You've heard of Impulse. Each year, he brings comic relief to Carnival, entertaining the masses with his strange twists to regular words, explicit to the trained ear and always enjoyed by many. He's been a part of the calypso and soca industry for quite some time and, in 2010, he continues to roll with the punches, even amid what he describes as little airplay by radio DJs in T&T. This year, with a track called Ah Frighten To Live, Impulse said he's exposing the elements of life that people endure but often fear speaking out on. He said: "Imagine a bandit rob you and you go to report it, only to see the same bandit in the police station dressed in uniform. You wouldn't be frightened?"
Together with a cast of other vocalists, Impulse has formed The Impulse Connection, a five-year-old unit that's made up of Ninjitsu, Chris Garcia, Clint Davis, Silver, 15-year-old Kizzy, Snakey, Sweet Jean and the Dancing Puppet and Impulse himself. They've already unleashed an album–Impulse Connection 5, but according to Impulse, the CD won't be available in record shops. "The album is sold where we perform and people can also call 366-4204 to order it." With 15 tracks, Impulse assures content that is lyrically engaging and unique. Included on the disc is a collaborative track with Snakey, called Ready for Carnival. He said this one's a jump-up track, which isn't getting enough love from the radio stations.
"They play Machel's music over and over. When these big artistes die out, what will become of the culture? They are not giving the younger artistes a chance to be heard." Impulse said, "The DJs aren't playing songs, they are playing names." For years, struggling artistes have cried out for more airplay on the nation's airwaves. Impulse said that in 2010, the radio personalities themselves have tracks and instead of playing the music of all artistes, they play their own music and that of their fellow professionals. For this reason, he's calling on the programme directors to actually listen to the music that comes into the radio stations. That issue aside, though, the Impulse Connection has chosen to fight the odds, taking their theatrical act on the road and performing for lounge and bar crowds across the country.
Both Impulse and Ninjitsu agree that the reception has been good and they've been approached for private performances at the less prominent all-inclusive events in the season. A former Asylum Band member, Ninjitsu is riding strong with the Impulse Connection. Never one to hold back on the issues that affect the people on the ground, he has lashed out this year with a track called Undercover Police. Like Impulse, he too claims to be receiving little or no airplay on the more prominent radio stations. On his departure from The Asylum Band, Ninjitsu said, "There is no bad blood. They said they were reconstructing the band." With clear focus and determination, Impulse and his Connection are ready to show the world the talent that lies within–all they ask is for a little more airplay.
