DJ Matches’ Biography

Matthew Hall, aka Selector Matches, is a DJ and record collector who started his musical career at seven years old following in his father’s footsteps. He is the co-owner of Innovation Muzik, a new record label formed with DJ Kool G. The objective of the company is to make great music, while simultaneously reinforcing the impact of reggae and dancehall around the world.

Selector Matches is a versatile deejay who understands his craft. He has performed in numerous States across America, as well as on international stages alongside many renowned reggae, dancehall & soca artists. His great artistry and technique has earned him the right to spin at large events. The most notable ones are the Jamaican American Association, Chicago Concerned Jamaican Association and Jamaican Nurses Association Banquets. He has also performed at major festivals in the Chicagoland area, namely: The Chicago African Festival, The Festival of life and Chicago Carafete Carnival.

With an ability to select the right records at the right time, combined with the skills to mix exceptionally well, Selector Matches has always captivated his audiences. His love for music and contagious energy when performing has made him a famous mid-west DJ and sound system proprietor. Additionally, Matches has a strong work ethic and a can-do approach to everything that has served him well. His willingness to go with the flow has allowed him to set the stage for greatness while entertaining huge crowds wherever he plays.

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Dheapblu’s Biography

Frederick Brennan Brown is known publicly as recording artist, producer and songwriter DHEAPBLU. When he first started singing, many years ago, he went by the name Freddy Brown but made the decision to change his name after learning that several other persons within the entertainment industry were also going by that moniker. He settled on the brand DHEAPBLU following a recording session at Penthouse Studio, when upon exiting the booth, a producer refer to his performance and delivery as deep and filled with blues. After much contemplation he felt that DHEAPBLU more accurately describes who he is as a person as well as his life’s journey.

Though DHEAPBLU is Jamaican he refuses to be placed in either a reggae or dancehall box. As a versatile songwriter he continues to remain open to all genres of music. His belief is that music is a language of the heart and soul, and as such, it cannot and should not be locked into any one category.

DHEAPBLU was born in Richmond, St. Mary and he grew up in Jones Town with his parents, sisters and brothers. As far as academic achievements go, he attended Alpha Primary, Holy Trinity and Kingston College. And though he had been singing since he was a youth, it was football and track and field that captured his attention in school. Most of his early singing was done in the church. He actually wrote his first song at the age of nine, and yes, it was a gospel tune. DHEAPBLU has had a strong passion for music all his life. One of his fondest memories was being approximately two or three years old and requesting a song on the radio. He was absolutely over joyed when the track was played immediately, leaving an impression on him about the power of music. That moment has inspired much of his childhood musical desires, and it has never left him to this day.

Today DHEAPBLU is known and respected for his musical aptitude. That being said, like most people in this business, he has had to overcome many challenges. As a young man at Studio One he paid his dues, first by always running errands for the more established artists as well as Coxsone Dodd; and secondly by continuously being pushed to the back of the line when it comes time to actually record his songs. But despite the aforementioned, he has been steadfast and as a result he now has a respectable music career.

DHEAPBLU is now working with Upstairs Music, one of Florida’s most reputable reggae record label. They have just released his brand new six-track EP titled “Love Light.” The team’s focus now is on aggressively promoting this project via both traditional and digital media as they look ahead to the end of the pandemic when DHEAPBLU will be able to head out on the road again.

Peetah Sancho’s Short Biography

Peter Ingram, more popularly known as Peetah Sancho, is a roots-reggae singer who hails from the Lyndhurst Road area in Kingston, Jamaica. In the late 1970s he moved to Paterson, New Jersey, where he re-established himself, honed his songwriting skills and created his own record label, Tri Yard Music.

He began recording in the 1980’s, cutting a version of Jimmy Cliff’s “Sitting in Limbo” for producer Clifton Lawrence. Most of his time in the music business however, has been as producer. Over the years he has produced songs by acts such as Mr. Lexx, Redd Foxx and several other established and emerging artists all for his Tri Yard music imprint.

Unfortunately, Sancho decided to take a break from music in 2016. The hiatus from the music industry only lasted for four years, as he made a return to the scene with several major releases in 2020. Since the start of the year he has published four stunning tracks: : “Roses,” “When The Trumpet Blows,” “I&I” and “Agent Of The Heart.”

Sancho and his team are now actively promoting the aforementioned songs, while simultaneously preparing for potential shows and tours following the containment of covid19.

Star Bingi Biography (@Starbingi)

Hopeton Blair, more popularly known as Star Bingi, is a reggae artist and songwriter who hails from Waterhouse, Kingston 11 (Jamaica).  

Growing up in the musical community of Waterhouse had a great impact on Star Bingi’s career, as a lot of his initial inspiration came from being around reggae legends like Junior Reid and Half Pint. While growing up, his uncle, Hugh ‘Bingi’ Blair (father of popular entertainer Ikaya), often encouraged him to work on his craft by exposing him to veteran artists such as Bounty Killer and Capleton.

While attending Jamaica College, Star Bingi understood that education had to be his main priority, and as such, he majored in business administration before venturing into music professionally.

In the year 2000, after finishing high school, Star Bingi migrated to the United Kingdom; it was around this time that he started to commit himself more music and the possibility of a full time career in the industry. When asked to recap what those early days were like, Star Bingi said the following: “It all began with me having this new energy matched with the profound love for the music , and the emergence began of me developing as an artist and it wasn’t long after I started voicing for producers whom I met. During these early times I was boosted by the response I got and the love grew more for the music.”

Since being in London, Star Bingi has had the opportunity to share the stage with some very noteworthy reggae and dancehall acts: Nesbeth, Junior Cat, Gage, Ras Charmer, and that is just to name a few. He has also performed on some of the more popular reggae events and venues: The Coronet, The Ritzy, Amersham Arms (London), The Great Western Roll Call (Manchester), The Jam, Hootananny (Brixton), and so much more.

Over the years Star Bingi has built up a growing fan base with supporters scattered all over the world. He has released numerous singles for both Jamaican and British producers; and has been, and continues to get steady radio rotation including on BBC 1xtra with Seani B.

Star Bingi’s current focus is on promoting his brand new EP titled OPTIMUM, which is on his own label, Optimum Productions. It’s a seven track project with both reggae and dancehall songs, which can now be streamed and downloaded from all music platforms. Bingi had this to say about the release of OPTIMUM; “this I believe will propel my musical career to a greater heights based on the reviews it has been receiving.  Other songs also available on digital download are Hot Second Visionary Born Rasta all on the Otis Riddim Production label. How could I forget to mention Work &Hustle a collaboration with Dohlance and Ric Carbi that will definitely be a single the world will love along with the video to drop instantly.”

Star Bingi who has been dubbed by his peers as “The Expressionist” stands by his belief that music is a domain that should be used to motivate, encourage, entertain and spread the love rather than for monetary gain. There is also the greater impact it has on the lives of human beings and the connection to the soul.

Industry Info: Understanding Mechanical License

A mechanical license is a broad term that refers to the reproduction of a musical composition in the form of a sound recording. Mechanical licenses are most commonly used for cover songs or new recordings of copyrighted songs. In other words if you plan on releasing a cover song you’ll need a mechanical license first.

Though there are several companies that are able to acquire this license on your behalf, you can also obtain it yourself by simply contacting the publisher/songwriter directly.

Pam Hall’s 2020 Biography

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Pam’s musical career, like many others, had its early beginnings in school and church. She was always a member of her church and school choirs. Pam never ventured alone on stage until her senior year at XLCR High School.

Pam made her official entry into the professional world of music after finishing college (C.A.S.T.). Working with many of the top producers and musicians at the time, they could not help but notice the high level of musical understanding she showed and the way she applied this knowledge. In no time, Pam quickly built a strong reputation as a versatile lead singer and an extraordinary background vocalist. Her understanding of music made her the perfect person to work with. She would always end up arranging the harmonies and assisting with voicing others. As a recording artist, Pam joined forces with a co-worker, who himself was a singer, and together they formed the duo Pam and Woody, which went on to become Jamaica’s first award winning duo for the song ‘Book of Life.’

Realizing Pam’s versatility, many producers and fellow musicians strongly encouraged her to do more solo recordings. This decision enabled her to showcase other genres of music. Soon she began amassing a number of hits both local and international. Even as she grew as a solo artist, the demand for her harmony work in the studio was growing even bigger and also extended itself outside of the recording studios to tours with select groups worldwide. These included Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Ciff, Peter Tosh, Third World, Melody Makers, Wailers, I Threes, Queen Latifa and others. As a solo artist Pam has toured the world, sharing the stage with nearly all top local artists like Hugh Roy, Dennis Brown, Gregory Issacs, Jimmy Cliff, Toots, Third World, Culture, Burning Spear, Beres Hammond, Barrington Levy, Half Pint, Shaggy, Ken Boothe, Beenie Man, Shaka Demus and Pliers, Fab5 and so many others; and international acts such as Jermaine Stewart, Betty Wright, Tina Turner, Fugees, Aretha Franklin, Denise Williams, Ben E. King, Manhattans, Lucky Dube, Stylistics, Chi-Lites, Kool And The Gang, Stevie Wonder and many others.

Under her belt are several musical accomplishments. She has released over a dozen albums and has been on several charts worldwide, with hits such as ‘Perfidia,’ ‘I’ll Always Love You,’ ‘Never Can Say Goodbye,’ ‘Sweetest Sound,’ ‘Dear Boopsie,’ ‘Truly,’ ‘Unbreak My Heart,’ ‘You Are Not Alone,’ ‘I Won’t Stop Loving You,’ ‘What Yu Gon Do’ and many others. Pam has been the recipient of several Music Awards both local and International. She can also boast of being the main inspiration for 24×7 Records in Japan being formed. Another record label, Orange Records was also started in Japan by Tower Records for her. As a jazz performer she was regularly featured on the BET Jazz channel. Pam has held executive positions in some of Jamaica’s music organizations, owns her own publishing company, produces, arranges, writes and most treasured to her, is the help she gives to other musicians young and old. Pam has also been involved in stage and screen acting.

Pam is a truly gifted singer, songwriter, performer, producer and musician. She has garnered and held the attention of fans worldwide from she began recording. She is fondly regarded as the musicians’ singer. The greatest compliment that she thinks she has ever received was being described as “Music Itself.” Her fans can look forward to much more from this veteran singer as her love of music keeps her creative juices flowing. Her latest single, ‘Want U 4ever’, is available on all major music sites.

Talmigila’s Biography (@BanjoSimmonds)

Talmigila Biography

Ernest G. Simmonds, better known as Talmigila, is the artist with the profoundly silky, sultry voice who has been captivating reggae listeners with his cultural music for the past four decades. He hails from the musical community of Islington in St. Mary, Jamaica; a large district located on the hills in the North East section of the Parish. Islington has the distinction of being the home to many artists with an international repertoire, namely: Nico Demus, Capleton, Pan Head, Mad Cobra and recently dancehall artist Munga Honorable.

Talmigila started his music career at the age of sixteen by performing in both his, and neighboring communities (Port Maria, Annoto-Bay, Ocho Rios and Oracabessa). After achieving success performing locally, he made the decision to relocate to the capital of the country, Kingston, where he was able to fully concentrate on working on his craft by aligning himself with others in the industry. Once in Kingston, Talmigila was able to forge great relationships with some of the nation’s biggest musicians. By the early 80’s through 90’s he was working on various projects with the Fire House Crew, Sly and Robbie, Don Marshall, Axe Man and many others.

Now residing in Florida, Talmigila is still very active in the music business. He regularly performs in the U.S. and Jamaica; and has shared the stage with Freddy McGregor, Ras Shiloh, Brigadier Jerry, Glen Washington, and that is just to name a few. He is currently promoting his latest project, a ten track album, titled “Stand Up.”