Born in Portmore, Jamaica, Troydon started his musical career in 2009, when he recorded his first song ‘Help is Coming’, in collaboration with his younger brother – Intrestt.

Keeping it a family affair in n 2011 he recorded ‘Summer is Back Again’ with his elder brother – Allaboma (a former Magnum Kings and Queens finalist in Jamaica).

From the outset Troydon was driven and wanted to create a record label for the youth, for those who are determined to succeed and make a difference to their life and that of others. Gidians Records was formed in 2009. The logo designed by Troydon symbolises angel wings and the messengers of Jah. They are also believed to be a symbol of protection, thus relating to guardian angels which have long been a symbol of spirituality, protection and love.

To date Troydon has released 4 albums under the Gidians Records label. His debut album called 'D#1' was released in 2009 and his second 'Jamaica' in 2011. His third album ’The Voice’ was released in the Spring of 2012 to critical acclaim both in Jamaica and abroad and made 'album ofthe week' on a UK radio station. In June 2013 he released his latest album in 'Looking From The Inside Out'.

Troydon was inspired to write the one-drop album following his promo visit to the UK in February earlier this year. He wanted to release an album that would reach out to listeners of all ages - enabling them to relate to the heartfelt sound of reggae music through the mix of rock-steady beats and soul music. Great tracks on the album include 'Inside Out', 'Moving Forward' and 'Long Time Soul Mate'.

Over the last 18 months Troydon has been working with a Personal Promoter based in Norwich, UK resulting in greater exposure with air play on numerous radio stations in the UK and the USA and the development of a website (www.gidiansrecords.com) and a merchandise line. This led to Troydon being selected to be featured in a vote off to perform at the British Reggae Industry Awards (BRIA) 2013 at the Indig02 in the UK in February 2013. Troydon came a close 2nd - a great achievement for any upcoming artist. He made a visit to the UK to attend the event and carry out a series of live radio interviews across the UK. The trip was a big success and has raised his profile both within the UK and overseas through the internet radio stations and exposure within magazines/newspapers.

In establishing himself as a singer/songwriter - Troydon is getting recognition for his work across the globe through his heartfelt lyrics based on personal experiences. It was as a result of this that a songwriter - Jesse Rae, contacted Gidians Records having heard his music - suggested that Troydon record a reggae version of the classic 80s track he had written for Odyssey - Inside Out. Troydons' track was recorded in January 2013 and has led to acclaim within the BBC and across other radio stations in the UK. Troydons 2nd trip to the UK during June '13 consisted of headlining the Marlow Town Regatta, a series of radio and promo events across East Anglia and London - focusing on the launch of his latest album.

CEM Getting personal with Troydon with a Q & A

How did you get into the music?

Music is natural, so I didn't want 'get into music' - it has been inside of me since creation. Without music I don't think there would be me - life

You started out as a dancer when did you decide you wanted music to be your career?

Thinking about the reality in the dancehall fraternity, it is hard to make a career as a dancer. I have a passion for both elements but the truth is in music I can make a difference and make life better for me and others - family, friends and fans.

I know you are from a family of singers, what did they do to encourage you?

I was introduced to singing by my mother who taught me how to hum songs from a tender age which also helps me to love music more. In advance this is the turnout - it grows as a passion inside and as a result became a career for me.

Do you try to give messages in your songs? And if so, what are they?

Yes I do, my message is to show the world and the people that I love, the truth and reality of what life truly is about and to heal the broken vines of the ones needing help.

Do you write your own music?

Yes.

What inspires your writing?

Reality is what inspires me in my writing and I also use it as a weapon to put good over evil and love over hate.

Your songs are honest and stimulating. What do you try to convey to your listeners?

Manufacture love; eradicate hate which is also the vision of my record label - Gidians Records.

Anyone you would like to collaborate with? Why?

Two souls that are gone but not forgotten - Michael Jackson and Bob Marley. The reason why is because in my eyes, they were angels performing the works of the almighty and I can say job well done and respect to Michael Jackson and Bob Marley. But nevertheless, in reality I would like to do collaboration with Celine Dion because she has a voice that inspires and touches the hearts of people.

If you could experiment in another genre of music, what would it be?

All genres. The reason is because I want to reach out to the world in all forms, shapes and sizes. It is also for the vision of my label to demonstrate positivity and for the people to hear this message through my music.

Where would you most like to perform?

Africa. I would feel I would have a closer connection with my ancestors, my spirituality would grow and also my energy would be in the right place.

What kind of music do you listen to today?

Today I listen to soul reggae music. I also listen to songs from other genres that have the right lyrics that gives me inspiration to inspire others.

If you weren't singing, what would you be doing?

Dancing. It is also part of my ability to express myself to people in ways that do not involve verbal interactions.

Do you play any instruments?

Yes the drums - djembe, Congo, kette, jun jun etc. which are all from Africa. My desire is also to learn how to play modern instruments of the western world because it will enable me to have a full grounding of my career in music.

Best advice ever given?

Be real - being realistic helps you to get closer to people. Being fake will only lead to people drawing away from you later in life.

Do you think reggae music is losing its ground?

No. Reggae music has the background of its creator, also still coming from the heart of the people. Most people think it is losing its background because others are trying to create reggae music in their own way which brings it to a point of competition in the music industry. But the ground still stands, reggae music lives in the people that created it - the Jamaican culture which comes from Africa.

What’s next for you, what are you currently working on?

Taking the big step of helping others to create positive sound and music to inspire others to keep the goodness and love of humanity alive.

Triple Threat: Songwriter, Singer & Dancer - the Talented Troydon

Writer : Caribbean E-Magazine on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 | 9:47 AM