Going digital - Jamaican music site to begin online distribution

Popular entertainment website Jamaicansmusic.com is expanding into digital distribution.

After recently surpassing the two million-followers mark on social networking site Facebook.com, Jamaicansmusic has decided to help use their popularity to push Jamaican music sales.

The site is now expanding into digital distribution with the desire to find new ways to not only promote reggae music, but also encourage people to buy it, which is what Alex Morrissey, Jamaicansmusic.com's CEO, believes is the perfect venture for the popular Internet brand.

The website will be partnering with Dubshot - the digital distributors for labels such as Madhouse Records, Sound Bwoy Entertainment and Mystic Urchin, and will be able to get their products on storefronts like Amazon and iTunes. With 250,000 unique views each month, 65,000 persons on their mailing list internationally, almost two million Facebook fans, and 20,000 Twitter followers, Jamaicansmusic.com is confident that when it comes to the Internet they will be able generate awareness for their product.

developing a relationship

According to Chris Schlarb of DubShot Records, "Dubshot is proud to be joining in a strategic partnership with Jamaicansmusic.com, we are excited about developing a relationship with a technology partner who is providing new and exciting ways to interact with reggae music online."

Morrissey explained that there will be a direct-to-consumer tab on the site's Facebook page where fans can buy downloads directly. The tab will feature Jamaicansmusic.com products as well as offerings of the Dubshot catalogue. Persons will also be able to purchase on the site as well as on Amazon an iTunes. "In addition to helping fans of this music genre learn more about their favourite artistes, this partnership will allow up-and-coming artistes in Jamaica to have access to international digital distribution and marketing," Schlarb added.

In honour of the launch, Dubshot's partner, Madhouse Records, will be featured with an exclusive specia-edition digital-box set of 27 titles for US$49.99. Individual albums will be specially priced at $4.99, 50 per cent off digital retail. This promotional price will last until Christmas day as a treat for the holiday. The collection will feature classic rhythm albums such as 'Joyride', 'Pepperseed' and Cham's double-disc debut album Wow ... The Story. Madhouse Records owner/producer Dave Kelly told The Sunday Gleaner, "As a label, we always get into the holiday spirit, so we wanted to offer something exclusive for our fans to wish them a warm Jamaican Christmas."

Schlarb highlighted that "this is a great opportunity for fans of dancehall music to buy one of the most respected catalogues in the genre directly from the artist/ label"

Morrissey said he was excited about the upcoming project. He explained, "This is a massive step for the company moving into an area typically dominated by large record labels. This further highlights the growth of the company and our efforts to meet the needs of our international fan base who may not or cannot use iTunes, so we have direct-to-consumer options that include Paypal. This is the best, and a legal avenue to get the music they want on demand."

The first products coming out through Jamaicansmusic/Dubshot will be by JA Productions with the Master's Blend rhythm, and then later next month with the much-anticipated 'Rumfire' rhythm.