VP Records launches 'Studio 17'

On December 5, VP Records launched of an exclusive mix show about reggae and dancehall culture called Studio 17.

The record label recruited two Jamaican disc jockeys, one of each genre, to host Studio 17, creating mixes and leading discussions on the latest and hottest music in the culture.

Listeners should expect a 360-degree look at Jamaican music and lifestyle along with artiste interviews, and guest performances.

“We wanted to create a place for people to turn to for the latest and greatest in the culture, a trustworthy source that is unbiased, genuine and authentic,” said Stephen Chin, project manager at VP Records. 

The show’s title pays homage to the recording studio above 17 North Parade, the record store located in downtown Kingston from which VP records originated. 

"The advantage of Internet radio is that it creates a platform for many more people to hear music than that would actually come to an event. The benefits are definitely creating a wider reach for the music. It’s just a different essence and a different vibration. Everything serve its purpose,” Yaadcore, the reggae DJ for the show told THE STAR.

Silent Addy, his dancehall counterpart said "The Internet is there to help everybody. And I’m not the only one—just type dancehall mix on SoundCloud," he said.

"I think times are changing. Most people are on SoundCloud when they’re trying to hear new music. I don’t know many people listen to radio ... they're finding mixes on SoundCloud. That’s where it is right now," he added.

Already slated to bring perspective to Studio 17 are international dancehall-influenced figures like Diplo and Ape Drums, along with locally rooted stars like Sean Paul.

On the other hand, Yaadcore, founder of Dubwise, resident DJ of Protoje’s In.Digg.Nation Collective and touted as the first to play Chronixx on the radio, will offer the roots reggae vibe to the programme. 

The one-hour episodes will be available exclusively on the VP Records Soundcloud and YouTube channels.