Chino looks for success in US market

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Daniel 'Chino' McGregor is hoping that his musical background along with the many influences which have made him the artiste he is today will have a hand in taking his audience on the musical journey he wants.

A self-titled album, scheduled for release on May 24, is Chino's vehicle to achieving that end.

Chino aims at the United States (US) market but will be available in Jamaica, across the Caribbean, Canada, Europe and on iTunes.

The seemingly always popular artiste is the son of veteran singer Freddie McGregor. The elder McGregor has stood behind Chino, and the youngster while still new on the music scene has shown signs that he is ready and willing to carry on the McGregor legacy.

The singjay released Never Change in Japan only last year. The album shot to the top of the Japan reggae iTunes chart, with From Mawning ending the year as the country's number one downloaded and sold ringtone for the year.

After the Japan success, Chino has high hopes for his new album in the United States.

"Jamaica isn't always the place where musicians can get to showcase the best of their work. Because a new song is being released every day, and we prefer something quick and fast-paced versus those overseas, including the other islands, that prefer something that can resonate with them a little bit more. So I went all out for this album, to give everyone, both Jamaicans and other audiences, a chance to get to know Chino and the kind of musician and artiste I am," the young McGregor explained.

Diverse is one of the words you could use to describe Chino's music. On the one hand, he has hard-core deejay tracks while on the other he slows down to sing (an example of which can be found on the uplifting From Mawning).

"I want to take people on a musical journey. I want them to see life through my eyes. They might not have been able to grow up at the Big Ship or had the experience of growing up around people like Freddie McGregor and Dennis Brown and seeing them in action both at the studio or in performance; but with this album, it's definitely going to give people a chance to see my musical backbone and my musical inspirations," Chino said.

This week the artiste released I Am and Seal The Link (Leaving), the first singles from the album. Both were produced by his brother Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor.

According to Chino, the two were chosen because of their opposing and distinct styles.

While Seal Di Link is reminiscent of his father's era, I Am showcases dancehall on an international beat. "They are perfect contrasts. I Am is a perfect summer track, club banger and very radio and club friendly. While Seal The Link is a perfect one-drop anthem, It's rockers/dancehall and brings back a '90s vibe and displays my versatility. So fans will be getting the best of both worlds from the tracks," Chino explained.

For Chino I Am and Seal The Link (Leaving), mark only the first signs of a kaleidoscope of musical variety to look forward to.

"We put a lot of work into the production and I think that will show. I really wanted to put my best foot forward to enter the US market. Opportunities for reggae and dancehall are limited in the mainstream market as it is, so why not try to enter the scene with well-produced tracks, melodies and well-written lyrics? There is something for everyone on this album. It's not catering for one audience or one market, so we kept that in mind while working on the album. I want persons even outside of the US, like Europe, and even the Caribbean to have something on it they could identify with. So everything is there: from one-drop reggae, to rock, jazz, dancehall. There's a full range," he said.

In addition to finishing the album and having a hectic pre-album promotional schedule, the singjay is looking to break new ground with endorsement deals.

Known for his affiliation with Coke Zero, Chino is now the new face of Mother's Power Patties as well.

According to Chino, a part of that deal will include a Chino Combo Meal, which will have a Mother's Power Patty, a Coke Zero and other "stuff".