5 Questions With Ralston Barrett

It is really not hard to see why Ralston Barrett is affectionately called 'Big Rallo', and it is a moniker that the Westmoreland-based entrepreneur has embraced. Over the last three decades, he has proven his strength as a publicist, music producer, artiste manager and events coordinator.

Persistence is the name of Barrett's game, and when other publicists will take a firm but polite 'No' for an answer, he will inevitably find a way. He chalks this attitude up to life experiences. For example, he spent much of his formal schooling trying earnestly to be a dropout, and he credits his grandmother, Muriel Barrett, for her own determination that he would turn out to be “something good”.

“I grew up in a very loving environment, and I knew no wants except for the love and the acceptance of my birth parents who neglected to be there for me. I did well in school until I passed Common Entrance and began attending Manning's High School. I struggled in high school because I was bothered by the fact that both of my parents were absent from my life. This made me very angry, and [I] would get into fights very easily, and my grades fluctuated. Eventually, I was labelled a bad boy, and I just ran with it because even when I was right, I was always judged wrongfully,” he told 5 Questions With.

He recalls being suspended multiple times from Manning's and finally decided to drop out of school.

“I attempted to do so twice, but my grandmother would not have it. So, I went back. Eventually, I asked for a transfer to Rusea's. Although I didn't get into many fights there, I dropped out for good after two attempts. There were certain elements who did not think I should have been there. One particular teacher told me that he didn't want the refuse from Manning's in his class,” Barrett shared.

At that point, he was headed down the wrong path, “but thank God for music” and the desire to learn that never left him. “So I started reading everything I could find. I have never stopped reading because I believe in lifelong learning,” he said.

Barrett, who devotes his time to raising his daughters and working with clients through his reggae PR agency, recently got back into production with his Symphony B Records, a label that he created as a gift for his five-year-old daughter. The first project, the Sobriety Test rhythm, features songs from Capleton, Delly Ranx, Tellah, Ffurious, Venjahnce, Jahbar-I, Sudu Mos-I, Fyah Stick and Jah Wizwas. It was released by VPAL Music in September.

 

1. What motivated you to become a publicist, and what were some of the challenges?

 

I landed my first official PR job in 1999, working with Mr Vegas. However, I didn't plan to become a publicist at all. I started out as a selector and sound-system owner in the early '90s. This was the catalyst for me to get into other areas of the music business, including artiste management. I then had to make connections with people in the media to promote my artistes. At first, it was rocky, but eventually, I learned how to build relationships and get things done. I have learned a lot from my mentors and friends. However, the one challenge that still stands out for me personally is the high level of professional jealousy that exists in the music industry.

 

2. Who are some of the artistes you have worked with over the years?

As a publicist, I have worked with a long list of artistes, including Richie Spice, Masicka, Spice, Rygin King, Nesbeth, Mr Vegas, Protoje, Chronic Law, Khago, Ninja Man, Ishawna, Charley Black, Lutan Fyah, Demarco and Delly Ranx. As a producer, I have worked with artistes such as Capleton, George Nooks, Anthony B, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, Lukie D, Mr Vegas, Cecile and Lady G.

 

3. How rewarding has this been, both personally and financially?

Being a publicist has been very rewarding for me in so many ways. I'd be ungrateful to say otherwise because it has allowed me to make a living doing something that I love to do. I've also made a lot of great friendships with people in the business, and I have learned a lot.

 

4. As a producer as well as a publicist, you have viewed the music business from different angles. What do you think of the songs that are now in your ears?

At first, I was unwilling to accept this new sound that the youths are coming with. I honestly don't think it can match up to the music that was made in the '70s, '80s and '90s, but some of these new acts are making some good music. What we also have to understand is that music has to evolve, and the youths are experimenting right now, but I believe eventually they will create something special.

 

5. How has COVID affected the music scene in the west, and what are your recommendations for improvements?

COVID has stopped a lot of artistes from touring and prevented our local promoters from putting on events. I think if more people adhered to the restrictions, we will be able to get the industry up and running again soon.

 

BRAWTA

 

Tell us your top 5 songs for 2021.

 

1. Ambition – Yaksta

2. Go Do Down Deh – Spice, Shaggy, Sean Paul

3. Roll Deep – 10Tik

4. Not Perfect – Mavado

5. Dirt Bounce – Laa Lee