PATRA: Continuing The Journey

Let’s hop right into this new single, “Gimmi Way” —Tell me about this particular track; how did it even come to fruition?

My producer, General Degree, knew I was working on songs for my new, upcoming album. Degree sent over “Gimmi Way,” and we started vibing on it. The song has many flavors – Dancehall, Hip Hop – and it makes a statement that Dancehall, Reggae, Jamaican music is still alive. One thing I will always do, and that is remember my culture and keep that on the forefront of my music. “Gimmi Way” is an example of that.

That said, how then does “Gimmi Way” measure up to previous Patra entries?

It’s a whole new vibe. Very edgy and rooted in the tradition of Dancehall. Not saying my prior works weren’t, but “Gimmi Way” is more upfront.

Although you’ve actually released a couple of indie projects since ’95’s sophomore set, Scent of Attraction, specifically when speaking of the U.S. you have remained largely absent from the music scene as of late…

So that said, where exactly have you been? And, what all had / have you been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, during this lengthy musical hiatus?

I took time off to relax and do other things. Opened a restaurant, Chateau Seven Gourmet Restaurant in Kingston, Jamaica. I love to cook for friends and colleagues, especially dishes that are deeply rooted in the Jamaican culture. Therefore, I entered a culinary school for five years, which included catering for the EU, the US Embassy and the United Nations. Since then, Chateau Seven Gourmet Restaurant earned rave reviews from outlets, such as The New York Times, and I’ve been busy since then.

Now what actually prompted your return to the music, specifically here and now in 2023, business?

I started working on new songs, and decided it was time to record new material to give the fans, who have stayed by my side, something new – as well as hopefully attract new fans as well.

What all; i.e., production credit(s), cameo appearance(s), favorite composition(s), can actually be expected from your upcoming new album?

I ‘m collaborating with producers General Degree, Teflon, Eddie Galen and Don Fen. There will be songs reflecting more of a Pop-sounding vibe, such as “Changes” and “Hush” – which were produced by Eddie Galen in L.A..At the same time, the upcoming album will have plenty of tunes reflective of Dancehall / Rap / Reggae.

Compare yourself now to Patra circa 1993?

The Patra then was a young woman who was new to the business, had a great support team, such as Vivian Scott Chew – former exec at Epic Records – who A&R’d my records then. The Patra of today is a businesswoman, entrepreneur and artist who has combined all that I learned from the past and applying it to the present.

Besides music and entertainment, do you have any other aspirations that’d you’d also like to branch out and pursue futuristically speaking?

Continuing to make music, stay healthy (!), run my restaurant, and be happy.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music? And, even more specifically, Dancehall, or the lack thereof?

There are a few new artists who are carrying the torch, so to speak, and I’m happy to see that happen. We need to have newer, younger artists to carry on the tradition.

Where are all the artists; Super Cat, Mad Cobra, ShabbaRanks, Diana King, Barrington Levy, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, Bounty Killer, etcetera, that sparked off that whole huge trend of blending Dancehall and Hip Hop, which really became an entire movement?

We’re still here! I’ll be with Shabba and Barrington at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, during the month of June. They’re still touring and performing.

How do you see that the music industry’s either changed and / or evolved since your whole inception into it way back in ’93?

There are more artists going the independent route than before, thanks to technology and the access to more platforms to showcase music.

What do you want people to get from your music?

What fans can expect from the new music is The Queen of the Pack is continuing the journey. Giving my longtime fans what they want – quality music. This is all natural to me, and what I’m meant to do.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I love my fans! They’ve been loyal since the beginning of my career. We interact on my Instagram platforms, and so far they like the “Gimmi Way” single very much. They also follow my fitness journey and restaurant work online as well.

What is your favorite part about this line of work?

Interacting with my fans, making quality music and getting ready to tour.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Be yourself, believe in yourself, follow through with your dreams, passions and goals. Have a solid team that supports you and your direction. Treat others with great kindness.

What’s next for the self-proclaimed “Queen of the Pack?”

Completing my upcoming album (soon to be titled) with the producers, and getting ready to tour.

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Get ready and be ready! The Queen of the Dancehall Pack is back!!