Tapedeck Launches in Jamaica, Busy Signal Says ‘It Puts Artists First’

Dancehall heavyweight Busy Signal serves as the official ambassador for the new pay-as-you-go streaming platform, which gives rights holders 80 per cent of the revenue generated from their music

Dancehall heavyweight Busy Signal during the launch

Dancehall heavyweight and Tapedeck Global Brand Ambassador Busy Signal is backing the new pay-as-you-go music streaming platform Tapedeck, which officially launched in Jamaica on October 1 at Tuff Gong International Studios with a model aimed at giving artists and rights holders a larger share of streaming revenue.

“For years, many of us have been exploited. Tapedeck is one of the best things to happen to the music industry because it puts proper compensation for artists at the centre,” Busy Signal said.

Unlike traditional subscription-based platforms, Tapedeck allows listeners to pay as they go, with rights holders receiving 80 per cent of the revenue generated from their music.

“For years, many of us have been exploited. Tapedeck is one of the best things to happen to the music industry because it puts proper compensation for artists at the centre.”

Busy Signal headlined the launch, giving guests an exclusive preview of tracks from his newly released EP, which will be available exclusively on Tapedeck for three months before reaching other platforms. He later performed several new songs alongside some of his biggest hits.

Reggae stalwart Queen Ifrica, one of Tapedeck’s September Spotlight Artists, also performed material from her new album, Breathe of Life.

Tuff Gong International Distribution Executive Label Manager Myshjua Murray said the partnership aligns with the company’s goal of helping Jamaican artists benefit more directly from their music.

Tapedeck Founder Tim Quirk (L) with dancehall ambassador Busy Signal

“Good distribution is also about leveraging opportunities for empowerment, impact and growth,” Murray said. “That’s what makes Tapedeck exciting for us.”

Tapedeck founder Tim Quirk described Jamaica as an ideal market for the platform, pointing to the global influence of reggae and dancehall.

“Jamaica is the ideal place to launch a platform like Tapedeck because of the extraordinary influence Jamaican music has had on the world. From reggae to dancehall, Jamaica has consistently produced sounds, artists and creative movements that have shaped global music culture. Tapedeck is about giving artists more power to earn from their work while connecting them with listeners in a new way,” Quirk said.

“Jamaica is the ideal place to launch a platform like Tapedeck because of the extraordinary influence Jamaican music has had on the world. Tapedeck is about giving artists more power to earn from their work while connecting them with listeners in a new way.”

The Tapedeck app is now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, with no subscription required.