Anthony 'Obie' Strachan (sitting) and Orian 'Flamez' Wilson (standing right) work on a track for an upcoming artiste at their home in Ocho Rios. - Richard Bryan

Success in the entertainment industry invariably means far-reaching exposure and recognition for the artiste and the producer involved. Almost relegated to a mere mention is the role of engineers, often the unsung heroes behind many hit songs, and by extension, an artiste's rise to stardom. Their work often involves a daily cycle of fleshing out a hum, materialising an artiste's idea of some 'big' tune running around in his head.

They may even be required to stay up late at nights to separate sense from music sensations, aligning rhyme with rhythm, sometimes even adding a few lines of their own. The process doesn't always click, but ultimately, the engineer must deliver a good, clean sound that hits the airwaves like a perfect laser beam. The finished product must carry all the qualities of the best possible representation, even where the artiste's voice falls short.

Synergy

Meet Anthony 'Obie' Strachan and Orian 'Flamez' Wilson, two such exponents who have merged their talents to form Ocho Rios' most sought after studio engineers. The two are in their early 20s, of a similar build, height and skin colour and could pass as brothers to the unsuspecting onlooker. But it is their working camaraderie, synergy, efficiency and obvious creative genius that sets them apart in their now-established roles as the engineering brains behind Yard British Entertainment Studio, housed at the picturesque Crane Ridge Resort in Ocho Rios. The studio is owned by British-born businessman and producer, Stephen 'Father B' Browne.

Browne spoke highly of his involvement with the duo stating: "I've worked with engineers all over and it's typical to find them quick to collect (money) even when the work is not good. You don't have to watch these guys to know that they are giving the best possible job, they work well together and have a big future in the business."

Wilson and Strachan are originally from Portland, unknown to each other before their paths interestingly crossed in 2002. They are typical of many people who leave neighbouring parishes to find opportunities within the tourism sector in Ocho Rios.

According to Strachan, the two met only as a case of mistaken identity. He had just moved to the Buckfield area just outside of Ocho Rios when someone shouted 'Flamez', referring to him. He was drawn to meet Wilson after repeated references were made of their resemblance.

The two quickly became friends but more importantly forged a successful partnership after realising they had musical ambitions.

Wilson, who once studied to be a pharmacy technician at UTech, is particularly good at the mechanics, and seems endlessly involved in dissecting and piecing together the computer technology and recording instruments. Equally impressive, Strachan, who once worked in the food and beverage industry, picks up the tab with the recording, mixing and editing. Hardly a word is whispered as the two masterly create a rhythm or complete a recording.

Good temperament

"Having a good temperament helps as you basically spend a lot of hours doing the same thing over and over," explains the soft spoken Strachan.

"Most DJs are untrained, and want to get it over quickly and at the same time want the best sound ... so you have to know what you are doing."

Wilson believes the quality of work done by engineers is often not replicated by many artistes and, as such, creates an unbalanced view of the industry as a whole. He has one advice for budding and established artistes: "Social commentary is always a strong theme. Keep the music clean and you'll inspire more."

The two believe they have what it takes to one day be the best in the industry despite staying away from the hub of the business in Kingston. As Wilson puts it: "We can be the best anywhere."