Independent music producers have helped break fledgling artists into the big leagues for decades. Think Chris Blackwell of Island Records with Bob Marley and U2, or Sam Phillips at Sun Records with Elvis Presley.
They have also had considerable success with veteran acts. Adrian Hanson of Donsome Records is hoping for that to happen with Mykal Rose whose latest album, ‘I Give You Love’, he produced.
The 11-song set was released September 15. It contains the title track, which was released two years ago, as well as ‘Stepping Like A Murderer’, Rose’s collaboration with Bounty Killer.
Hanson, who lives in New York, is from Clarendon parish in Jamaica. He has loved roots-reggae acts like Rose since his youth and was eager to work with him after they first met in 2021.
He believes an album with the former Black Uhuru vocalist can do wonders for the Donsome Records catalog which is dominated by ‘riddim’ compilations.
“Well, I’ve been producing righteous, roots-reggae music for over 18 years, that always come with strong message, but this would be the first time the fans can hear my production on a full album with one artist, instead of the riddim-driven albums with different artists,” Hanson explained.
Since he got into music production, Hanson has worked with noted acts such as Marcia Griffiths, Anthony B, Lutan Fyah and Dominican singer Aima Moses. He is one of the producers for ‘Golden’, Griffiths’ latest album, which was released September 8.