Catch Up On Your Soca: Top 10 2019 Trinidad Soca Riddims Released by Christmas Day
*Please note this article was published Dec. 25. 2108*
Historically, soca music for the upcoming year is often released in the fourth quarter of the year, months before Trinidad Carnival, giving people enough time to get accustomed to the music and get ready for the road. On one hand, some soca riddims (instrumentals) are released and reveal one main song, on the other hand, there are riddims that are released revealing multiple songs.
Masqueraders and those of us who keep up with the newly released music often have an idea of what songs would likely be played the most at the fetes or on the road, and go on to win Trinidad’s annual Road March competition (which tracks the songs played the most on the road at different judging stations along the designated route in Port of Spain, Trinidad). But soca lovers are often surprised by the songs that are released post-Boxing Day (Dec. 26), “late” a.k.a closer to Carnival, the songs that went overlooked on first listen, and the songs that went underestimated.
While soca music is arguably described as a seasonal genre, the genre has expanded globally, and so has the diaspora. There are multiple Carnivals held annually during the year in different islands, countries, and major cities. This has provided a space for artists to release songs throughout the year depending on the specific Carnival they may be preparing for. This growth has ultimately created an environment where soca junkies can be exposed to different cultures while they get their dose of soca music all year round.
Some people may be wondering if soca junkies ever get tired of soca music, or if we actually like every soca tune released. I personally do not ever get tired of listening to soca music, but I also do not favorite every tune released. I believe us soca lovers have favorites that fluctuate based off of many factors like how, where, and when we experience the song; whether that be in at home, on the road, or in a fete (party). I often have a favorite tune that I project to be popular during Carnival time that ends up receiving minimal road/radio/fete play.
As a soca junkie, I present to you all my “Top 10 2019 Trinidad Soca Riddims Released by Christmas Day”, followed by honorable mentions (there are plenty of riddims worth noting). At the conclusion of the blog post I list 17 soca songs released for 2019 that I cannot wait to hear during Trinidad Carnival 2019, and 5 soca songs released for 2018 that I hope to hear during Trinidad Carnival 2019.
“If yuh doh even know dat song catch up on your soca…” — R.A.W — GBM Nutron
Click the bolded song titles in this post that you haven’t heard yet and get acclimated quickly, Carnival is around the corner, and come Boxing Day, there will be many more tunes to keep up with.
The below list is a Top 10, #1 being the best so far. (The songs within the riddims that are listed are in order from favorite to least favorite).
Some of the criteria is based on:
A) How many times I have played it since it’s release
B) The variation in artiste features
C) The catchy and/or meaningful lyrics that can be found within the songs
D) The overall sound of the riddim instrumental and the vibes that it gives off
10. Want Riddim — Produced by Mical Teja | Mixed by Kevin ‘vexmony’ Beharry | Mastered by Precision Productions
9. Twin Flame Riddim — Produced|Mixed|Mastered by Advokit Productions in collaboration with Julian’s Promos
8. Hawt Wire Riddim — Produced by Hector “Mr Legz” Thomas for YTM Recordz | Mixed and mastered by Precision Productions
7. Brace Up Riddim — Produced by Keshav & Rakka | Mixed & Mastered by Precision Productions
6. Daybreak Riddim — Produced | Mixed | Mastered by Nikholai Greene
5. Ole Ting Riddim — Produced by Motto | Mixed by Teamfoxx | Mastered by Precision Productions
4. 10X Over Riddim — Produced | Mixed | Mastered by: Precision Productions
3. Toco Loco — Produced by TJ Records Mixed by Hitgruves Music | Mastered by Birch Hill Record
2. Bring It Back Riddim — Produced by David Bishop of Lanzie Music, Gideon Bishop of GMS Productions & Nikholai Greene | Mixed by Nikholai Greene | Mastered by Precision Productions
1.Osaka Riddim — Produced | Mixed | Mastered by Precision Productions
Voice ft, Bishop Anstey High School Choir — Alive and Well
Kerwin Dubois — Right For Somebody
Honorable mentions (in no particular order): Purple Heart Riddim, Queens Riddim, 4th Quarter Riddim, Foli Riddim, Ghostbusters Riddim, Tight Squeeze Riddim, Do This Riddim, Jollof Rice Riddim, Lavway Riddim, Lost and Found Riddim, Kickstand riddim, Jamish Riddim, Bantu Village Riddim, CornerRock Riddim, and Beng Riddim.
17 Soca Songs Released for Carnival 2019 That I Cannot Wait To Hear During Trinidad Carnival:
GBM Nutron — EOTY (Employee Of The Year)
Iwer George — Road March Bacchanal 2
Kerwin Dubois, Lyrical, Teddyson John- Speechless
5 Soca Songs Released For 2018 That I Hope To Hear During Trinidad Carnival 2019:
GBM Milko — Fuel (2018 but re-released for 2019)
Lil Natty x Thunda — Get In Your Section
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