Red Stripe announces release of "It Was Written," Jamaican music celebration

The makers of Red Stripe® lager, brewed in Jamaica and known around the world, today announced the up coming release of It Was Written, featuring DJ/production aficionado Johan Hugo and Kingston, Jamaica-based emerging artist Terry Lynn. The five original musical tracks that compose the release were commissioned by the brewers of Red Stripe to celebrate the worldwide influence, importance and appeal of the rhythms and pulse of Jamaican music. The songs will be available for free downloads exclusively at theFader.com/RedStripe beginning June 15, 2009.

Red Stripe beer has been brewed in Jamaica since 1928. Along with import company, Diageo, the brand has a tradition of supporting emerging artists and celebrating the most optimistic and progressive aspects of the country's culture. Hugo's musical background was the perfect match to produce the project. He is a well-versed music-lover with extensive production work in dance music from his previous projects and world music through his 2008 critically acclaimed collaboration under the moniker The Very Best.

"We are very excited about this new work from such talented musicians," remarked Nagisa Manabe of the Red Stripe team. "From chart-topping English rockers to eclectic live performers, the sounds of Jamaican music can be heard around the world in many different genres. We wanted to create a record that captures the essence of this influence and pays tribute to Jamaican artists who have had a positive impact on their country and beyond. We encourage listeners to enjoy this music and drink Red Stripe responsibly."

The creative direction from the Red Stripe team for It Was Written was to develop a project that reflected the deep and rich history of Jamaican music and its influence around the world. Inspired by the rhythms and sounds reminiscent of Jamaican music, producer Hugo used the artistic freedom to craft music beds out of samples from classic Jamaican and Jamaican-influenced songs, both famous and obscure: "Chase the Devil" (Max Romeo and The Upsetters); "Sexy Sexy" (Guary & Cleyton feat. Fulanito); "Steppin' Out" (Steel Pulse); "Purify Your Heart" (Johhny Osbourne); and "No Coke" (Dr. Alban).

"Terry Lynn delivers the future voice of Jamaican dancehall on the record," explains producer Hugo. "Her Kingston Logic 2.0 album has been earning critical acclaim around the world from The Guardian to The FADER.

"Intrepid, innovative and playful are just a few of the descriptions for her wide range of vocal parts on songs like, 'It Was Written", "Jamaican Girls" and 'Feast Your Eyes'. Red Stripe provided us with a unique opportunity to collaborate that we may not have had otherwise."

"I've grown up witnessing first hand how Red Stripe supports Jamaican culture and music, so this project kind of feels like playing for the home team", said Lynn. "The opportunity to create with a real innovator like Johan has been positive and inspiring all around. I'm really looking forward to going across America and experiencing her people and our music live and direct at the release parties. It's going to be great."

It Was Written will be supported with a music video for the single "Jamaican Girls," remixes and a six-market tour at the end of June. The tour will feature Lynn and Hugo performing at private, by invitation only events across the US. More information on the video and remixes will be announced soon.

It Was Written Tour Dates
6.23 Washington, DC
6.24 Miami, FL
6.25 Chicago, IL
6.26 Austin, TX
6.27 Los Angeles CA
6.28 New York, NY

It Was Written Tracklisting
"It Was Written"
"Jamaican Girls"
"Need to Find"
"Feast Your Eyes"
"Steppin' Up"