Meta And The Cornerstones Album Listening Party A Success
On Thursday, March 14, 2013, Tammany Hall hosted the listening party for Meta and the Cornerstones’ forthcoming album, Ancient Power. The by invitation only event, hosted by Pat McKay of Sirius XM Radio, was presented by Metarize Music Group, VicRae Inc., VPAL Music and VP Records.
The event, which was attended in large part by media, industry executives and specially invited guests, got underway at 9 pm with a brief introduction by Pat McKay. The band took the stage and performed a 30 minute acoustic set that included singles Roaring Lions, Bound to Glory, Anywhere For Love, Silence of the Moon and Without Heart. Thereafter, Ms. McKay returned to the stage to moderate a Q&A session in which media houses were allowed to ask lead singer Meta Dia questions about the album, working with Damian Marley, U Roy, Capleton and recording in Jamaica at Tuff Gong studios. Poised and eloquent in his responses, Meta expressed his pride in the project and working with legendary reggae artists. “I was privileged to work with the musicians and artists that I did on the album. I truly mean that and cannot stress that enough. I am very proud of the end result and I hope that the masses will agree that it is an album worth having and listening to.”
In addition to the Q&A session, Meta’s father, Papa Yaya Dia, remarked, “I am very proud of my son. I have witnessed his hard work and dedication and I am happy that he is making great strides. He not only makes his family proud but also our Senegalese culture. I love him.” Serigne Cheikh Modou Kara Cisse, First Secretary of the Consulate General of Senegal New York Office, also shared the sentiments of Meta’ father by adding, “Meta’ music is heartfelt, positive and sincere. He makes us all very proud. And the fact that he collaborated with one of Bob Marley’s children speaks volumes. This is truly amazing.” Humbled by all the comments, Meta thanked everyone for their love and support and performed Concrete Jungle, one of his favorite Bob Marley singles and Somewhere in Africa to close.
On April 30, 2013, Meta and The Cornerstones will release their sophomore album, Ancient Power, with a performance at Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street, New York, New York. The 14 track album, Executive produced by Meta Dia and Co-produced by Sidney Mills, was recorded in Kingston, Jamaica at Tuff Gong Studios. The album features collaborations with reggae artists, U-Roy, Capleton and Damian Marley. Additionally, Meta worked musicians such as Dean Fraser, Julian Marley, Mikey Chung, Wayne “C-Sharp” Clarke and Wilburm “Squidly” Cole, among others, on the album.
