Chimney Records salutes Corporate Area with new project

Jordan McClure and David Hayle of Chimney Records have released a new project paying homage to the home of reggae, specifically the Corporate Area.

Two new rhythms released as a double project are titled Kingston and St Andrew, and features a host of the island’s top artistes.

McClure told THE WEEKEND STAR that he and his team decided to release the two-fold project simply because they wanted to give the space some new reggae music.

“We wanted to release some reggae music and figured there is not much new reggae out at the moment, so instead of putting out just one riddim, we decided that we should probably release two so the DJs have more music to mix it with,” he said. “We wanted names that tie both riddims together and Kingston/St Andrew, being the mecca of reggae music, seemed like a fitting name.”

The compilations feature acts such as Romain Virgo, Shenseea, Tarrus Riley, and Morgan Heritage.

While some of the acts are hardcore dancehall artistes, their tracks are strictly reggae.

McClure says the latter showcases the versatility of Jamaican talent and says the fact that the rhythm required reggae-inspired songs, did not deter dancehall acts.

“Each artiste has their own specific style and we decided, according to the sound and compatibility of the artistes and the riddims, where to place them,” he said. “Both riddims are 100 per cent reggae, played by live instruments. Kingston is in a minor key and has some hardcore dancehall artistes such as Shenseea, Busy Signal and Bounty Killer, while St Andrew is played in a major key and has all reggae artistes - mostly singers such as Tarrus Riley, Romain Virgo and Morgan Heritage.”

The rhythms were officially released late last month and have already created a buzz on the entertainment scene.

McClure said that the reception so far has been overwhelming.

“It has already started to take off in some African countries and is picking up elsewhere,” he said, explaining that the artistes too were very open to the idea his team had. “Everyone was very receptive to the idea and they all played a huge part in the completion of the project, including participating in the behind the scenes documentary; we are very grateful to everyone who played a part in this project.”

Songs on the Kingston rhythm include Alaine’s Man Crush Everyday, Busy Signal’s What Is A Friend, Bounty Killer’s Inseparable, Shenseea’s Heartless, and Romain Virgo’s Progress.

The St Andrew rhythm includes tracks such as Morgan Heritage’s We Don’t Want Dem, Pressure Buss Pipe’s Work, Queen Ifrica’s To See, and Tony Rebel’s Man A Big Man.