Realistic Dreams, new musical release

Joseph Villafranco, a member of the renowned musical group Coolie Rebels, has branched out to recording music as a solo artist.  Mr. Joe, as he is popularly known, is releasing his debut album aptly titled Realistic Dreams, a compilation of mostly reggae songs that are influenced by his childhood in southern Belize.  The eleven-track disc was recorded and produced primarily by Villafranco at his home studio in Punta Gorda with assistance from several local talents before being sent abroad for its final polish.  Mr. Joe stopped by our News Five studio recently and told us all about the new album.

Joseph Villafranco, Member, Coolie Rebels Band

Joseph Villafranco

“This release really is a combination of mostly reggae music and it has a few R&B/Pop mix on it as well but it is mostly reggae music from original thing.”

Isani Cayetano

“I understand that you are a member of the group Coolie Rebels, nonetheless, this particular album is a departure from the sound that we have become accustomed to from them. Talk to us a bit about why you decided to go the solo route this time around.”

Joseph Villafranco

“Well reggae music has always been a passion of mine while growing up as a kid and the band provided an opportunity for me to just do my singing thing but the real passion is reggae and since the band is normally a punta, paranda, soca type music and that’s what they play, and so I wanted to do something on my own, me, that’s why I called it [that].”

Realistic Dreams is now available at all major music outlets countrywide.