Shorn Hector/Photographer Gary Matalon (right) ‘buss a blank’ for a selection during Tracks Live Sessions last Thursday.1 2
Gary Matalon, CEO of KLE Group, which manages the Usain Bolt Tracks and Records (UBTR), said the live music scene in Jamaica is poised for great things following the relaunch of Tracks Live Sessions last Thursday.
The live event, which saw Lila Ike and Dre Island as headline acts, pulled a record number of people out to UBTR as the venue was filled to capacity.
In an interview with THE STAR, Matalon said having had to ‘press pause’ on the show before, he now wants the support of the industry to keep it going.
“Live shows like this are something that exist in major markets around the world and I think it’s something that we need to embrace some more in Jamaica. We need people like Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS) and the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers (JACAP) to support it instead of trying to kill it. The artistes also need to understand that from an economic standpoint, it’s not a festival, and so they have to be willing to work with us,” he said. “If we can get all of that working together, along with the sponsors, we can have some amazing experiences in reggae and dancehall.”
Pointing out that the show is a platform for young talent, Matalon recalled Protoje and Chronixx’s performances in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
He pointed out that both entertainers, who made guest appearances last Thursday, have come full circle.
“Back in 2012 when Chronixx performed in here, a lot of people didn’t know who Chronixx was, Protoje performed here on September 26, 2011, and it felt great seeing him back here on the stage, an established act supporting another. That, to me, is perhaps one of the most satisfying things from hosting this show. That’s why we built this place and this stage, to break new talent and send them to the world. It’s all about reggae, dancehall and the culture,” he said.
Matalon believes he and his team have found a method that will keep the show going this time around.
“We’re taking a different approach and I think we’ve found a niche. We’re in our lane, and I think we’ll see Tracks and Records returning as the place to go for the greatest live performances,” he said.
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