Skyla J & the Vibes are attracting international attention as a fresh sound in Soul/Jazz world. Their sound mixes quality original music with choice covers to offer performances that are both reverent and inspired.
“We take pride in playing our original music back-to-back with our favorite songs from the greats of Soul, Jazz and Reggae…both new and old…Our approach allows us to explore our chemistry as songwriters and pushes us to create music that measures up to our timeless influences.” - Skyla J
Skyla J & the Vibes recently released sampler from their upcoming album has already received amazing industry feedback! The Ep, produced by Grammy Nominated producer Joby Baker and funded by FACTOR, has had regular domestic and international radio play, been placement in an IMAX movie, and garnered promising international reviews.
Beyond their recording endeavors, this fresh project has been building its fan base, honing its live show, and seeing results. They have been featured on the mainstage of the Victoria International Jazzfest, maintained a busy gigging schedule, garnered regular local media attention, and even won “Band of the Year” at the Victoria Nightlife Awards.
Meet The Band:
Skyla Johnson – Voice and Flute
Where there is usually a story of failure, Skyla Johnson is a story success. Skyla grew up in Victoria B.C., the child of a single mother who suffered with addiction and health problems. Over the course of her life Skyla has proven that the power of self-determination and spirituality can overcome any circumstance; and has been a transformative influence on everyone in her life including her mother.
Throughout her childhood, Skyla found comfort and hope in the music of greats of Soul and R+B. She says the ‘integrity of spirit’ these musicians embody form the basis of her sound, style, and philosophy- and she will be forever grateful. Upon graduating high school Skyla moved to Nelson and attended the Selkirk Music College. After a year of study, Skyla knew she had to apply her talent in a more direct way. So she moved back to Victoria, formed an alliance with Vibes Bassist Ozzie, and their musical partnership has not wavered in the thirteen years since. During this time they have had a number of very successful projects and many achievements to be proud of including:
- Playing many Canadian Jazzfests including the Montreal Jazzfest.
- Winning Best Live Performance at the M awards 2004
- Being signed to Formation Records.
- Touring Canada, The U.S., Mexico, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Estonia, and more…
- Nomination for ‘Best International Act’ and ‘Best New Producer’ at the 2008 DnB Awards.
Leon Nagasaki – Guitar
As a child, Leon wanted to know everything about everything, but it wasn’t until he began studying music that he found the subject that would never exaust his curiosity and imagination. His initial exposure to the science of how music works was through studying guitar with the amazing Marc Atkinson, and the intensive Esquimalt High School Jazz Program in Victoria B.C. Leon fell in love with the sound, freedom, and challenge of the jazz, and thrived in this rich musical environment. In his final year of high school Leon won a total of six scholarships- allowing him to afford to study Jazz at Capilano University in Vancouver B.C.; where he also won the highly regarded Fraser McPherson Music Scholarship.
In the 10 years since those formative days, Leon has: earned a Degree in Jazz Performance [with distinction]; completed three cruise ship contracts; and toured and taught professionally. He currently lives in Victoria, B. C. where he plays with his jazz group Round Midnight, runs a very successful music teaching studio, and plays with Skyla J & the Vibes.
Ozzie – Bass
Born in rural Jamaica, Ozzie spent his early life listening to the sounds of Reggae music echoing in the hills. At the age of seven his family immigrated to Toronto, Canada, in January. Ozzie’s exceptional skills as as athlete, dancer, and MC helped him find his place in his new cold and urbanized environment. After finishing high school, Ozzie managed to land a job working for a major pharmaceutical corporation. But after a number of years of climbing the corporate ladder, Ozzie felt his life was falling short of its true potential.
Oz felt he needed to reconnect with his island roots so he moved to Victoria B.C. on Vancouver island. Energized by his new island lifestyle, Ozzie unearthed a wellspring of untapped musical potential and talent within himself. Shortly after his arrival, he co-founded Victoria’s first live hip-hop/jazz band Digg- upending the Victoria music scene with a fresh new urban sound. Digg also offered Ozzie his first exposure to jazz musicians and the world of jazz. Oz was enraptured by the sound and style of jazz, and quickly set to work learning jazz bass, which forms the basis of his approach in Skyla J and the Vibes. If you ask Ozzie what the best part of moving to the island was, he’ll tell you- ‘meeting Skyla J.’ It was soon after Ozzie moved to Victoria that Ozzie and Skyla formed the creative partnership that has earned them the achievements listed above.
Aaron Scoones – Keys and Vocals
It’s not easy being born into a really loving and unconditionally supportive musical family! – Just ask Aaron Scoones. Since he grew up eating and breathing music, Aaron admits that didn’t really realize how important music was to him. So, as a young man, when he won a scholarship to study sound engineering at the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston- he took advantage of the opportunity! It lead to a very successful 10 year career as a recording engineer/sound man/producer. Although he enjoyed this career Aaron gradually realized that what he REALLY wanted to be was a musician!
Then one fine day fortune intervened and Aaron got a chance to join the Vibes and be a musician again. Like a fish to water, Aaron has himself at home in Skyla J and the Vibes. His god-given vocal talent and hard work as a keyboardist have made him an indispensable of the group. Chat with him if you have the chance- he’s is excited to share his passion for music and technology. You’ll see that he’s a great guy from a great family.
