Reggae Mix Online:
Reggae Mix Online is an information and opinion blog about the reggae music industry with links to relevant news and informative articles. The site also features how-to articles on reggae music production, marketing, writing, and much more.
Have you got reggae music related news tips, press releases or inside scoops? Reggae Mix wants to know.
Rowan Irie:
I am the former President of a now “dead and buried” independent record label named TUFF-LIFE RECORDS INC., located in the “Magic City” Miami, Florida.
Before I incorporated TUFF-LIFE RECORDS, I was an independent producer, back in the 1990’s, looking for my “big break.” I produced one reggae single of a new artist who was looking to break into the business on the tail of reggae artist Sizzla’s popularity in the early ‘90s. It gained some rotations on local radio, but later dropped because of lack of “funds,” if you know what I mean.
Fast forward to early 2000s, this time learning from experience and with new business partners, TUFF-LIFE RECORDS INC was launched. With significantly more funding and a larger network of important people, our first label artist was set and ready for launch.
Hours were logged in a chartered Miami studio working on the album, with a track chosen to be the debut single being heavily promoted and distributed to local record pools; photo shoots underway; venues for a video for the debut single being scoped out…I could go on and on. All this preparation came to an end when word came that the bulk of the funding was not going to be available, due to false representation, to put it nicely. Long story how things turned out, eventually, but a lot of relationships got burned.
Well, here I am once again back and, needless to say, much wiser. Plans are in the works to launch a new company in 2010 which will incorporate Reggae Mix Online, AudCon Production and RoVision.
So there you have it. The mysterious individual behind Reggae Mix Online is revealed. Hopefully this will inspire you to keep on pushing just because you love to do what it is you love to do.
Some V.I.Ps to thank:
Kevin @ Barefoot Studios in Miami who did some excellent engineering work on the tracks slated for the album.
Paul Greco @ Paul Greco Photography for the beautiful photos of my artist and models.
Producers @ Startrail Productions who gave me some great critique and advice when I presented a demo of my first production.
Clint Oneil (R.I.P) @ WLRN Radio, a local South Florida Caribbean personality who, in our phone conversation during one of his nightly “Sounds of The Caribbean” shows, offered kind words of advice and encouragement to a young “wet behind the ear” producer.