Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Lucal Lynch. - Andrew Smith photo

Lucal Lynch is not exactly a new singer, but after some time away from the microphone he has returned with a few new songs, a video and renewed vigour.

In the late 1980s he used to sing on Metromedia and Arrows sound systems, along with standout performers Professor Nuts and Chickenchest, among others. He puts the long break down to "unfair treatment".

"Them put it (the music) through, but the money never come through. When you put family in the mix, you have to go make some money," Lynch, who now uses his real name as his performance name, said.

"A me did name Jah Son," he said.

Now he says "things a gwaan good in a sense. Me have a video out, Ready To Settle Down, and the song release on the Love Zone label. In addition, Things Set A Way and Work Hard For The Money are also fresh off the press, with a video for the latter being done currently. Lynch says although he is not signed to them officially he works with Loyal Soldiers, which handles singer I-Wayne's career.

It is yet another stop in a lifetime journey that started as a "little youth. Me used to go out and sing with my mother, a Christian lady."

Of course, when he moved on to sound systems he was not singing off old rugged crosses.

"The sound system experience was a good experience. It make you name get popular. Them time we do it for the love of the music. If money come, it come. That's why we in it so long, because of love for the music," he said.

The Rastafarian sings roots reggae and "lots of lovers' rock. Me sing style and fashion too, 'cause that inna de business. As a dancehall singer you have to please the crowd. And sometimes you have to lead them too."

His first song was Sugar Lady, done in 1992 for Arrows.

"Going into the studio for the first time, I did confident. I used to sing on the sound. It grow you in confidence on the microphone. You musn't too shy, have your lyrics, rehearse the rhythm. When you go, the engineer show you the keys," Lynch said about the recording experience.

With the singles and videos in the catalogue, Lynch is looking forward to an album.