Her musical influences were derived from mellow rhythm and blues sounds, but singer Bridgez is confident that her association with the Bounty Killer-led dancehall ensemble the Alliance will open up the bolted doors that her career has stumbled upon in recent years.
Describing her musical journey as an interesting and challenging one, Bridgez says she has learnt a lot from the business in a short period of time. “It’s interesting in terms of learning the business and learning to separate people’s personality from their talent. It’s like a top producer with a bad attitude; but you know how to work with that person anyway and just growing as an artiste overall,” Bridgez explained in a recent interview.
The challenges she pointed out include networking and staying grounded, despite the negativity from individuals within the industry.
It was four years ago that Bridgez (real name Bridgette Roache) piqued the public’s interest with songs such as Put it On Me and Best Friend. Since then she has been recording for a number of producers, a move which she says has benefited her immensely.
She developed a passion for music from a very tender age. She began writing and singing in a church group at the age of 11. It wasn’t long before the group split but Bridgez continued to write music and record her songs as demos on her computer.
She later joined a group called 3 Wishes, which was short-lived. According to Bridgez, the direction of the group didn’t fit into what she wanted to accomplish. As a result she decided to try her hand at a solo career.
She made her professional recording debut with upcoming producers David “Hizzle” Hayle and Jordan McClure from Chimney Records. The duo produced the songs Have Fun Tonight and Distracted.
Her work with Chimney Records would later result in recording opportunities with producers such as Jack Scorpio, Rohan ‘Sno Cone’ Fuller, Stephen ‘Supa Hype’ Davis and the rhythm twins, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.
In recent times she has recorded a collaboration with singer Lukie D; producer Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor, Enrapture Productions; and Stone Age Productions.
Asked what she’s bringing to the musical table, Bridgez said “Well I just want to bring me. The music I grew up listening to mixed with my own style. I grew up listening to rhythm and blues and reggae.”
With a number of artistes already affiliated with the Alliance crew, Bridgez was quizzed on what she felt was significant about being part of the musical entity. “Joining the Alliance has played a very significant role in my life. It has given me a chance to reinvent myself as an artiste those who already knew me and to introduce myself to those who never knew about me. I’ve been approached as a new artiste mutilple times since joining in the Alliance and I like it because I have grown and I’m coming more and more into my own unique sound and style.”
She pointed out that it has always been a challenge whenever Alliance boss Bounty Killer calls her on stage. “The biggest highlight for me is being called up on stage by Bounty Killer. I can never get use to it and people always want to hear what you’re going to say. When he pushes you out there, its always a rush and yet a challenge,” Bridgez confided.
Her latest musical projects include working on her own mixed tape titled Bridgez Crossover; songs including Saving it For You on the Pay Day Music label’s victory rhythm project; Fulfil My Fantasy for Builders Music; Give it Up for Flava Squad; and Roll Out featuring Bounty Killer.
She is set to shoot the videos for the songs Fulfil My Fantasy and Saving it For You over the next few weeks.
Source: jamaicaobserver
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