AT 16, Kevin ‘DJ Alley’ Carty was determined to make it as a sound selector. He would be travelling to several dance sessions with his CD pouch hoping to get his break.

“I usually got a chance to practise and showcase my talent during the early juggling, the 30-year-old told Splash.

After graduating from Garvey Maceo High School in Clarendon, Carty said he began working on a few sound systems in the parish. In 2008, he met up with dancehall producer Black Spyda, who took him on a six-month tour of Guyana.

“During that six months, I got a lot of exposure in Guyana. I also learned a lot especially as it related to pleasing different audiences. In Jamaica, our music is dancehall/reggae so that is what is played most but in another country it is different. People have other genres as their favourite so I have learned how to select for everyone,” he said.

After returning to Jamaica, the young selector said he started his own sound system called Close Range. Since its launch in 2009, Carty said he has played at several events including St Ann’s Jerk Festival and Beach Rave in Montego Bay.

Born in Kemps Hill, Clarendon, Carty relocated to Kingston a few years ago. For 2015, the budding selector said he is aiming at establishing himself as one of the most sought-after in the business before attempting a career as a music producer.

— Simone Morgan