Klyve says he is ready to rock the world

After years of singing back-up with his sister Tammi for established acts like Etana and Jah Cure, Ruel Martin Moncrieffe, known musically as Klyve, says he is now ready to face the world on his own.

The Montego Bay-born singer, songwriter, and producer, who is now based in the United States, has just released his debut album, titled Brace Up, on his recently established label Klyve Record.

"I am really excited about this project because it is a reflection of all the work I have been doing behind the scene to develop the talent I knew I had from my childhood days when I use to stand on a box beside my sister as we sang in our Seventh-day Adventist Church," said Klyve. He later became a well-known face and voice on the north coast hotel circuit as a cabaret act.

Klyve, who has performed before major audiences globally, said he drew his early musical influence from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, and Earth Wind and Fire. He says his musical taste is diverse and that diversity is reflected in the seven-track album.

"The songs provide a combination of exciting reggae beats and mellow vocals, with a rhythmic undercurrent that captures my diverse style, which many see as unique," said Klyve, who believes the album will reflect the full range of his personal development.

"Some of the influences that have impacted my songwriting is my development as a producer ... it is an area in which I have been paying a lot of attention to and incorporating in my own music. I sometimes add my voice in background vocals on some projects."

While he now possesses the musical skills and confidence to make him a fairly respected producer, Klyve secured the assistance of other stalwarts to ensure that his album included all the elements needed to make it a success.

"Dean Fraser is on the album," said Klyve, expressing much delight in having the input of the master saxophonist. "However, most of the songs are produced by me and Bwill Production out of Fort Lauderdale." Despite his solo moves, Klyve remains an in-demand back-up vocalist.