Hardio aims to be a top entertainer in five years
Reggae/dancehall artiste Hardio has been taking slow steps to get his music recognised on the local music scene. His first stage name was Audio (given to him by a close friend). However, he discontinued its use to make it easier for him to be identified through digital music platforms.
“My main goal is to get my songs out there so that people can get to know who Hardio is and make myself present in the industry,” said Hardio.
The greatest challenge, according to the up-andcoming artiste, has been getting radio play, but he continues to submit new music to disc jockeys at various stations with the hope of getting airplay.
“An artiste may send in songs to the DJs, but it does not necessarily mean it will get played. You know how it go sometimes,” said the 30-year-old singjay.
So, in addition to seeking out the help of DJs, the artiste utilises traditional methods of song marketing by distributing promo CDs to persons in the streets.
Hardio says he has a catalogue of about 50 songs, among them Jamaica, which was released in 2016. That song tells the story of the country’s culture. He wanted to enter the single in the yearly Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Festival Song competition, but it had already been circulating the radio stations – making it ineligible. The single was included on his debut EP, Dancehall Active, along with Live Mi Life, a production with Germany-based producers Dancehall Station Essen.
Hardio, whose given name is Leon Smith, grew up on Cambridge Street in the community of Franklyn Town, Kingston. He is currently based in Ocho Rios, St Ann.
“Growing up in the inner city has exposed me to a lot, but I am also using that experience to guide me as I explore the rest of my country as part of my goal to learn more,” he said.
He is preparing to host a beach trip and afterparty in St Ann later this month under the song title. Hardio has been booked to perform in Florida at D-E-A-F JAM-aica, an event hosted by the Deaf Empowerment Abroad Foundation that partners with local schools and organisations to provide support to persons with hearing disabilities. It is scheduled to happen on February 1 of next year, one month before the artiste is expected to kick-start a tour in Europe to promote his music.
“In five years, I am hoping – and I know if I continue to be as dedicated as I am – I will be one of the top recording artistes in Jamaica.”
He names Romain Virgo and Bob Marley as musical inspirations.
“Clean, cultural reggae music is what you will hear from me mostly, even though I am also labelled as a dancehall artiste. I am being persuaded by my mother, a Christian who endorses clean lyrics,” he said.
Among other things, his late sister’s child Nehemiah Edwards,5, is added encouragement for him to push harder. Hardio has accepted the responsibility to support his nephew since his sister died while giving birth to him.
“I gave up my job for music, and with all that happened, I had to succeed in making money despite its ups and downs. I face the struggles, I fight, I hold on, and I am going strong.”