lead the way on the international stage with inspirational reggae sounds. It is clear that success has only begun for this band, and with its clear sense of spiritual consciousness and unity, the dedication to ignite a positive awakening of the human spirit throughout the universe, will no doubt produce a ripple effect of ultimate awareness of the power of positive messages.