BY SADE GARDNER
Observer writer—-

I-Octane is taking his brand to a new level.

The singjay spent last year reviving his record label, Conquer The Globe Productions, which gave life to his third album, Love & Life, which was released last month. It is currently number three on the Billboard Reggae Album Chart.

I-Octane said the independent venture was difficult, but he is thankful.

“Experience teaches wisdom. I learnt from my mistakes that I should capitalise more. I told myself that I want to contribute to my brand and this is one of the things I wanted to do. Doing this project took more time, more money and more effort, but in doing this I valued it more,” he told Splash. “It was very difficult; you have to reach out. We’re a new team so we had to ask a lot of favours. I am the executive producer so I have to play a lot of these roles. You have to put your name on the line…it’s more about relationships than having money.”

Yesterday he was getting ready to shoot music videos for Unfair Games (featuring Yanique “Curvy” Diva) and Weh Di Fire Gone, songs from Love & Life.

The album carries 19 tracks and is being distributed by California-based company IDC. He is pleased with the support from the music fraternity.

“A lot of artistes weh mi don’t even talk to before, because I’ve not met them, are showing me love on the album. I have to big up Shaggy … Romain Virgo — his album is doing well too. It’s nice to see a new name on the charts and not a regular name you are used to. Etana was number one last week on Billboard, so her album is doing well,” he said.

 

Shaggy and Romain Virgo are also featured on Love & Life. Virgo’s album Lovesickis number one on the Billboard Reggae Album Chart, while Etana holds steady at number eight with Reggae Forever. I-Octane wants to see a change in media culture to highlight positivity.

“You have three Jamaican artistes doing well like this and no one is really calling us about these things. Everything has to be about mix-up for the bloggers to write about it. The other day mi talk ’bout mi songs getting banned on the RJR radio stations and mi nuh stop get calls ’bout it,” he said.

Last month I-Octane said Dennis Howard, general manager for radio services at the RJR Communications Group, banned his songs from its stations, which include Fame 95FM and Hitz 92FM. He still holds this view, but said it has not negatively impacted Love & Life.

“I said what I had to and moved on. I don’t have a problem with RJR Group or the people who work at the stations. I still have a good relationship with RJR. What I did was to address it so if they didn’t know, they would know. People want to know why they don’t hear certain artistes on the radio and why my songs are not playing on their stations. So the program director just needs to make it public that this is what he is doing — tell the people that it’s you,” he said.

I-Octane is focusing on his album release which will take place in Miami on May 4 and New York the following day. The Jamaica launch date is being finalised.

His last two albums, My Journey (2014) and Crying to the Nation (2012), were distributed by VP Records and Tad’s International Record, respectively. Both entered the Top 10 of the Billboard Reggae Album Chart.

I-Octane, given name Byiome Muir, got his break a decade ago when his single Stab Vampire became a hit. He is also known for the songs Lose A Friend, L.O.V.E Y.O.U, Mama You Alone, Wine and Jiggle, and Puff It.