Listen to Caribbean Music
Kees Dieffenthaller
and Kes, the Band

Rising star of soca, reggae, calypso and Caribbean Pop...

Listen to Caribbean music and you'll hear rising stars like Kes, the band.

Their lead singer Kees Dieffenthaller is one of the new faces of Caribbean music whose blend of calypso-inspired melodies and soulful vocals, fused with rock riffs and island beats that hint of soca and reggae, is best described as Caribbean Pop.

In a relatively short period Kes has achieved astonishing worldwide success; won numerous awards; opened for acts such as Rihanna, Sean Paul, Usher, Musiq Soul Child, and John Legend; performed at major events in the United States, Canada and Germany; and had their music featured on MTV and BET.

It's their unique style and versatility that has elevated Kes, the band and Kees Dieffenthaller to stardom, allowing them to become a household name in Trinidad & Tobago, and throughout the Caribbean.

We caught up with Kees (pronounced Kess) and the band, on a short break between performing in New York, and preparing to leave for Miami:

When you listen to Caribbean music
it seems to be going through an evolution of sorts. Tell our readers about your music...

Kees Dieffenthaller: Well, when I was growing up I was exposed to many genres of music, and I realized at a young age that every type of music has a soul. It is this appreciation for music on a whole that affects my writing.

When I write music it's a piece of me. And there's no one type of music that defines who I am. So that's why the music we create is such a mix. We refuse to be pigeonholed to a particular style or sound. Music is universal. We are not just a Soca band from Trinidad and Tobago. Kes is a Caribbean popular music band.

You said the Bob Marley was one of your biggest influences. Which Trinidadian artists have had an influence on your music?

Kees Dieffenthaller: David Rudder, Tambu and the Charlie's roots movement, the Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener, the Mighty Spoiler, Ras Shorty I, Andre Tanker, Shadow, Ataklan, Orange Sky, Xtatic and any artiste/group who dares to be different, and to elevate the music and culture in Trinidad and Tobago.

Kees Dieffenthaller: It was all part of the journey. Having a lot of options at a young age is a difficult thing. I had to really listen to my gut, and trust in God's calling to make the choice to do music full time at 18.

Going to Pres (Presentation Collage) and CIC (2 of Trinidad's best schools) played a valuable role in my development as an individual. I understand what it is to be a nerd, an athlete, a rock star, an artist, and everything in between.

Clumsy, sensitive and creative is how you once described yourself. On other occasions you referred to yourself as being a nerd. This is definitely not the persona we see when you perform. How does being considered a sex symbol sit with your more reserved nature?

Kees Dieffenthaller: To some people, me being a sex symbol is kinda funny. Actually, I'm very comfortable with my sexual side, and while I love the attention from the ladies, I don't think of it too much.

Creativity and music often comes from that place, so that's why on stage that side may come out more. I believe when there's an avenue to express that side of yourself, it helps all the other aspects of your character. When I'm off stage I tend to be on the quiet side, and I'd rather observe people than be observed.

Kees Dieffenthaller: Trinbagonians can be highly critical, but it works to our advantage. This means that every time we perform it's got to be better than the last.

Music is a very performance driven industry, in that, you are only as good as your last live show, and this is how it should be I think. A hot song on the radio can only carry you so far. You got to deliver, live. So when we travel we have this mentality, and to some audiences overseas our energy is like nothing they've ever seen before.

One of our most memorable experiences has to be our impromptu performance with "Patti La Belle" during the Tobago jazz festival. It was raw, real, and very spur of the moment.

Which of your songs do you think people unfamiliar with your music would enjoy the most?

Kees Dieffenthaller: Depends on what you're into, I think, and if you listen to Caribbean music or not... cause we have a range. It could be the inspirational laid-back track like "Lion" ...or the rock/ reggae vibe "Runaway" ...or, if you like to dance, it could be "Right Dey" or "Stalker".

You are part Carib. How does it feel to know that your roots lead back to the first Trinidadians?

Kees Dieffenthaller: Being part Carib is something I treasure. I truly believe that this is my land, and it will always live in me, even if I have to leave these shores.

We know you seek out the most secluded places to get away. What are the 3 places you most enjoy visiting in Trinidad and Tobago, and why?

Kees Dieffenthaller: Tobago, it's a beautiful getaway that's just next door. I always seem to discover something new on every visit. Toco is another; the air is different, the Leatherback sea turtles, the dramatic beach scenery, and the night sky. Then there's Mayaro; although I wouldn't just jump into the sea cause it's not always that safe, but there's a special vibe about that place. I'm actually gonna do a writing session down in Mayaro soon.

We guess that's where you go to listen to the lullaby of the Trade Winds as they hum through the coconut trees, a place where you can truly listen to Caribbean music - Trinidad music, the natural rhythm of the island.

What is the one thing you'd most like to tell people about Trinidad?

Kees Dieffenthaller: Trinidad is a true integration of cultures and races.

And, they should come for Carnival... Oh, and Trinidad food, that's 3 things, sorry. Ha-ha!

What's the most important thing readers should know when they visit Trinidad and Tobago?

Kees Dieffenthaller: Don't expect a "pina colada on the beach" kind of experience. However, when you leave Trinidad and Tobago, if you took time to experience the culture and the people, you will be coming back.

Are there any projects you are working on at the present time that you would like to tell our readers about?

Kees Dieffenthaller: We're writing new music, planning some exciting collaborations, and touring quite a bit. But don't worry we'll keep you in the loop!

Our single "Stalker", off our album "On in 5", has garnered quite a bit of international attention, and is doing well on charts both locally and internationally. You can find it online at iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and CD Baby. The music video, which hit the top ten on nearly all of the music video countdowns featuring Caribbean music, hit number one on Toronto-Lime.

Blessings! Thanks to all our fans for the support. It's been amazing!

For more information and to listen to Caribbean music check out
Kes the Band on MySpace, Kes the Band on Facebook and this short bio.

Kees Dieffenthaller, thanks for the interview.
Good luck with your upcoming tour.
We look forward to seeing you at the top of the international charts.