In late 2005 DO-LA’s members recognized the need for a Konpa band with renowned powerhouse artists such as Armstrong Jeune, Jean Max Valcourt, Balan Gerald a.k.a. Cartoon, and Levans P. Jean-Pierre a.k.a. Madman JP, all straight out of New York City, conspired to bring Konpa music to a new heights. In May of 2006 they shocked the Haitian Music Industry (HMI) with three track singles Lambi, Bayo Konpa, and After Party. This was the first time in the history of the HMI a band ever presented itself in such a format. The entire summer of 2006, Creole music lovers from New York to Haiti to Canada could not get enough of DO-LA. Each track was well crafted and roaring with the rhythmic flow of the island. The provocative undertone lyrics of “Lambi”, the high party energy tempo of both “Bayo Konpa” and “After Party” all of which exemplifies just a taste of what this band has to offer.
Armstrong Jeune is the lead singer, composer, unrivaled lyricist and co-founder of DO-LA. He collaborated on numerous projects with some of the biggest bands and solo artists of the old and the new Konpa generation: Tropicana, Tabou Combo, Skah shah, Djet X, Eddy Brisseaux, Sweet Micky, Phantoms, Nu-Look, and Zenglen just to name a few. Armstrong was a co-founder, lead singer, and songwriter of the New York All Stars. This band stamped the industry with 2 classic albums, with major hits like: “Ti Bato”, and “Pou La Vie”. In his search to bring something new to the industry, Armstrong delivered a classic Jazz album entitled “Dial J for Jazz” in early 2006. This album confirmed once again that his talent as a lyricist, vocalist and composer are undeniable. Currently he is working on a solo project, which will be distributed under Soley Sound Records based in Haiti.
Jean Max Valcourt is a co-founder, musical director, producer and keyboardist of the band. He also sings lead and is a great performer, as demonstrated during his tenure with Phantoms for 11 years. Jean Max toured with Phantoms to numerous countries like Holland, France, Japan, Switzerland, Belgium, Senegal and the Caribbean. Prior to that he formed Lakol D’Haiti and performed with Dife, and legendary bands such as Tropicana of Haiti, Septentrional, Shleu-Shleu, and Skah Shah. Jean Max is also the owner of Maximum Records/Studio (based in Brooklyn, NY), and he had the opportunity to arrange and produce many Haitian albums like: Lakol D’Haiti, Septentrional, Tropicana, Shleu-Shleu, Sheila Degraff, Ralph Conde (as singer) Djazz La Vol1 & 2, Groov La, Bono Kafuu, Patricia Juste’s “Miss Energy”, Elliot Alouidor, Max Badette, Djet-X, Sexy Frantzy’s “Back ‘N’ Biznis”, Phantoms’ “Fwet Kach”.
Levans P. Jean-Pierre a.k.a. Madman JP, Haiti’s own Hip-Hop, R&B; producer extraordinaire, is also a co-founder of the DO-LA. Madman JP released numerous studio albums of his own like the “Insanity” project. He produced and worked on projects with some of the best in the business such as: Tabou Combo, Arsene Appolon, Alan Cave, Tantan, Ti Crane, D’sire3, Shandel, and a few gospel projects to name a few.
Balan Gerald a.k.a. Cartoon, member of DO-LA, plays lead guitar and has performed with some of today’s most popular bands/artists such as Skah Shah, System Band, Nu-Look, Dzine, Lakol, Sexy Frantzy, and Gran Pan Pan. He is also featured on studio albums as lead guitarist for bands such as Lakol, New York All Stars, and Suspense. The supporting casts of the band are the following members: Phillipe Michel (Percussion), Jean Marie Casimir (Congas), Alain Silla (Keyboard), and Pierre Marie Jean-Francois (Bass).
DO-LA released its dynamic debut album entitled “Brasse”, in June 30th, 2007. This album will be a breath of fresh air to all and will be referred to as the blue print of Konpa of the old and new generation. “Brasse” is in a class of its own and displays a form of vintage Konpa music with a twist of new age vibe.
On Friday August 3, 2007, DO-LA made its live grand premiere at SOB’s NYC. The album “Brasee” come to life with an elaborate visual production. DO-LA’s entertainment skills took center stage, and the performance was very eye-catching. The Haitian Music Industry witnessed first hand that this dream team’s shoulders are strong enough to carry Konpa music to the next decade. DO-LA’s mission is to uplift Konpa music, so be ready to experience the musical vision of the band.
