Krista Henry, Gleaner Writer

Producer Richard 'Shams' Browne with one of his preferred instruments at his B-Rich studio.- Contributed

The Sunday Gleaner continues its series looking at various studios across the island. This week we feature the studio which was started by producer Danny Browne and has now been given new life by his nephew, Richard 'Shams' Browne.

Originally known as Mainstreet Records, the new and soon to be improved B-Rich Studio off Red Hills Road has a wealth of history behind its name.

When it was started in 1993, Mainstreet Records produced some of the original dancehall hits by artistes such as Goofy, Red Rat and Hawkeye among others. When producer and owner Danny Browne turned to gospel music, his nephew, Richard 'Shams' Browne, was there to fill the void. Shams was invited by his uncle to work at the then Mainstreet Studios in the early '90s. There he learnt the skills necessary for any good engineer.

Shortly after, Shams' interest in music expanded as he started playing around with the drum machines and keyboards before turning his ear to production.

modernised

In 2001, Shams bought the studio from his uncle, renaming it B-Rich after his label. However, he jok-ingly told The Sunday Gleaner that many still refer to the studio as Mainstreet. Containing a large control room, a voice room and a drum room, which is used for live recordings, the B-Rich studio is completely modernised.

"I have all the facilities here to record analogue and I can record digital tapes as well as Pro Tools," Shams explained.

So, not only is there a difference in the studio's sound, but also the technology. Shams said: "The thing that has changed with the studio is the format. Danny did mainly straight analogue format. I do more digital, more up-to-the-time stuff." Shams is also in the process of renovating the studio, repainting it to create a new vibe that will inspire him to continue producing hit songs.

Shams is known for working with a diverse set of artistes and has released rhythms such as Gypsy, Grass Cart, Orgasm and Intercourse. The most successful has been the Orgasm, giving Shams five number ones in Jamaica so far.

commercial rhythms

Unlike the 'happy', more commercial rhythms made by his uncle, according to Shams his touch is more 'gully'. "Well, from ever since I've been known to have more hardcore songs. When my rhythms come out, artistes love how di rhythms drop. It has a party vibe, a hardcore kinda thing," he commented.

Currently, Shams has released his Hammer Time rhythm with Party from RDX, Come Bruk Dis from Elephant Man and other songs from Voicemail. Shams is also working with newcomer M'Lonie and has released an alternative song called I Got Your Back. He is also managing Mr Lexx and has released a new song from Lexx titled Wine For Me.

For the future, Shams wants for his studio, like the name suggests, to be even richer by turning out more hit songs, hit records and more hit rhythms.

The B-Rich is technologically richly equipped.- Contributed