FOR Richie Platz, music is the vehicle for him to express himself. A product of Stony Hill, St Andrew, the young singjay’s genesis in the music industry came approximately nine years ago as a selector on a sound system.

“I can easily remember going to community dances with my CD pouch clutched tightly under my arm with the aim of getting a chance at the controls. I must admit that there were a few times when I ran out of luck and never got a chance to put my skills on display, but for the most part I was lucky and usually get crazy foward from the party patrons,” the artiste, born Richard Anderson, told the Observer.

A past student of Kingston Technical High School, Richie Platz says he made his transition into recording after he was coaxed by close family and friends to pursue a career as a recording artiste. A versatile songwriter, the sinjay released his first single in early 2010 entitled Life’s Journey. This debut single spoke about the harsh realities that some individuals encounter daily.

Soon after Richie Platz released his second single. This time it was all about the ladies as he unleashed his sultry voice and captivating melodies in Bedroom Tactics. Both singles, the artiste said did not receive much airplay. He therefore urges disc jockeys to give the younger artiste ‘buss’. “There are hundreds of talented acts out there but no one knows as their music is not being played by some DJs on the local airwaves. Give us a chance, please,” was his plea.

In June of this year Richie Platz’s third single Summer Loving was released and he noted that this track is recieving better airplay than his previous two.

With success not yet within his grasp, Richie Platz, being a practical person, also works as a welder while continuing to promote himself musically. Part of that promotion will also see him travellling to sections of the Caribbean and Canada within the coming months. Still a sound selector, he is also slated to show off his selecting skills at several events.

— Simone Morgan