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Tom Jones, the ‘singjay’ known as 1Panic – or just Panic to those close to him – is carving out space for aspiring musicians with The Compound, which marks its first anniversary on Tuesday, February 25. What started as casual jam sessions in his backyard has grown into Tuesday Service – Dub Squad Live, a weekly event series. Located in the heart of Kingston, The Compound isn’t just a space but a place where young artistes can experiment, create, and sharpen their craft without restrictions.
“We jus deh yah as musicians and we just take the equipment out of the rehearsal space and put them in the backyard one day, and just decide seh we ago rehearse and play some music. And, we start dat and we brethren dem just start come watch, dem start come play, and more people start come and it just turn into something,” Panic told The Gleaner.
“Whether people did come or not, this is what we do. But they came, and more people kept coming, musicians joined in, and eventually, it grew into something beyond our wildest dreams,” he said.
The Compound has now grown into a fully-equipped creative space, offering rehearsal areas, studios, and writing spaces to inspire artistes and help them refine their sound. The initiative’s unique open-door policy invites musicians – both veterans and upcoming, to step up and share their talents during Tuesday Service.
In the past year, the venue has showcased some well known talents like Lila Iké, Kabaka Pyramid, Jesse Royal, D’Yani, Maxi Priest, and Turbulence.
Lila Iké, one of the first to perform at Tuesday Service, told The Gleaner that The Compound is a place for artistes to express themselves authentically.
“It’s a nurturing environment that encourages creativity without judgement. That’s a rare find,” she said.
Though located on Lancelin Avenue in Kingston, The Compound’s influence reaches well beyond the local community.
“Many young musicians are motivated to perform at Dub Squad Live. Whether they play the saxophone, steel pan, or guitar, they want to be involved as there’s no space like this right now. Daily, youths approach me saying, ‘Panic, thank you for this space.’ But I owe them as much gratitude because it’s their presence that makes it what it is,” Panic said.
As Tuesday Service celebrates its first anniversary, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has partnered with Panic and his team for a special edition at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. The event will bring together renowned reggae artistes to honour the growth of The Compound. JCDC’s involvement signifies a larger recognition of a grassroots movement that embodies the essence of Jamaica’s rich musical heritage.
Panic has high hopes for The Compound. While it has already made a positive impact on many lives, he wants to expand its reach and connect young musicians with a global audience.
“What I ultimately would like to do is to introduce the world to the great talent here so that these people can go out there and actually charge and make a living from what they love doing. I want them to monetise their talent and have things too. Dem need big house and nice cars too, they are talented and they work hard. The ultimate goal is for people to start appreciate di youth dem fi wah dem do and can do,” Panic highlighted.
Young artistes eager to perform can easily participate by reaching out to The Compound via social media.
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