Song about St. James makes mark overseas

When singer Indie Allen released the single The West in October 2018, he hoped to ignite a discussion about crime and societal ills across Jamaica. It came as a pleasant surprise when the discussion crossed international waters. The track, which was inspired by Indie Allen's home parish of St James, was recently added to Tidal and has been making the rounds on KZCT Radio in California, USA.

"I've been getting a lot of feedback from DJ The Kid from California. His listeners really love the whole energy of the track and they understand that these things are not just happening in Jamaica but worldwide," Allen told The STAR. "It's a song that highlights injustice and really is a worldwide cry for peace, so it is sparking the conversation we wanted to happen."

The song has also been added to British DJ David Rodigan's Radio 1Xtra playlist on BBC. "For him to like the music and share it on the website is another milestone achieved for the music and the message behind it," said Allen. "The whole idea and cause of what the song stands for has now been brought to an international level, or another side where it's in Europe, and a new audience is now open to the discussion as well as my music. For that I really give thanks and I'm just overwhelmed with joy and happiness."

Keeping momentum going

Keeping the momentum going, Allen is currently finalising plans for the song's music video. "I know people are looking forward to the video, which I'm thinking of shooting portions of in Montego Bay," he said.

"I hope the video will keep the conversation going and evoke some form of change and make people aware of things that are happening and let them see we need to find a resolution."

Indie Allen described 2018 as surreal, having appeared in the Canadian TV series Club One New Releases and making his performance debut in Europe. He is currently working on his upcoming mixtape IndieMeName and hopes to make more strides in 2019.

"I'm just looking forward to an awesome year with continued growth and success, while sharing the music and message with the people who are supporters of the music," he said.