‘Scriptures of Portland’ to expose talent from parish

After taking an extended break from music production, Dane Blake, producer and owner of Portland-based recording label RHT Entertainment, has returned with renewed stamina for the music business.

Blake is set to release Scriptures of Portland, a 13-track album which will showcase several up-and-coming artistes from the parish. He said that he has also opted to work with only Portland artistes instead of established acts for the latest project.

"The reason was so [that] we could build something from the ground up, or set the foundation for what is to come for Portland," he said. "Working with these up-and-coming artistes was straight chemistry, and I have been doing it for years now. I try to work with who is capable and accessible."

The producer says the development of the northeastern parish inspired Scriptures of Portland and lists the growth of Jamaica's music industry and COVID-19 as a catalyst for the production, which aims to address social issues, encourage positive thinking, and raise awareness on what is happening on that side of the island.

"I didn't want it to be a regular project; I realised from the beginning of the pandemic that this was not going to ease up for now. The album was so named as each artiste put their profound lyrics to highlight the various topics. We all know some of the deepest literature comes from biblical texts, hence the use of the word 'scriptures'," Blake explained.

Two lead singles, Move Not by Samoke and Crazy World by Press Fyah, are the first to be teased from the album, for which a release date has not been disclosed.

Similar to what has taken place in parishes like St James and St Thomas, that have been labelled hubs for creatives in recent times, Blake believes Portland, his birthplace, could create the next wave involving musical talent.

"I would love to say Portland is the parish that will cause a stir with its talent, but I don't think I am equipped to determine such a claim, especially not in terms of competition. However, I will say Portland has the capability and talent to create that impact with even more authentic-sounding artistes, from roots reggae to pop. Just like the parish, our talent are like hidden gems," Blake told THE STAR.

The producer dedicated several years to staple Christmas events, Shubb Out and Floss, usually held on December 25, but with the coronavirus pandemic, he returned to his original passion of music, where he is known for the 3 Star rhythm. The 2006 release featured dancehall elites Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Munga Honorable, among others. With his newest release and a fresh crop of recording artistes, Samoke, Press Fyah, Savanti, Dajigga, Pac Q, Ibizar, Spotless, Bentley Ann, Slappin' Joe, Mieala, Andrew T, and Blake himself as 5i, he intends to restructure the record label.

"We want to make a dominant effort musically. Now is the right time to create an imprint on the local industry, while promoting awareness for the parish and the whole Caribbean," he said.