Last August we introduced you to Gloucester reggae ranger Jamie Irie and his then-emerging imprint Saysell Music. In the nine months that have passed he’s smashed every dance he’s been invited to, he’s recorded the theme tune for Marvellous Caine’s Yardrock brand and commissioned some of the most hair-raising, soul-stirring reggae D&B you’ll hear this summer.
This week see the release of his label’s third, and largest, selection. The Sensimillionaire Riddim Remixes is bulging with Jamaican heritage. A firing line-up of Aries specials, boasting the original stems from the House Of Riddim band and toasting talents of key soundsystem smashers such as Daddy Freddy, Carlton Livingstone, Zareb, Jah Mason and Pad Anthony, it’s an essential release for those who love their roots as much as the rave-ups.
Don’t take our word for it, though. Here’s Aries’ own minimix of the release…
Big release!
You’ve got Daddy Freddy, you’ve got Carlton Livingstone, you’ve got Pad Anthony, you’ve got Jah Mason, you’ve got Zareb. These are household names in reggae, they’ve all been in the business for many many years and they’ve all been given killer remixes from Aries. It’s our biggest release to date and I’m so proud of it. If you want to check the originals then I advise anyone to check out the album they’re from: the award winning Sensimillionaire album from the legendary House Of Riddim.
Tell me about House Of Riddim…
They’re a reggae band from Austria. They’re the number one backing band in Europe right now. They’re such a tight, talented band. They’ve worked with all the best artists in the reggae scene. They don’t sound like white guys doing reggae, you know? They’re the real deal! Their production is through the roof and their drums are amazing!
Give us some examples of their classics…
Too many, here are a few…
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfPrkOKE3oQ
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GKQ65-fIMs
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEml1vqEkR0
Vibes! So how did you hook up with them?
Me and RCola did a track that sampled them. It went out on vinyl so we approached them for the original stems and they gave us everything. Samples and drum machines are great but it’s all about the organic sound. Saysell Music is all about the organic sound. We’ve got some chief stuff going on. This is the tip of the iceberg.
What else is coming up?
Loads. Savage Rehab. Serial Killaz. Marcus Visionary. Yardrock. The list goes on and on… We’ve got such a tight little crew going on. I’m working very closely with J Bostron, iDavid and Cabin Fever. I’m also working with Scotty UrbanFront touring across the country at big raves like Fantazia. Plus we’re working with Marvellous Cain’s Yardrock. I sing the theme tune for them!
Nice. How do you find the crowds at big jungle raves compared to the reggae shows you cut your teeth on?
I’m loving it! There is so much energy! I’ve observed so many MCs and performers. I look for high spots. I look for low spots. I see how it works and what really works the crowds. I absorb like a sponge. I take it all in and interpret it in my own way. That’s how you’ve got to behave in the industry. Plus you have to be versatile and have your own distinctive voice.
How long did it take you to develop your voice?
I haven’t stopped developing it! I’m learning all the time. I’m enjoying a secondary life in music and I’m so grateful for it. I’m loving it. Technically I should have my slippers on right now, but I’m out there and performing and loving every minute. All my mates are down the pub nursing a pint of Guiness while I’m speeding off to raves every weekend. I’m relishing every minute of it. You know I’ve learned from everything I’ve done in the past to ensure this second peak is even bigger than the last.
What lessons?
Be wary of the company you keep! Whether it’s girls or gangs or management, whatever… That’s key for me. You can easily be laired by the wrong people. You get the wrong manager and you’re on the road to ruin. Make sure you work with the best producers. Make sure you write the best lyrics you can.
So where can we catch you this summer?
My favourite shows are when I can do the classics then switch up to the jungle styles. There’s such a strong bridge between the two styles. You can’t be into one if you’re not into the other. You can catch me doing them right here…
May 12-13 – Retro Trax, Leicester
May 25 – Subclub, Bratislava
June 22 – Fantazia, Bristol
Beats For Love, Ostrava, Czech Republic
July 27 – Big Chill, London
Sept 13-16 – UMF Festival, London
Sensimillionaire Riddim Remixes are out now
Listen and download
Catch Jamie on Facebook & Soundcloud