Indie Allen 'catches a fire' in Canada

Indie Allen has been on the rise for years, and continues on his journey to becoming an acclaimed reggae artiste in his own right.

Before his solo career, Indie was the lead singer of Phuzzion a band of young musicians from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. As the members have moved on to further their careers, Indie has taken flight, currently making his mark in Canada as he peddles his latest single Catch a Fire, with the hope of it becoming a hit. The song is a soulful reflection of the reality that no relationship is perfect. "I got the inspiration when I was going through a hard time in my relationship, " he said.

Though Indie is earnestly making moves to expand his reach, the young singer has admitted to encountering some obstacles common for upcoming recording artistes in the local musical arena. "The greatest challenge I've faced with putting my music out there is encountering people who prefer to hustle the music instead of honouring its craft and offering genuine support," he told The Gleaner.

Careful shifting

The only way to get around this is through 'careful sifting'. "I pray about my craft along with practice that's the only thing that keeps me confident. What keeps the ball rolling is my passion for what I do. It's a never-ending drive, so I keep myself busy whether it's writing a new song, recording or networking, I just keep at it because I love it," he confessed.

In 2011, Indie took on his solo mission in the Digicel's Rising Stars competition in which he placed fourth. In 2016, he released his first solo EP, titled Indie Moment which afforded him the opportunity to share stage with the likes of The Voice winner Tessanne Chin; Big Ship Captain Freddie McGregor; 'next-gen' reggae star Jahmeil, and internationally acclaimed crooner, Romain Virgo.

To his credit, Indie also boasts collaborations with veteran reggae acts Maxi Priest and Third World, and mentorship by the prolific Mikey Bennett.

After the song's release, he was contacted to be featured on Canada's Club One, a popular entertainment programme that showcases up-and-coming Caribbean talents.

Now, the young artistes is on tour in Canada. "The cities, the people, the culture.

The weather was a treat as I've never seen snow before. It felt warm to see the hearts I touched with my music. Meeting new artistes and getting to collaborate was epic. It's not everyday you tour and record with new artistes in the same sitting the creative energy is like fire," he told The Gleaner.

The artiste is currently working on what he calls a 'major project', with international artistes and producers.

He is also working on a movie soundtrack.

"I am pretty much booked for the rest of the year with events in and outside of Jamaica," the rising star stated.