Jordane Delahaye, Gleaner Writer

Most up-and-comers in the music industry nowadays aim at one side of the business, being an artiste.

Kevaughn 'Kevy B' Bryan, however, wants that and more, putting in as much work into being a music producer as he does into being an artiste.

Bryan created his own record label, KevStar Records, in 2010.

"I compose the majority of the rhythms for my songs, so I thought it was appropriate to have my own label where all my copyrighted projects would fall under," Bryan told The Gleaner.

Though there are not yet any signed artistes to the label, Bryan has worked with a few local up-and-comers, including Jahmiel, J Capri and Kimberley Nain.

"The artiste that you could say I'm really focusing on and giving the push is a new up-and-coming dancehall sensation called Pencil Lunatic. He is like a young Vybz Kartel and Ninja Man in one body; his ability to create lyrics, punch lines and flows so quickly is beyond talented and amazing. All I can say is to look out for him and the projects to be released this year," the young producer shared.

Latest project

Bryan's latest project as a producer, the First Class Riddim, was released in December last year on YouTube, and features Pencil Lunatic, Jahmiel, J Capri, and many other young acts.

The project speaks volumes of the young musician's promise as a producer and as a future stalwart in the Jamaican music industry and on the international music scene.

"As a producer, I would say I produce everything from dancehall to reggae to R&B to hip-hop to rock to gospel. As an artiste, my music has more of an R&B/reggae feel," Bryan said.

Bryan said his passion for music has been there for a long time.

At Vaz Preparatory School, for instance, he was often selected for solo performances along with performing with the school's choir. At Calabar High School, Bryan was also a member of the choir, representing the school in competitions like the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Festival and 'All Together Sing'.

The young talent reportedly taught himself how to play the piano while in high school and revealed that the moment when he decided to pursue a career in music was when he realised he could play anything by ear.

"My music is definitely a true reflection of my generation as I'm singing about situations people in my age group are going through, and as a result of that they gravitate towards it because they can relate," said Kevy B, adding that he thinks the key to a successful song is a catchy chorus surrounded by deeper meaning.

Not an easy road

The music industry is not a smooth path for any musician and, for Bryan, the hardest part is the fact that the industry is extremely competitive and it is becoming increasingly difficult for any artiste to get recognition, no matter how talented.

"There are many talented artistes who are good vocalists and lyricists but are not getting the exposure they need, while there are artistes out there singing foolishness about their liquor, money and the girls they claim to have that are getting far more radio play," Bryan said.

His family has been the rising star's driving force, as he revealed that his mother was the one who bought him his first keyboard as a birthday present and his family attends any event he is a part of.

Right now, the artiste/producer is working with a bevy of young talent to forge the next generation of Jamaican musicians.

You can keep up with the latest from the KevStar Records camp and Kevy B by following him on Twitter @KevStarRecords and following his Facebook feed at facebook.com/kevybmusic.