INFLUENCED by the success of soca artistes led by Trinidadian singer Bunji Garlin, VP Records affiliate VPAL has signed distribution deals with artistes from the Eastern Caribbean (EC). Donovan Williams, VPAL’s general manager, said albums by Tony Prescott/Shurwayne Winchester, Machel Montano, Pternsky and K Kay Joseph of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as St Lucian Teddyson John, will be released by VPAL Soca this year.

It is the busiest schedule for VPAL Soca which was launched in 2014.

Williams told the Jamaica Observer that the mainstream success of Garlin’s song Differentology three years ago, and the popularity of VP’s Soca Gold compilation album, prompted VPAL to extend their involvement with acts from the EC.

“Bunji Garlin and Soca Gold’s success presented a demand for distribution. However, this genre is not new to VPAL. Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose, Charlie’s Calypso and Maha Productions’ catalogue are currently distributed by VPAL,” said Williams.

The soca market in the United States is not massive. Hit songs like Arrow’s Hot, Hot , Hot, The Baha Men’s Who Let The Dogs Out and Differentology, are few and far between.

A large EC population in the US east coast and Toronto, Canada, have made albums like Soca Gold strong regional sellers.

Last year was VPAL’s most prolific since its launch in 2009. Williams said the company distributed over 50 digital albums, nearly 500 singles and six physical (compact discs) albums.

The albums included Israel Vibration’s Play It Real , Never Played A 45 by British deejay Macka B and Iba Mahr’s Diamond Sox.

VPAL partners with artistes and producers to distribute their product through VP’s network of 600 online and mobile destinations in 100 territories.

In turn, VPAL earns a percentage of sales.

— Howard Campbell