Fabian Ledgister, Staff Reporter
Otis 'Rychus' Jones (left) and Jason 'J Miah' Simpson, who together form Miah-Rychus. - CONTRIBUTED
THE NEWLY-LAUNCHED Holy Ground Records will soon be storming the airwaves with its repertoire of 'new age' gospel artistes.
Although a fairly new company, the Holy Ground production team aims to truly spread the gospel to the masses through creativity, energy and versatility.
"Our aim is to promote inspirational gospel through music that mainstream media will accept and play alongside secular music," explained the record company's managing director, Gareth Hamm.
Although some might claim that the intention of the record company is to 'water down' gospel music, Mr. Hamm retorts that to reach the wayward flock one must craft the ministry in a way they will actually listen and understand.
"Gospel is not to be preached to the church but to reach people across our nation and beyond," he emphasised.
CREATING OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW ARTISTES
Aside from music production, Holy Ground Records also does bookings, publishing and artiste management. Though the company is relatively new, the production aspect is said to have been functioning for months, under Dizzle Lab Productions.
Currently, their artiste roster includes Dwayne Murphy, Dwayne 'D.A. Jay' Jackson and Miah-Rychus.
"We're doing songs that include back up vocals, energetic rhythms ... Miah-Rychus is like that, because he (J Miah) deejays and I sing, so it's a fusion of styles," noted Otis 'Rychus' Jones of Miah-Rychus.
The company also handles bookings for Tin-I-Cool, DJ Brandon, and one of the few gospel backing bands, Solid Rock.
"Our main focus is to create an opportunity for the development of new upcoming gospel artistes ... We're just working with new acts for now," said Mr. Hamm.
In an unprecedented move, the record company will be offering the free services of their artistes from now until December 31. The company also wishes to invite sponsors or investors who share the same pure vision to assist in their endeavours.
"With the grace of God we are trying to release a compilation album early next year, so very soon everyone will hear what our artistes have to offer," said Mr. Hamm.
