MDV

Reggae music for the 21st century  

One Style - one LOVE, one style of music - reggae

M.D.V.  Many Different Variations - To emphasise and demonstrate 
the different styles of reggae and beyond within the bands repertoire.

History

Formally know as ONE STYLE MDV, this reggae band has been 
together for over 20 years friends and through several 
transformations.  They made their name on the live circuit in the 
80's and 90's with fresh sounds and concepts within the world of 
reggae when the influence was turning towards the 'Bling'.  

Beginning their journey within the local community scene in the 
London boroughs of Hackney and Islington, the band soon started 
to build up a regular underground following and a reputation for 
their professionalism and reliability.   One Style's gigs ranged from 
charities / community events, the pub circuit and clubs.   

As the bands sound improved through maturity, they were soon in 
further demand from larger events across London with 
organisations such as the Notting Hill Carnival, Anti Racism 
festivals, Anti Apartheid etc and had massive critical success on 
the alternative circuit around greater London.

One Style have always maintained their aim to play live music 
which is what they have enjoyed the most.  Their unconventional 
simple line up of bass, guitar and drum has surprised audiences 
due to their overall sound, the dynamics they create and the 
movement within their music which has always set them apart from 
the rest.  They have always been described as 'Tight' which is 
their trademark.  

The bands objective has always been to ensure that their lyrics 
had meaning which are uplifting or encourages the listener to think 
about themselves and the world we live in to compliment the 
music.  This added strength to the music is what has connected 
them to diverse communities and audiences they represent.  
Incorporated with their individual personal influences that range 
from classic reggae, roots and culture, soul, blues, jazz, ska, rock, 
Hip Hop etc, its difficult to pigeon hole the band or put them in a 
single category although they have been compared to Steel Pulse, 
Sly and Robbie, The Wailers, Burning Spear and even The Police.    

Artists

One Style MDV have been blessed by being in a position to share 
the stage with a number of artists and gained respect from their 
contemparies for what they had to offer the world of reggae.  
They've played with the legend Burning Spear as well as Gregory 
Isaacs, Aswad, Maxi Priest, Misty in Roots, Winston Reedy and 
The Mad Professor.  Of course being on the alternative scene, the 
band has shared the stage with bands from the world of rock such 
as the Asian Dub Foundation, Super Furry Animals, The LA's, Yr Anhrefn, 
The Blaggers, The Levellers and Back To The Planet.

An important influence for the band was when they played with Joe 
Strummer of The Clash extensively during a Rock Against The Rich 
tour of Great Britain where they built up a lasting friendship and 
mutual admiration.  Joe Strummer requested One Style MDV to be 
his support band throughout his own tour the following year as he 
believed in the bands message and energy.

The natural progression has been for One Style MDV to travel and 
again they've been blessed by being able to express themselves 
to lovers of reggae in Spain, Belgium, France, Germany and 
Ireland.  The band played to great success at every venue and the 
most rewarding aspect was the response from people after the 
shows to sit down and 'reason' due to the overall vibes created on 
the night.  This has also been another solid trademark of the band 
who recognise that communication is the key.

'Big Respect' must go out to Mat Runacre for his unconditional 
support throughout the years as he is responsible for organising 
many of the bands shows and contacts.  info@mdv.org.uk

New Direction - Sweet Reggae Music

M.D.V. in its new format will inevitably continue to produce reggae 
that will stretch the perception of those who presume 'they know'.  
The band has always used its own original material and have only 
scratched the surface in terms of what they can offer.  Their 'live' 
sets are what has established them as a force to be reckoned with 
as audiences benefit from hearing a different rendition of their 
material.  The recording format is simply another place to 
experiment and the future is bright.  

Always making new friends and connections, MDV's commitment 
and dedication has inspired younger artists and musicians to 
maintain their dreams and take the industry more seriously. MDV 
have been working in collaboration with a number of local artists 
and it was for this reason why it felt more appropriate for the name 
to change as the vibes and numbers grew stronger although the 
core of the band remains the same. The example would be with 
Korus who are a three piece vocal group from Hackney who write 
their own songs but have combined forces with MDV to execute a 
modern soulful reggae sound on 'Keep It Real'.  

  The truth is that it's time to 'Wake Up' which is a track that features on the latest Dub Mixes to hit the presses. (Lp/CD  spring 2006)   
 

Discography  

Jump For Joy / His Majesty:  Promotional single  Boot Records

International Struggle:            Crai Records
Everything is for a time
Feelings
Your Love
Jump For Joy
Open Road
Teef In the Night
His Majesty
 


Right To Say:            Crai Records

Right 2 Say (Part 1)  
Lend A Hand
System
Sardines in a Can
Praise His Name 
Spiritual Bow
Crossroads 
Bad Boy Company
Gunrunner
Love Along The Dub
Sweet Reggae Music
Conciasous Yout'
Right 2 Say (Part 2)



MDV   -  Style one                 TMPQ -  2004

Don't You Care
Wake Up
Keep It Real
No Fear
Down Ism Capital
Who R You?
So Good