How This Pop-Punk Band Created a New Sound for the Caribbean Island of Antigua
“We wanted to capture the true spirit of Antigua — its rhythm, its people and its incredible energy.”
And that’s precisely the result of the newest musical anthem for the Caribbean island — the product of South Florida-based pop-punk band Give It Up: a fun, energy-filled love letter to Antigua and a brand-new sound.
It’s called “Island Time,” and it’s a feel-good anthem for the island of Antigua from a band known for its energy, its infectious melodies and punk-rock fusion — and a new sonic distillation of the way Antigua makes you feel.
The band, which has been an integral part of the music scene in the South Florida area, has cultivated a faithful fan base, and the new song is the latest evolution for Give It Up.
The song was written and performed by Give It Up, which features Sean (vocals/guitar), Dave (bass/vocals), Ron (drums), and Brian (lead guitar; the idea was to “”energy of South Florida’s pop-punk roots with the easy vibes of island life.”
The music video itself, shot entirely on location, takes you across some of the famous sites in Antigua and Barbuda, including Devil’s Bridge National Park, Shirley Heights, Block House Lookout Point, and the Donkey Sanctuary, among others.
The iconic shot sees the group playing right in front of the water, guitars in hand, with waves lapping around them.
“This project is about both music and travel,” Sean tells Caribbean Journal. “It’s about finding that freedom to feel alive, be yourself, and celebrate the simple joys of life while on vacation. Antigua lets you do exactly that—and that’s the feeling we poured into ‘Island Time.’”
The other two big stars of the video? Antigua’s The Verandah Antigua and Pineapple Beach Club resorts, two of our favorites in the Caribbean.
Both are part of the Elite Island Resorts portfolio, a company that has been at the forefront of the intersection of music, culture and and travel, about the passions that unite all travelers.
Island Time is the the latest creative musical partnership for Elite Island Resorts, which has a leading portfolio of all-inclusive resorts in Antigua and has been producing several creative musical collaborations in recent years, including the just-released “Sunny Day” with reggae legend Causion and the reggae hit Caribbean Vacation.
The music video debuted with a VIP launch party in Deerfield Beach last week.
“We hope this song inspires people to find their own ‘Island Time’—wherever they are in Antigua.” said Dave of Give It Up.
So what else do you need to know about the two starring resorts?
The Verandah Antigua is an adults-only getaway with charming rooms, two beaches (a broad watersports offering) and a host of cool touches, from the Wavy Wicket sports bar (and its terrific tapas) to what just might be the best pizza in Antigua.
Pineapple Beach Club is also an adults-only retreat, set on the white sands of Long Bay in Antigua with a breezy, beachy vibe and an impressive pickleball program (with six state-of-the-art courts).
How do you get to Antigua? The island can be accessed on all major carriers. The easiest way is from Miami on American Airlines, where you can find fares of about $634 and just $334 round trip on AA out of New York, and other options here.
