Master J takes it to the next level

“At the time I was in Form four at Trinity College in Maraval, but I just felt that this was something I was destined to do.”

With the help of his father Ken Carrington, who has extensive experience in the field, the 21-year-old soon became the proud owner of Black Pearl Sound Station, which he said has become known for a quality sound wherever he plays.

Preferring the sobriquet Master J, he went on to record his debut CD titled Young Legend in 2005 at his home studio in Petit Valley, where he has also recorded music for former Synergy TV soca star Fireball for a track named “Love Is The Way To Go.”

While exuding a high level of confidence and enthusiasm for the music and recording industry, Master J admitted that he has a strong aversion to taking part in competitions even though many up-and-coming artistes believe this is the way to gain recognition and success in the field.

“I have made a decision to stay away from competitions, even though I realise a lot of new artistes are gaining quick success via this avenue.

“But I don’t believe in going up against another artiste. I believe we need to unite in order to go forward. I prefer to take a different road and so far this is working for me.”

Master J said if one were to look at international recordings, there would be numerous popular hits which are collaborations between top artistes.

Tracks from his newest and second full length CD titled Next Level have been receiving significant airplay on Synergy TV as well as MTV Tempo and the song “My Baby,” aka “Turning Me On,” went to number one on the Synergy countdown.

“The song has also been playing at parties, on internet sites and local radio stations,” he said.

“The recording contains music for people of different age groups because I don’t want to just be known for seasonal type music. I want people to be able to listen to my music all year round and I want my music to appeal to an international audience.”

One track, “Too Much Pregnant Gyul,” he explained, deals with teenage girls being sexually active from a young age with most of them getting pregnant because they are not responsible enough.

“Help The People,” which is track 13, is a bold conscious melody which calls on the youths to put down the guns and weapons.

“These are two issues plaguing the world today and I felt I had to sing about them,” he said.

“I write my own lyrics from listening to beats. Sometimes when I hear a tune, the words just come to mind and I write them down then try to fine tune them. But I always try to carry a positive message, since I believe it is my duty as a recording artiste to bring positivity to my presentations.”

Master J described his work as being a blessing from God to pass on positive messages to his fellow youths. “Being in the recording industry for me is like a dream come true. I love singing and recording, but I also love the production side, so I plan to balance both to have a successful career.”

As for the immediate future, Master J honestly admitted that since he can’t predict the future, he planned to “go wherever God takes me” in the next two years, “whether it is school, recording or performing.”