Stonetree Records releases 10 year anniversary CD

If you are looking for a great last minute Christmas gift, think music…more specifically think music “From Bakabush.” Over the last ten years, Stonetree Records has been tucked away in Benque producing everything from Punta, Paranda, Cungo, and Brukdown. And now for the first time, they are putting some of their favourites on one disc.

Janelle Chanona, Reporting
On the occasion of its ten year anniversary, this month, Stonetree Records has released its debut compilation CD called, ?From Bakabush?.

The collection of songs includes the work of Belizean, Honduran, and Guatemalan artists.

Ivan Duran, Producer/Founder, Stonetree Records
?It boils down to continuity, it boils down to a feeling and how the album flows. And in this case for example, you?ll notice that there?s no Punta Rock songs, so it?s a very mellow album, very acoustic, very roots; but very modern at the same time.?

According to founder and producer Ivan Duran, the album defines the spirituality that surrounds Stonetree.

Ivan Duran
?I took the decision when I founded Stonetree to be based in Benque mainly because I really enjoyed the tranquillity of recording music in a quiet environment…and that has nothing to do with sound proofing a building. I think it?s more than that; it?s taking the time to create and to produce music. And so I guess the title of the CD summarises that emotion that I feel and that attachment I feel for where Stonetree is based.?

Duran admits that it was extremely difficult to choose only ten songs to represent the label. But already the album?s warm reception has prompted producers to plan the release of other collections.

Ivan Duran
?I think Stonetree will be doing a lot more of that in the near future. Next year we plan two compilations, one is a first annual Punta Rock compilation and a second one that will be Belize compilation with the best music from Belize, not only Stonetree artists and recordings, but other recordings as well.?

?So I am encouraging people to not only go out and buy this CD, but actually take the time to explore the depth and the range of artists that are in this CD. And hopefully if you like one, support this artist by buying the full length album of that artists or buying other local artists. I think it?s important. I think in the last few years I think we have lost that connection with the Belizean public in terms of supporting and feeling that when you buy an album, you are actually supporting that particular artist.?

Reporting for News Five, I am Janelle Chanona.

“Bakabush” is available from record stores countrywide and online at www.stonetreerecords.com. The album also includes a twenty minute video.