Brown pushes back 'Catch Me If You Can' release

Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

Sophia Brown has pushed back the release of her album tentatively titled Catch Me If You Can to sometime next year. In the meantime, the shapely singer plans to continue promoting her singles already in the market, and perhaps release a couple more before the end of the year.

Brown spent the latter part of 2010 and most of the early months of this year working tirelessly, recording and producing the songs that were to comprise the album because, under her deal with Universal Records, her album was due this year. She said she decided to delay the release because she wasn't satisfied with some of the songs.

"The album itself has been completed but I am not satisfied. I'm pulling four tracks and putting them aside and coming back with another four banging songs that I think will help set some flames in what I want to bring for this album," she said. "I want to satisfy myself and my fan base, that has been growing rapidly."

Possible name change

She explains that since the year is almost done she is looking at 2012 for a new release date for the "Grammy-worthy" album that might also have a name change. The album was to be named after the recently released single Catch Me If You Can, but she is toying with the idea of changing it.

"It's kind of iffy now because we have stronger singles on the album," she said.

The single, meanwhile, was released internationally on iTunes on August 16 to all corners of the earth, courtesy of her relationship with Zojak Worldwide, an online distribution service for reggae artistes and bands. Zojak will be securing placement of the song on other popular online stores and websites, including MP3 Waxx, a promotional service used by international hip hop stars like Kanye West and Jay-Z.

Zojak president Aaron Mahfeldt describes Brown as the hardest-working female artiste in reggae, and said her partnership with his company will help her realise her dreams.

"Catch Me If You Can has great crossover potential so we will be targeting those markets and help her get the rewards for her hard work," he told The Gleaner during a telephone interview, noting that the song will also be marketed via banner placement on his company's website and social networks.

Brown, who signed the deal with Zojak earlier this year, said she has been enjoying the relationship.

"The partnership with Zojak means so much to me because I've finally found a company that truly believes in my career and in my hard work," she said.

"I feel comfortable working with them because they see my drive and what I want to accomplish, and I really want that kind of partnership to take me to the next level."

As to the benefits derived from the partnership? "The single has been getting rave reviews overseas and now I am getting it out to everywhere music can reach," Brown said, very proud of how well her fans have responded to the song.

Brown has plans of releasing yet another single before year-end. The song is called My Time To Rise, a title that could prove to be prophetic for the Jamaican songstress.