Sugar Bear - Contributed

Although based in New York, recording artiste Sugar Bear has no problem reaching the Jamaican market, thanks to technology.

The artiste, whose real name is Geoffrey Scott, said there are several artistes in New York, United States, trying to get into the dancehall market. However, he has been able to keep connected with the help of the Internet.

"Due to information and technology, everything is connected. You can mek a song today, send it via email and it is circulated in Jamaica tomorrow," he told The STAR.

"I record my songs in New York, send them to Jamaica to get mixed then they are sent back to me."

Hardcore inspiration

With inspiration from Super Cat and Bounty Killer, Sugar Bear started his hardcore style of toasting in 1998.

Since then, he has recorded several songs, but lately he has been promoting some of his recent singles. High on his agenda are songs like Jamaica Mi Born, The Little Youths, Roll It Up and La Isla Bonita,featuringTony Curtis.

Luckily, Sugar Bear has not encountered the stresses of begging a producer to work with him. He has his label called Black River Records, named after his hometown in St Elizabeth. There, the self-taught musician also does most of the instrumentals for his songs.

"Working under my own label, I get to do my own thing and I don't get any fight from others," he said. "But, it's a challenge in the industry 'cause you always have to be pushing your music very hard."

As for an album, Sugar Bear said he prefers to wait until he has more singles under his belt.

-Sadeke Brooks