Stark, Ayenn

Artist/Band/Group Birthday :	23/10/1971(Age 53)
Born In/Current Location :	New York City
Occupation(s) :	Singer, Lawyer
Genres :	Compas Direct

Rhythm and Harmony are the terms that best describe the sound and style of Ayenn Stark, known simply as “Ayenn.” His music, a unique blend combining the two most popular French Caribbean sounds today, Konpa and Zouk, is characterized by smooth vocals and harmonies, enchanting melodies, and danceable rhythms that are sure to captivate the senses. Born in New York City to Haitian parents, Ayenn has been influenced by almost every possible musical genre. These influences can be heard in his melodies, his musical arrangements, and his style of singing. Ayenn has always been fascinated with music that appeals to both emotional and mental senses. His style and lyrics reflect feelings of love and passion that are shared by many, and his ability to express love through his singing is refreshing.

In his first single, “Pouki Lanmou,” or “Why Love,” Ayenn asks how it is possible for love to make us so happy, yet so sad. This particular song demonstrates his love for romantic sounds that we all crave. Through out his first CD, “Rythme & Harmonie,” it is evident that Ayenn tries to address many different ways in which love affects us. Several songs such as, “Ne me fais pas ca,” “Yon ti lov,” “Secret Lovers,” and “Si ou vle,” are perfect examples of how love can be versatile in the way it treats us. On “Nou k konnen,” a duet sung with diva legend Gina Dupervil, Ayenn mixes Konpa with Twoubadou to give a warm acoustic sound to the album. Although a romantic, his passionate and sensuous nature comes across more apparently in “Je veux de toi,” an alternative style to Zouk and Konpa, and “Mennen Mwen,” a blend of Zouk and R&B. And although love and passion dominate the theme of this wonderful album, Ayenn shows his ability to excite a crowd with his up-tempo hits, “Tout se Marassa,” and “Pito nou kite,” songs that are sure to make the people dance. Ironically enough, Ayenn’s favorite song on his album is not about love, passion, or fun. It is a song that reflects Ayenn’s deep concerns with the troubles children in Haiti face. In this song, “Se Mizè,” he uses the piano as the sole instrument to accompany his voice in order for the listener to hear and understand exactly what he felt when he wrote the lyrics.

Through his music, Ayenn reveals much about himself and his past. The more you listen to the lyrics, the closer you come to understanding the artist. “Rythme & Harmonie,” is just the beginning of a long journey that began when he heard the voice of Alan Cavé in his song, “Nan nan nan,” for the first time. It was after this experience that Ayenn decided that somehow he had to be part of Haitian music. He joined a young and energetic band called, “Egoèst,” in which he wrote his first hit, “Ann fè yon ti lanmou,” an up-tempo, Calypso style Konpa. In Egoèst, he learned from his partner, Kauvon, how to play the keyboard. His love for this instrument encouraged him to eventually learn to play the piano. Ayenn was also a member of a band called, “Karabann,” and was lead singer for a brief time with Mizik Ect.., a band created by Eddy Altiné of the popular band “Les Shleu-Shleu.” Ayenn also had the privilege to sing a remake of “Ou pila,” a song originally sung by the incomparable Dadou Pasquet, on “Lole Lolay,” a Twoubadou compilation CD produced by the legendary Fred Paul of Mini Records.

Ayenn’s love of Konpa grew to include a new-found respect and love for Zouk in which he fell in love with bands such as Kassav and Kwak, bands which opened up a whole new world for him. Today, he enjoys the sounds of Zin, Leila Chicot, Carimi, Thierry Cham, Daan Junior, Sonia Dersion, Tabou Combo, Haiti Twoubadou, the late Edith Lefèl, Emeline Michel, Beethova Obas, and many more. In these artists and others, there are bits and pieces of Ayenn, and as you grow to know him, you begin to realize that his style is a reflection of many great musicians of the past and present. And so, Tropidisc and Marassa Records cordially invite you into the world of Ayenn Stark to share his life and to experience what only a few have been able to see; a talented musician who loves his family, his culture, and also Konpa-Zouk!

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