Memphis Music Feature: Chinese Connection Dub Embassy

“Right now [in Memphis] we’re all breaking the doors down and eliminating the concept of a “gatekeeper” when it comes to doing shows or getting to a certain place in music. Plain and simple when one door closes, Memphis’ artists build their own [doors], and walk right on in.”

Memphis reggae band Chinese Connection Dub Embassy—aka Joseph Higgins and David Higgins—has a new album “Crew Vibez” , and a lot of Memphis love!

MH: In one word or phrase, what about Memphis inspires you creatively?

CCDE: I know it may sound cliche but we have two: “Grit Grind” and “Boldness”.

MH:  Who in Memphis do you love to listen to?

CCDE: Eric Gales will forever be one of the top guys in our opinion from his versatility in music to that Memphis grit that’s displayed through his playing when he hits any stage.

Another one of our favorites are the entire Unapologetic crew. What we love is how they move as a unit and continue to push the envelope in the music industry. We love the fact that right now we’re all breaking the doors down and eliminating the concept of a “gatekeeper” when it comes to doing shows or getting to a certain place in music. Plain and simple when one door closes, Memphis’ artists build their own [doors], and walk right on in.

MH: Which place gives you that Memphis vibe?

CCDE: Interstate BBQ & Uncle Lou’s says it all ? When it comes to spots, the whole Soulsville area and Shelby Farms are our go-to spots to catch a vibe.

MH: Can you give advice for a young artist getting started? 

CCDE: The biggest thing we’ve learned is to stay consistent. Through the years, we’ve seen artists come and go because they either didn’t want it bad enough or they’re just doing it to impress somebody else.

If you really have a love for your craft you need to work on it everyday from practice to watching documentaries about your field of music, to going out and experiencing how live shows are put together. The more consistent you are, the more people want to work with you.

Also LEARN THE BUSINESS as much as possible. Especially if you want this to be your full time passion.

MH: Do you have a quick story that changed you as an artist, a moment in time that moved the needle for you? 

CCDE: I’d say the first time we ever went out of town for a show. That experience showed us that we can really do this because we weren’t playing for our friends and family in the city anymore, we were playing for people who never heard of us. By doing that it really built our musical chops and helped us to hone in on our skills that we used playing in the city.

The first year of playing we fell into a standstill with shows. Our brother Omar told us to get more attention we need to plaster our name everywhere in the city from flyers to stickers to features. As soon as we started to do that, people started calling us to play festivals around the country. Staying vigilant is the key to what makes CCDE an unstoppable force.

MH: Where can we hear you?

CCDE: “Crew Vibez” is out on all Digital Streaming Platforms. We have some dope stuff from videos to top secret content that will be out top of 2021 so be on the lookout. All of our music is on Spotify, Apple Music , Tidal, Bandcamp, etc.