Searching for the big break

Reggae artiste Heather 'Rae Tay' Smith has been working hard to make a name for herself on the music scene.

In fact, she seems to have done it all in terms of preparation for her big break.

She has recorded for producers such as Mafia and Fluxy from England, Baby G, Richie Loop, 5-Star Camp, Robert Livingston of Big Yard Music, among others.

She has done collaborations with artistes such as Anthony B and Kiprich, and toured the United States with Beres Hammond during his 'A Moment in Time' tour of 2008. In fact, it was Hammond who gave her the 'Rae Tay' alias. She has also performed across the Caribbean.

Hot singles

Still, the Manchester-born singjay goes relatively unnoticed, even with her three hot singles from Big Yard - Revenge, Watch Me and especially Ring my Bell, getting rotation and the video for Watch Me topping a local television video chart. Another track, Mi Love Mi Man is also getting lots of airplay.

"I'm hoping that this year I'm able to make a mark in the business," Rae Tay told The Sunday Gleaner in a recent interview.

"I want all eyes on me because, right now, the sky is the limit for me. I want to carry the music as far as possible. Right now, my confidence level deh way up!"

Rae Tay is currently working on a single with Kiprich called Broken Home, for producer Baby G.

She has several shows lined up for the remainder of the year including Pink Panther's birthday bash in November at Kirkvine. She is also talking to the promoters of Sting and is likely to be on the line-up of the Boxing Day show this year.

Despite her seemingly heavy schedule, Rae Tay finds time to be involved in community activities.

"Music is my main thing, but I want to be involved in the community, I want to do some charity work," she explained.

In May this year, Rae Tay staged the first ever Porus Awards in her community and is looking forward to the second staging next year. She has also started a youth club in the community.

Rae Tay has a lot to be thankful for, she expressed gratitude to a few people.

"I have to mention my sister Candice, who has invested a lot in me, [and] Carl Sinclair. They both share management responsibilities, I also have to say thanks to Stephen Chang."