Hip hop reggae artist Edley Shine has officially solidified a new distribution partnership with industry powerhouse Symphonic, dropping his first explosive project, “Life’s Journey.”
Entertainment publicist Flair Lindsey, of Acclaim PR, told Caribbean Life on Thursday that the collaboration between Shine’s Shinealous Records and Symphonic marks “a significant milestone in the esteemed artist’s career.”
“It opens up a variety of opportunities for his label that you just don’t get as an Indie,” she said.
Shine said he had “dedicated meetings with numerous departments at Symphonic,” and that “their responsiveness is welcoming and new to me, as I have been an independent label owner for 20 years.
“And up until now, no distribution company has ever given me their internal resources out the gate,” he said.
With the buzzin’, reggae-fueled “Life’s Journey” now available across digital and streaming platforms, Lindsey said the first effort between Shine’s Shinealous Records and Symphonic is “blazing a musical trail.”
Produced by the talented Sawfie Alliance, Lindsey said “Life’s Journey” features additional production from GRAMMY-nominated Roe Summerz, known for his work with artists like Beenie Man, Tommy Lee, Ding Dong, and Dustin (Skooly) Marshall.
“This infectious track is the first installment in a riddim series, with the full compilation set to be unveiled in the Summer of 2024,” Lindsey said. `
Shine said “Life’s Journey” is “a statement record about where I am in life.
“I think people will relate to it if they listen to the words,” he said, stating that he shot the video in Jamaica “after not going there for six years.
“This powerful reggae record is a reconnection to my roots,” Shine added.
Additionally, Lindsey said “Life’s Journey” is “a reset effort for Edley Shine, one he can add to his catalog proudly.”
With an acoustic version of the song as well, she said Shine is moving closer to his goal “for ‘Life’s Journey’ being a Sunday staple in Caribbean homes, while the big meals are being prepared.”
Lindsey said impressive responses to “Life’s Journey” by fans and DJs alike are “spreading like quickfire, while driving up streams and video views.”
She said many have taken to social media “to hail the moving ‘Life’s Journey’, with one music enthusiast declaring it perfectly as an ‘amazing foundation record, which captures an authentic reggae sound, while showcasing Edley Shine’s artistic diversity and growth.’”
As the industry witnesses a shift toward social media hype and superficial successes, Lindsey said Shine is taking a different path.
She said he is not only an artist but also a label executive, “dedicated to nurturing and investing in young Jamaican talent, a mission he holds close to his heart.”
Under his Shinealous Records imprint, Lindsey said Shine is set to unleash multiple riddim projects in collaboration with label partners, such as DJ Jamar and DJ Baby Ace.
She said a dancehall project by Roe Summerz and fresh talents in development will showcase Shine’s commitment to supporting independent artists.
Shine said his vision is to bring authentic reggae/hip hop/dancehall back to global prominence, with great records and marketing.
“I just needed the platform, as I’m willing to invest in myself and do the ground work,” he said. “I’m confident Symphonic can get the music even further once they see the work ethic.”
Lindsey said Shine will perform “Life’s Journey,” along with a celebrated catalog of classics, while on tour with Mad Lion this summer in Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil.
