Downsound's genius behind the scenes

He is being entrusted with a lot of important projects, and has yet to fail. Sean Edwards, more commonly called Contractor, has been seen as one of the key figures in Downsound Records' recent music successes both locally and internationally.

 Even with a promising career as a conscious reggae artiste to look after, the hard-working marketing guru has so far managed to work his advertising magic, to much applause, for a label which was relatively quiet before he got there.

Some of his charges at Downsound Records include heavyweights like Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Toya, Khago, Specialist, Nature, Ishawna and popular dancehall selector Foota Hype.

Contractor has also independently marketed music for Jah Cure, Morgan Heritage, Vybz Kartel, President Brown, as well as several overseas-based music labels in countries like France, Germany, The United States and Canada.

Recently, Contractor embarked on a summer-long promotional and marketing tour of the United Kingdom where he appeared on Reggae Showcase and Ben TV's Lifestyle Show to highlight the various musical projects Downsound Records was involved with.

He was also interviewed by several radio stations such as Choice FM with Natty B, Katman on Lighting FM, Chris Coxson of New Style Radio in Birmingham and Daddy Turbo of Ipswich Community Radio.

An appearance on BET Centric and a feature in Billboard Magazine by correspondent Patricia Meschino was also on the cards for the marketer.

Contractor also markets local events, including the Ocho Rios Seafood Festival, Tipsy Beach Party, and the Kite Festival but his event promotions are certainly not restricted to Jamaican soil.

There are also a few events in the UK like the Derby and Notting Hill carnivals, where he, Ninja Man and Mykal Rose are to perform.

"I take real pride in my work. Every day I think long and hard of ways to improve the many tasks I have been asked to carry out. I love what I do and it has somehow reflected through my work," Contractor said.

Recording artiste career

As for his career as a recording artiste, Contractor has collaborated with Capleton and Bobo Zarro on the song Pain, a track which has been doing extremely well both locally and internationally.

Two other songs, Babylon Be Still and Never Stop Trying, which also feature Capleton, have given him some credibility as a reggae artiste though he seems more popular in overseas markets and is yet to have real impact on the island.

"It is picking up (local recognition). I am enjoying good successes in Europe and other places with my music so I must give thanks," he said.

Contractor is working on the careers of his latest charges, fast-rising reggae artiste Nature with his smash single World Peace, Ishawna, who has a collaboration with Specialist called Do For Love and Morgan Heritage, with the singles The Return and Khago who has recorded Pretty Wine.

(from Jamaica Gleaner)