THEY may not be very active on the local scene, but the Gaylads are creating waves on the international circuit. There most recent gig was in California, they received rave reviews.

Staying current and in demand is nothing hard for the Gaylads as group members say it’s all about “keeping active — both on the stage show circuit and in the studio doing new recordings.

The Gaylads are creating waves internationally (Photo: www.odilemeylan.com)

So far, they have nothing to worry about when it comes on to keeping busy as the members say “it’s looking really positive.”

Harris ‘BB’ Seaton, Maurice Roberts and Randall Thaxter — who comprise the Gaylads which was formed in 1963 — are renowned for their rocksteady harmony. They are known for their Coxson Dodd-produced hit songs such as Joybells, I’ll Be There, Lover Man, Whap Whap, There’ll Come a Day and What Is Wrong with Me.

The Gaylads soon parted company with Studio One and hooked up with female producer Sonia Pottinger. Their musical union produced It’s Hard To Confess, ABC Rocksteady and Over The Rainbow’s End which is ranked as some of their best recordings.

The group has seen many changes including one of its original members passing away. Leaving Roberts, who invited Randell and Hopeton Thaxter to join the group, to carry on the name.

Fast forward to today’s music scene and the Gaylads are far from happy with the treament of their music on the local airwaves.

“We have not been highlighted by disc jocks on the radio,” they complained in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Still that does not take away the joy they have in being a part of the business.

Presently, the Gaylads are busy working on some new recordings while they fulfil their performance commitments.

Although their calendar does not include a Jamaican performance, the group is not ruling it out. They say are more than willing to do that — “It’s all up to the promoters.”

Their advise to artistes trying to make their name in the competitive field of music is simple: “Try to make better songs.”