Singing Melody salutes sound-clash culture

Reggae singer Singing Melody plans to use his new album, ' Sound Clash Culture', to help preserve sound-clash culture in Jamaica.

"I grew up in Kingston listening to some of the most popular sound systems in the early '80s such as Volcano High Power and Stereo Mars High Power. It was this experience that inspired me to pursue a music career. During the early years of my career, I performed on sound systems such as Romantic High Power with Little John, Youth High Power, Road Star, Kilimanjaro, King Jammys, Black Scorpio, Inner City, and Gemini."

"I also recorded dubplates for several of those sound systems. Back in those days, dancehall was the training ground for many of the artistes who went on to become stars in Jamaican music. Therefore, I am determined to do everything I can to help preserve Jamaica's sound-clash culture," he added.

The 13-track album features songs from luminaries such as Kiprich and Cutty Ranks.

"This album encapsulates the true essence of sound-clash culture with intros from Busy Signal, Junior Cat, Delly Ranx, Joe Lickshot, Charly Black, and Ginjah. Veteran deejay Cutty Ranks is featured on the remix of Dub Nuh Miss, and KipRich is featured on Tun Up Di Sound. My publicist, Ralston Barrett, also made a significant contribution to the project by collaborating with me on the interludes," said Singing Melody.

The album features production work from Singing Melody, Mad Hed City of Mad Pak Music from Trinidad and Tobago, Hi-One out of Germany, as well as Raye Bann and Too Faymous.

"I am confident that this project will breathe a breath of fresh air into the sound-clash culture and help to bring back the good old dancehall vibes to Jamaica," said Singing Melody.

The artiste was recently given a Life Time Music award for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music and sound system culture at an event dubbed the Crowning of Singing Melody, which was held in Dumfries, St James.