THOUGH it has been around almost 10 years, the Illmatic Studio in Port Antonio does not have the lofty profile of Gee Jam, its more established rival in that seaside town.

Owner Marlon Minott admits it does not look like much, but points out that in this case, size does not matter.

The studio, which has been active for eight years, was originally a clothes store.

“When I returned from the (United) States I started to juggle, selling clothes. Then came (Hurricane) Ivan which blew away everything and blew in a wind of change … the studio,” he said.

Among the artistes who have recorded for are Minott’s Illmatic Records Michael Rose, Cobra, Mr Pepper and Carl Dawkins.

American singer Steve Wynn of rock band Steve Wynn and the Miracle 3 has recorded at the studio which is equipped with a pro tools system.

The 43-year-old Minott says he got his first taste of ‘serious’ music while living abroad. He would practice deejaying on his family’s home sound system.

He then assembled a formidable music collection.

Back home, he got involved in the clothing business when his then girlfriend and budding singer Brain encouraged him to set up a recording studio.

One artiste he took under his wing was the singer Cavan, winner of the first Digicel Rising Stars talent contest.

Minott says he plans to record and expose local talent but admits breaking them will not be easy, given the competitive nature of Jamaica’s music scene.