Dancehall.Mobi

Chief Executive Officer and Producer of the newly opened studio Music Life Records, Mark Johnson, is excited about the completion of his dream of his very own studio, one that has been 25 years in the making.

The studio, which began construction a year ago, was abuzz with activities recently as artistes gathered to exchange notes and musical knowledge.

“This has always been my dream, since I was just a little boy, to have a studio of my own,” Johnson known as Mark Irie said. “I want to change how music is done. I want to produce music for the European market – good, clean music. I have been to Europe and observed the type of music that the people want. I also want to reach the Asian, North American and the African market.”

According to Johnson, he has just the right team to do that. “I have surrounded myself with some of the best talents,” he said. “What I basically want to do is go back to the soul of music when you had great producers like Lee Scratch Perry and Sir Coxsone Dodd.” He added that Bob Marley is one of his greatest inspirations, having produced timeless music that one can listen to forever! He plans to do the same.

Johnson has been working from home for the past couple years, producing songs like “Superstar” by singer Spuggi, and “Fight and Fuss” by Milton Blake & Kojo Warrior.

Johnson, who has a true passion for music, said his interest to own his own studio started as a teen who used to play on a sound system in New York some 25 years ago. “I lived in America for 16 years, so I know what the market wants.”

“Ever since I was playing sound, I tell myself I would own my own studio and decided to take it even further,” Johnson explained. So far Johnson has spent approximately $3 million on the construction and furnishing of the studio, and doesn’t regret spending a dollar.

“This is my dream. My wife and family are behind me all the way and I see the potential. This is just the start. I know Jah is not going to let me labour in vain,” he declared. “Once you plant the seed, it will grow. My aim is to bring back good music and earn lots of awards,” he declared.

Presently he has a new riddim out called ‘Paper Chaser’, which features singers LEAD, Von Globe, Spuggie, I-Shenko, Indecka, DeFuture and Eddie Barboozle.

This riddim is getting some airplay, and according to Barboozle, who is also a producer and engineer, it is doing very well. “Paper Chaser is a crossover riddim between hip hop and dancehall, so you find that it sell off!” Barboozle said.

Other artistes in the camp are Boozy Fras, Danjah Rhymes, Fyah Flames, Marshell and Geico (Road Manager). With their diversity in talents, vocals and clean lyrics, the team is definitely one to listen out for.

“I have one of the wickedest lovers rock writer ever – Von Globe!” Johnson said confidently. “We want to combine all our talents to produce the best of the best. A whole lot of things come with it, but I am prepared to work through it all through the war, the fuss, the envy, everything!”

Check out Music Life Records online at www.myspace.com/musicliferecords

- Contributed