Every now and then, a unique, rare talent is sure to explode worldwide in a way new artists haven’t done in recent memory. Therefore, in keeping with the Soul Train tradition of discovering great new artists on the rise, we’re pleased to introduce you to Chris Demontague.
Demontague hails from Jamaica by way of Great Britain, bringing a exciting and refreshing sound that literally stops you in your tracks when you listen. It’s R&B, it’s Pop, and it’s international. The music being produced is an interesting and memorable mix of Pop, Soul, and Reggae. I have not heard a signature sound like this from Jamaica since Bob Marley, Garnett Silk, or even Maxi Priest. Chris sounds like one of the great voices of the Motown era, sparked by a new millennium feel. He has been lauded by many as a modern-day version of Sam Cooke, fueled by influences of Ray Charles, Otis Redding and R-Kelly. Quoting Cirocco, author of the best selling music industry book ‘Music Powers’, “Chris’ voice is distinctive to the point that it matters”.
Chris lives in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica and is only 21 years of age. He has had the good fortune of working on tracks produced by some of the best Grammy Award-winning and platinum-selling producers of this generation for his debut album. Those ranks include Manuel Seal Jr. (Mariah Carey, Usher), JR Rotem (Sean Kingston, IYAZ, Jason Derulo, Britney Spears), Jason “J-Vibe” Farmer (Keyshia Cole), Ricco Lumpkins (TLC), Jerry “Fatz” Flowers (Keith Sweat, Joe, Dru Hill), Cirocco (Michael Jackson, Johnny Gill), Nick “The Violator” Vidal of the Baka Boyz, and newcomer Reezington.
Chris recently performed at the International Soul Music Summit in Atlanta, and it was Chris who clearly stood out and had the whole convention buzzing amidst the 150 artists and over 2500 people in attendance. He also performed at X-Fest in West Palm Beach for powerhouse station X-102.3, and quoting program director Mark McCray, “Demontague tore it up!” He co-headlined at the Jamaican Jump-Off for WEDR Miami’s Lorenzo Thomas, who co-signed for Chris as being one of the hottest up-and-coming stars. He also performed at the December 2010 Teen Splash in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, debuting his first single “Missing You”, which he co-wrote. The song is a sensational ballad that showcases Chris’ natural vocal range, emotion, and control.
As you all know, the Soul Train brand has broken many of the great African American, Motown, and Hip Hop voices of this century. So, from my pen to your eyes and ears, welcome to one of the next great voices and artists of “Generation Next” – Chris Demontague.
Check out the video for “Missing You.”
– Terry Bello
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The International Soul Music Summit
Head Conductor for “Generation Next” Vol.1
Just loving Chris Demontague’s music. T A L E N T!!!!!