KINGSTON, Jamaica — For Jermarle Shirley, music production was a life-long calling. His genesis rooted in his days as a member of his church band, the St Catherine Brass band, the creative found his true love in production at age 16, and the rest as they say it is history.

Today, what started out as him testing his skills at something he always enjoyed has burgeoned into a blossoming career that sees him rubbing shoulders and sharing musical thoughts with some of Jamaica’s most recognisable talents.

“I grew up doing music and I once was a selector that used to play Mello Construction sound system. I started my producing skill in 2013 when I use to mix for a few young artistes. That’s where I found my love for producing. Music however, has been a love since I was going to Church,” he told OBSERVER ONLINE.

Shirley, who goes by the alias Joshie Dan, is the brains behind Day One Productions, a label that hopes to thrust conscious music into the spotlight like never before. Shirley, who prides himself on creating music that oozes positivity, says while he will not limit himself in terms of the genre of music he dabbles in, is fully focused on strengthening the reggae sector. His most recent production, Irie Victory Riddim, he says, will aid in his efforts to shine a light on music that will uplift listeners.

“I have always been someone who is highly conscious. I believe in positive music and the impact it can have on the mindsets of listeners. My latest project will show that. It’s called the Irie Victory Riddim, and it features the likes of Nesbeth, Nature Ellis, Junior Morgan, Brian Gold and Jah Izrehl,” he said.

“From you hear the artistes on the project, you already know what kind of vibe the music will give and if you don’t, then the name of the project should. At Day One Productions, we’re all about ‘irie’ vibes, victory over all things negative. The music already has enough of that. What the industry needs more of is positivity and consciousness.”

The 32-year-old said the project was also inspired by his love for the ‘one-drop’ beat. For him nothing beats authentic Jamaican music and he wanted to take listeners on a nostalgic journey back to what many dubbed as music’s glory days.

“I was inspired to do this project because people kept telling me they miss having an authentic one drop juggling and as a music lover I understood what they meant. There’s just something about that music that makes you feel good inside and that’s what I want to do with Day One Productions,” he said. “I want to make music that is authentic, inspirational, educational, unifying and spiritual. I also wanted to do something that was fun and easy on the ears. The songs by the artistes on this ‘riddim’ are all that and more.”

Irie Victory Riddim was released back in July and Shirley says so far, it has been receiving great feedback.

“The love for the riddim has been great so far. I just want people to tune in some more. This is the kind of music you want to feed your soul. It will not only make you feel good but will leave you feeling like nothing can get you down.”

The songs on Irie Victory Riddim can be found on all digital platforms islandwide.