Reggae crooner Ras Penco raises the bar
NEW YORK – Reggae crooner Ras Penco raises the bar this holiday season with the launch of his second single, its accompanying video, and takes off for Europe.
“Be By My Side” is the follow-up to his massive hit “Thousand Miles,” and the Uprize Music artist recently journeyed to Hollywood to film the romantic video.
“It was a great experience being on the yacht out in the ocean,” discloses Penco, on the Los Angeles movie-like scenario. “We were looking for a special feel and we came to Hollywood to get the appropriate look to fit the vibe of the song.”
“Be By My Side” was produced by Uprize Music and is currently enjoying great rotation in the Caribbean, especially in Jamaica, where it enters the top ten on the FIWI Reggae Singles Chart and comes in at #25 on the Jamaica Weekly Countdown this week (Nov. 30, 2009). “I’m getting a good response so far in the dancehall and on radio, and the TV stations just started playing the video,” the artist states enthusiastically.
Ras Penco
The single was co-written by Penco, who says it came “naturally” because he wanted to return with an appropriate follow-up to the “Thousand Miles” story. “I was looking for something along the same storyline to give the fans,” he says. “It’s a continuation of the same story.”
A busy holiday season is on the horizon for Penco. Following his European tour, local fans will see him perform at this year’s Island Explosion and West Kingston Jamboree. Negotiations are also underway for him to perform at the highly anticipated Sting in Portmore, Jamaica.
“I’m working hard in the studio right now so everyone can expect my new album,” reveals Penco. “After this third single, my main focus will be on putting together material and working on my craft. I also have a new band, so I’m rehearsing with the band right now and we’ll be launching it in December.”
With two consecutive hit singles and videos in rotation and a third single in the works, Ras Penco continues his reign as the new face of the conscious genre. Stay updated with artist news and tour information on Ras Penco by logging on to www.myspace.com/raspenco