'Seasons Change' rhythm hits Billboard

Berta Records' Season Change rhythm compilation has peaked to number 11 on the iTunes Reggae Chart and currently sits at 12 on the Billboard Reggae chart.

Since the highly popular Drop Leaf compilation climbed the charts more than five years ago, not many reggae compilations have achieved success on the charts, aside from reggae albums from artistes. However, having recruited artistes like Romain Virgo, Kabaka Pyramid, Chino, Rockaz Element and Tarrus Riley, producer Tomique Williams believes his relative success on the Billboard chart is an indication that the label is on the right path.

"It's a great feeling. I can honestly say I am humbled by this. I knew, when working on this project, it would be something special, and I knew that, in time, it would take on a life of its own. Starting out, we only had one aim, and that was to create a project that will reach and connect with our intended audience. This type of result is an indication that we are on course," he said.

The decline of reggae sales and presence locally has also led some critics to label France as the new capital of reggae music. However, Williams noted that with research and a good team, the genre can achieve the desired success despite a scarcity of resources.

CRAVE FOR REGGAE MUSIC

"I don't think I can say that it is just one thing that is holding reggae music back. I think consumers are still craving reggae music, but one thing I do see is that sometimes we fail to provide the consumers with what they crave, and when we do, we lack the engine and resources we need behind this great genre to put it in the eyes of the consumers," he said.

Distributed by Zojak Records, the Seasons Change rhythm is currently available on iTunes and all major online digital stores.

"I think it's the quality of the work of the artistes in coordination with the production that stood out for us. Oftentimes, we see great line-ups that fails, but with Season Change rhythm, each artiste lived up to their fans' expectations," he said.

The label is now gearing up to release music videos in support of the songs.