DJ Marc had always wanted to explore the world of music production. His interest developed 11 years ago and since then he has been making beats while honing his craft as a disc jock on the gospel music scene.

On November 1, he released his first project called the Breaking Barriers rhythm. The seven-song compilation features gospel artistes Minister Blessed, Trewth, Kimesha, Jim Radical, DaJourney, CAG Clayon, and award-winning Prince Saj.

“I have always wanted to do music production; however, I believe now was the right time. As a musician I’ve built beats as far back as 2012 in the hope of releasing a production, but it didn’t materialise. What made it easier is being a professional DJ on the gospel scene, I’ve built connections with several producers and artiste,” DJ Marc disclosed in an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

The Breaking Barriers rhythm, he said, took three months to complete.

DaJourney Productions (Canada) did the mixing and rendering of the songs while Sherwayne Musiq from Jamaica helped with creating the beat.

Since its release, DJ Marc said the feedback to the project has been positive from the gospel community.

“The response has been overwhelming, people all over the world have reached out with kind words and encouragement. Persons have said that this rhythm project came about at the right time, as something like this was missing from the industry. They mention also that each artiste did exceptional, and the standard was set high,” said DJ Marc.

Four of the songs from the project have charted on a local gospel music chart, namely Win by Prince Saj, Unstoppable by Minister Blessed, Weh You Wah Do by Jim Radical, and Light Show by Trewth.

DJ Marc, who works with Omega KLAS FM radio, is originally from Clarendon. He relocated to Kingston where he attended Wolmer’s High up to fifth form and did sixth form at Jamaica College before moving on to study at the University of Technology, Jamaica.

He shared what he brings to the table as a producer.

“I want to maintain a high musical standard that people will find attractive and ‘listenable’. I also want the music to hit the streets not just in Christendom or for the Christians but for the unbelievers to hear and turn to Christ. I also intend not only to use reggae/dancehall genre (hard core) but include soca, praise and worship, one drop reggae, Afrobeats, etc, to spread the word of the gospel,” said DJ Marc.

DJ Marc (real name Marc Smith) has been a Christian for several years. He worships at the Church of the United Brethren in Christ in Golden Spring, St Andrew. He is also the church’s youth leader.