Chemistry is a critical part of music, especially in the era of collaboration. American singer/producer Freddy Browne felt this instant connection when he first met Devin Di Dakta five years ago.

That initial meeting produced Get Up, their song released in 2017. Everybody Feel Nice (Skank And Move), the duo’s second single, came out on September 9.

Browne was in Jamaica recently for production and promotion for the single. He told the Jamaica Observer that he applied a familiar strategy for their follow-up project.

“The way I work is that I create all the music first and then have Devin do whatever he wants on the track. I’m inspired by his style, but I don’t create music specifically for a vocalist, I create it first and then the vocals/lyrics are developed by Devin,” he explained.

Browne was introduced to Devin Di Dakta by Sly and Robbie. The deejay was part of the Riddim Twins’ Sly & Robbie Presents… Reggae For Her — Devin Di Dakta & JL which was nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 2017 Grammy Awards.

Devin Di Dakta is known in dancehall circles for songs like Rev Out di Rr and Eye For an Eye, but he made the Billboard rock charts in 2017 with Oh Devil, a song with American pop band Electric Guest. Browne believes ‘Everybody Feels Nice’ can broaden his appeal even more.

“This song will absolutely introduce Devin to a bigger audience, and new listeners on a global basis,” he said.

Browne was born in New York City and grew up listening to eclectic sounds including funk (The Ohio Players, Kool And The Gang), rhythm and blues (Earth, Wind & Fire), rap (Dr Dre) and reggae (Bob Marley, Grace Jones, Black Uhuru).

Sly and Robbie, who produced Black Uhuru and Jones’ biggest hit songs, were the first Jamaican musicians he worked with. He has also collaborated with Shaggy who is featured on his next song, scheduled for release in October.