Producer Sponge Music Talks ‘Forgiven’ Riddim
Producer Charles ‘Sponge Music’ Williston says he was intentional in choosing the crop of artists to be part of his most recent project—the Forgiven riddim.
“I chose the artists based on working relationships (that we had) prior and I also scouted a few young talents with potential,” he told DancehallMag.
Released in March, Forgiven riddim has taken flight scoring multiple hits for the US-based producer originally from Porus in Manchester.
The collection features Pain by Mavado, Jay-A and Dexta Daps, Live n Learn by 450, Fight by Rytikal, Save Me by Byron Messia, All Night by Rajah Wild, Dissloyalty by Ikaya and Unlimited Rounds by gold-selling deejay Mad Cobra.
The producer said that his spirituality was the catalyst for the project.
“I am a very spiritual person and I have faith in everything I do. I wanted to use a positive name for the rhythm so that’s how I came up with Forgiven,” Williston said.
He said getting the artists onboard wasn’t a difficult task based on prior working relations.
“Getting the artist was very easy because these are artistes that I have worked with before and they like the way I produce and promote my projects,” said Williston.
The other artists who contributed to the project are C.M.R., Demarco, Adventerous, Vanessa Bling, Anthony B, Tommy Lee Sparta, Kalado and DreZee.
Said Williston, “The response has been pretty good so far. Members of the dancehall fraternity have indicated that this could be in the running for rhythm of the year. The project has showcased and brought out the talents of artistes like Jay-A and Rajah Wild. I am also working closely with Jay-A, so big up to him for helping to put the Mavado and Dexta Daps collaboration together.”
Sponge Music has been around for the past nine years. The label previously scored big with the songs Not Perfect by Mavado, Real Dogs by Alkaline, Burning Up the Streets by Capleton and Beenie Man’s Do You Want to be that Guy, which he co-produced with childhood friend Jerome Elvie.
General by Dexta Daps and Ikaya, The Pain by Shaneil Muir and Best Life by Gyptian (featured on Reggae Gold compilation) are among Sponge Music’s credentials.
The producer is gearing up to release new material by Jay-A, Govana and Rytikal as well as another riddim project later this year.
He further disclosed some advice to emerging producers who are looking to make their mark in the Dancehall industry.
“My advice to young producers is to never give up on your projects, you never know which one is going to HIT. Promoting your songs is me and stay consistent, grounded and protect your mental space. Trust God above all things.”