Usain Bolt Wants A Grammy
100m and 200m world record holder Usain Bolt says he is not satisfied with his current success and wants more.
The sprint star turned music producer’s latest Dancehall production is the Clockwork riddim which features Vybz Kartel, Cham, Charly Black, Shaneil Muir, TeeJay, Christopher Martin, and ZJ Liquid. Clockwork follows the release of the singles Living The Dream with manager NJ, and Say Less. The 34-year-old’s previous productions were the Olympe Rose riddim in 2019 and the Immortal riddim in 2020.
In an exclusive interview with World Music Views podcast, Usain said that the pandemic gave him more time to pursue his dreams in music, something he always wanted to do. He candidly shared lessons learned along the way that he intends to take into the music industry.
Usain, Welcome to the music industry.
Respect! Respect!
You’ve conquered more dreams than the average human, what is it like to have that ability to identify something, go after it and attain it?
It’s something I learned from a younger age. My father always tells me ‘anything I want I can have, I just have to work for it’. Don’t think limits.
You broke world records and now decided to enter music. They are both entertaining games but music is a blood sport, especially as it relates to Jamaica, so why did you decide to enter music?
Music was always something I loved. I am always dancing, people say I party too much because after races I would play at the clubs. I was always interested in it and always wanted to do it. Since the pandemic and we under lockdown it work out that I have more time on my hands so I can put more effort and more time into it.
Where does that energy come from and what advice to give to others who can’t find the motivation?
I am not satisfied. I learned over the years you should never just be satisfied…if there is something you want why not? I believe in myself and I wanted to go into music so why not? It’s just (now) to learn the music itself and build the right links.
You could do any music because the world knows you, I was in Dubai and saw where your Hublot watches were sold out, so why choose reggae-dancehall music?
I look at music as a bigger platform. Even people who don’t speak English love dancehall music. I seen in in Japans and China people singing dancehall music, they sing Bob Marley and Vybz Kartel. I am just gonna enjoy it and push on. Just like Track And Field it’s a process, it took me time. I understand you have to put in time and effort to be great. That’s what we working on.
Do you want to make the entertainment industry more disciplined?
I have been learning that it is totally different from what I am used to. So I work with people who understand that a time is a time. I am not one of those persons to do something halfway. Artists in Jamaica are not used to people correcting them but that’s one thing I am bringing to the table. I will take from Track And Field and apply to music.
Are you looking for a record deal?
No, I am a producer. We just learning the system but not because everyone does it this way means I am gonna go along this route. We are getting more people aware that Usain is doing music so we just a work and make people can get to listen and learn the name and the music.
So as a producer you own your masters right?
Yes, one thing I learned from the beginning, it’s better to own everything . It’s a learning process. I am sure along the way we might make mistakes but it’s a part of life as we continue working and pushing forward.
Are you looking for new artists to sign?
Yes, definitely but not immediately. I feel like it’s necessary for me to get my foot in the door first before I can pursue trying to find new artists. I want to make sure I have a platform for them where we already know the journey and the process.
How did you get the Spotify Taste playlist?
I try to work with people who are beneficial for you also and Spotify is one of the biggest streaming platforms there is. For me, it was good so people can actually take notes so people can say I like his taste. Big up to Spotify for that.
Dancehall is the only music you will do?
For now, but we have some things in the pipeline.
Why do you think you get a fight doing music?
The music industry is very harsh and I can’t understand that because the pie is very big. Everybody is doing music so why can’t I? Look how many rappers, they are a dime by the dozen and everybody is just cool cause the lie is so bit. So I don’t see why when I come into dancehall it’s an issue? If you do good music it doesn’t matter what kinda music me do it nah take nuh money outta your pocket. It is something I love and I’m gonna pursue it. Just like how in Track and Field, the haters and the negative people were there but it never bothered me in reaching the top so I’m gonna treat music just like that.
Do you have a goal in music like you wanted an Olympic medal?
Grammy! I want to win a grammy, that would be the biggest thing for me. That’s my end goal.
That would make you the first Track and Field athlete to win a grammy. Did having your daughter change you?
It has made me more patient. It is a learning process and me just a learn along the way. It’s a good experience, me a enjoy it.
Usain Big up
Big Up World Music Views