New Album From Veteran Reggae Act Midnite, Titled 'In Awe'

The new album from veteran reggae act Midnite, titled In Awe, is scheduled for release on January 24, 2012 through the VP Associated Labels Group (VPAL). Armed with a firm foundation in Jah Rastafari and an uncompromising musical vision, Midnite champions a cutting-edge sound of modern roots music.

The newly recorded studio album features ten tracks with Vaughn Benjamin on lead vocals and his brother Ron Benjamin contributing bass and production. They have guided their sound and career as this distinctive unit since 1997. Midnite's live performances, which often exceed three hours, have won them a legion of fans among the reggae community.

Combining the best of classic production with timely rhythms, blazing horns and pristine instrumentation, John Juaquin Wilson is proud to bring forth this release to the reggae massive. As the fifth Midnite release on Fifth Son Records, this independent label looks forward to reaching more roots reggae fans than ever. "Having VP distribute this album is a pivotal step in exposing as many listeners to this critical music as possible," says Juaquin Wilson from his studio in Taos, New Mexico. "We (Midnite and Fifth Son) are excited to work with VP. This record (In Awe) stands as a testament to the power of roots music and the foundation of Jah," he adds.

With In Awe, Vaughn Benjamin and Fifth Son Records team up with VP Records' global distribution network. The pairing will continue the progress of the 2011 release Treasure which platformed the group's music and their indie label counterparts on a new level through the VP Associated Labels Group (VPAL) distribution network. This arrangement includes worldwide digital and physical distribution for the group as well as marketing services through VP's label services.

"This new album is yet another authentic piece which captures the melodic sound of true roots music at its best and with Midnite’s management and Vaughn’s support we will continue to offer Midnite’s music to a wider audience worldwide,” notes VPAL's Director, Donovan Williams.

Upcoming Tour Dates:
Jan 26th San Diego, CA - World Beat Center
Jan 27th Hollywood, CA - The Key Club
Jan 28th Santa Ana, CA - The Galaxy Theater

Visit website to listen to songs from new album and for most up-to-date tour schedule: www.midniteband.com

Niney The Observer: Live At The Turntable Club

The Historical Release is Produced by Niney The Observer, Mixed by King Tubby, Errol & Dennis Thompson and Features Vocals from Dennis Brown, Delroy Wilson and Big Youth.

On Jan 24, 17 North Parade will release Live At The Turntable Club for the first time on CD. The original 1974 release, presented and produced by Niney The Observer, was the first live album recorded in Jamaica that gave the rest of the world aural access to Kingston's lively music scene during a definitive era in reggae.

With electrifying live performances from Dennis Brown, Delroy Wilson, Big Youth and backing band Soul Syndicate, Live At The Turntable Club is a vibrant snap shot of the key players who paved the way for the roots genre. Reggae's most accomplished recording engineers - King Tubby, Errol Thompson and Dennis Thompson - along with Niney and these legendary artists were at the peak of their musical careers when they captured these live recordings inside Kingston's famous nightclub. The songs were mixed by King Tubby at his renowned studio on Dromilly Avenue and mastered in London at The Beatles’ Apple Studio on Saville Row.

The new CD collection is fully remastered with revamped packaging that replicates the original gatefold vinyl sleeve and is complimented with an extensive booklet, which includes an interview with Turntable club owner Winston “Merritone” Blake. This limited edition pressing is a must-have collection for all vintage reggae fans. A vinyl LP re-issue will follow in 2012.

Track Listing:

Dennis Brown - Cassandra
Dennis Brown – Rock With Me Baby
Dennis Brown – Give A Helping Hand
Alexander Portious – Everything I Own
Alexander Portious – Love Overdue
Delroy Wilson – I’m A Happy Man (Without You In My Life)
Delroy Wilson – It’s A Shame
Delroy Wilson – Have Some Mercy
Delroy Wilson – You Keep On Running
Big Youth – Santa Massa Gone Ya (I Pray Thee)
Big Youth – Dread In A Babylon

I-Octane Poised to Make 2012 a Breakthrough Year‏

Conscious reggae crooner I-Octane starts 2012 on a high note with a jam packed schedule and what he anticipates will be another successful year. After wrapping up 2011 with a slew of hit songs and the release of his official EP off his own label Conquer the Globe Productions, I-Octane is taking steps to make 2012 even better.

The early part of the year will take I-Octane to Europe where he will perform on 3 major festivals. First he will make a stop in Paris and Amneville France for the Reggae Splash Tour on February 24 and 25. His final stop will be the Amsterdam Reggae Festival, which is scheduled to be held on Sunday, February 26, 2012. Although no stranger to Europe, this time around is still exciting for I-Octane.

The last time I was in Europe I was opening for Tarrus Riley," the artiste states. "so this is the first time that I will take the stage in Europe as one of the headline acts and it is a great honor to be invited to perform."

Even though it is still early in the year, I-Octane is already making headlines. He was recently featured in the January issue of Billboard's online magazine where they predict that this is the year that he will breakthrough internationally. It is a prediction that I-Octane is taking seriously as he has already shared the stage with international heavyweights such as Lauryn Hill, BabyFace Edmund, Monica, Gyptian, Shaggy, Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley and Stephen Marley within the past year. Added to that, I-Octane will be touring extensively throughout the year while promoting his debut album "Crying to the Nation" as well as his EP "Straight from the Heart", which is currently available on Itunes and Amazon. He will also focus on producing songs off his own label while still organizing conscious campaigns to give back to his country.

"This will be a busy year for me," I-Octane admits. "But it is about doing more than just music. I want to be able to give back to my country and help out where I can. Realistically, the more exposure I get internationally is the better position I will be in to contribute. Right now, I just have to remain focused and continue to work hard."

It is this attitude and focus that is causing the music fraternity worldwide to sit up and take notice of the budding superstar. His conscious lyrics, breathtaking melodies, focused work ethic, and his heart for humanity continues to put I-Octane in a league of his own - a league that will no doubt propel him to a higher level musically and truly cause him to breakthrough this year.

5 Days To Go Until "They Call Me Mr. Melody!"‏

World renowned recording artist, Singing Melody releases his 6th studio album in a matter of days, and fans the world over are heightened in anticipation of the release. SHEM Music Productions, Fat Eyes Productions and VP Records are proud to present fans with the 13 track album which features original singles from the man they call Mr. Melody.

Industry stakeholders who have previewed the album prior to release, join fans in their high anticipation, knowing that production has come from celebrated and Grammy award winning producer Dave Kelly, as well as Donovan Germaine of Penthouse Records, Lynford ‘Fatta’ Marshall and Skatta Burrell. Artistic support comes via toasting veteran U Roy, industry veteran Lymie Murray, Dancehall siren Stacious and Melody’s home group and family, L.U.S.T.

In November VIBE Magazine writer Rob Kenner came across "Collide" the lead single from the album, and was quoted as saying "Welcome back Mr. Melody. We’ve been missing you. And what better way to come back than with a world-class video and one of those songs that touch the heart deeply." Billboard Magazine’s Patricia Meschino, echoes that sentiment saying "One listen to They Call Me Mr. Melody reaffirms Singing Melody as one of the finest singers to emerge from Jamaica, an island overcrowded with extraordinary vocal talents." Representing European tastes, Ellen Koehlings, Editor of Riddim Magazine in Germany notes "Singing Melody's album will definitely be appreciated by any serious Reggae lover".

Donovan Williams of VP Records spoke openly about the company's working with such a remarked Reggae ambassador. "Singing Melody continues to amaze us with his creativity and insights as to how quality music needs to sound. He hasn't let us down over all these years and his production standards are as perfect as ever with this new album".

In September, Singing Melody released his lead single "Collide" which is a cover of Howie Day's 2004 hit. The song has successfully climbed several charts in the UK, Canada, the US and the Caribbean. In October (2011), Mr. Melody was also featured on the popular Windows Media Guide website where Melody was listed as a World Class Reggae singer, along with Britney Spears, Lenny Kravitz and Kenney Chesney.

With the album showcasing a more diverse selection of songs which include "Ta-Da," "Leaders Of The World," "Smile," and "Must Be The Girl," Melody’s confidence and readiness for the future is now more evident than ever. “Time Wasted” is the follow up single to “Collide,” and has been released to radio DJ’s who have given positive feedback!


Fans can buy the album at www.VPReggae.com


About Singing Melody:

With his career as an international reggae recording artist span¬ning over 20 years, Singing Melody is no doubt in a musical class of his own. Since exploding on the local scene back in the early 90’s Melody’s sheer sophistication and diligence has earned him an illustrious portfolio of achievements ranging from chart topping singles to numerous award credits. A confident and engaging performer Melody offers up a dose of entertainment for both the eyes and ears.