St Elizabeth has talent, too – producer

Unlike Clarendon, St Elizabeth doesn't have a long list of recognisable artistes dominating the scene, and that is something publicist and record producer Ralston Barrett is hoping to change.

Now living in the parish, he said that he is amazed at the level of talent that has been coming across and that has prompted his decision to get back into record producing on his Symphony Productions.

Barrett said that he will be showcasing some of the talents he has come across in the parish - although he said a few established ones will be in the project too.

"This (project) is something I've wanted to do for a very long time, but it was further propelled by what I have seen in St Elizabeth," said the man who began in the music business as a producer and artiste manager.

Barrett said his ultimate goal is pushing the talents in the parish and shedding light on them, with the hope that other top producers in the country will follow suit and start looking beyond Kingston.

ESTABLISHED ACTS

He is also hoping that producers in the parish will start looking closer to home instead of focusing only on established acts.

"Most of these big artistes we are hearing about now, it started with someone believing in them and giving them the opportunity to get their voices heard. It is time for us to get back to basics and do the same," said Barrett.

He said that if effort is made to start producing quality, conscious songs that will send some positive messages to young minds, music can be part of the revolution to bring about change in the country.

"There's a lot of potential here, but what's lacking are people who are willing to invest in developing artistes and bringing them to the fore. It takes more than just recording an artiste to 'buss' an artiste, and a lot of people aren't willing to make the necessary investment," said Barrett.

Barrett, who has been in the industry for 28 years, has worked with artistes such as Mr Vegas, Richie Spice, Gyptian, Charly Black, Ishawna, Queen Ifrica and Spice.