Once in a while, I come across an artist whose stage presence really has an indelible impact on me. This is how I felt when I witnessed, for the first time, a live performance by I’Octane at Reggae Sumfest. His performance was arguably the best performance for Dancehall Night 2011. I thought to myself I-Octane put the ‘I” in “IT” factor. The high energy performance was just a small inkling of this multi-talented dancehall artists ability to captivate an audience. I-Octane is now releasing his highly anticipated EP “Straight from the Heart”.
New York, NY (December 5, 2011): I-Octane has had a groundbreaking year! In January he announced and promoted his My Life Tour. The six-month tour included shows in the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Japan. The year also included features in Vibe Magazine, Billboard Magazine and over ten Award Nominations of which he nabbed approximately seven wins. Added to that, the artist released a catalogue of singles that received continuous airplay on top radio stations including Hot 97 and Sirius XM Radio. Now he is rounding out the year with a new project slated for release on December 6, 2011.
It is the eve of the release for I-Octane’s debut EP, “Straight From the Heart” and in true I-Octane style the singer/songwriter stepped outside the box and came up with something intended just for his fans. The EP is unlike anything fans and industry executives will expect from I-Octane. Laden with tracks that include, Burn Dem Bridge, Blood A Go Run, Crime A Rise, Falling, Example for the Poor and My Problems Gone, I-Octane remarks, “I feel good about the singles and I am excited for my fans to hear something different from me.”
For the EP, I-Octane worked with producers Stephen “The Genius” McGregor, Kimani “DJ Frass” Palmer, Garry G of Uniiqe Impact Productions, Dev Kutta of Livity Movements, Jordan McClure and David “Hizzle Hayle of Chimney Records. “Straight From the Heart” is the first project off the singer’s own label, Conquer the Globe. The project is already receiving a ‘thumbs up’ by the media as single “Crime A Rise” was featured in the Jon Carmanica section of the New York Times.
In a previously released statement, I-Octane shared the following sentiments about the EP, “As an artist we spend so much time on the go and our interaction with our fans is so limited for so many reasons. Therefore, I take the opportunity while singing to speak to my fans. On this EP I went in depth about the unfortunate situations when friends turn their backs on you, falling in love, the recent increase in crime worldwide, the struggles of the poor and the lack of support ghetto people receive from those inna Jacket and Tie. I also go on to tell fans no matter what your struggles, Jah is the constant source to strength and he will help shoulder your burdens.”
On Monday, December 12, 2011, DROM NYC, in association with Federation Sound and Destine Media, will host a by invitation only launch for the EP. I-Octane will perform selected tracks from the EP for media outlets and industry insiders. Thereafter, fans will be able to see I-Octane perform on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Sparks in Newark, NJ and on Friday, December 16, 2011 at Rebel in New York City.
“Straight From The Heart” will be available for purchase through Amazon and Itunes on Tuesday, December 6, 2011.
