EDM and House DJ Freddy Browne brings his own energy – the kind that commands attention in the room – with both his voice and animated personality. He captivates audiences worldwide with his unique blend of house, reggae, hip hop and dancehall music, all produced and remixed by the maestro himself. Currently based in the US, Browne anticipates a financial milestone, projecting conservatively that his earnings will exceed one million USD in the coming year from a residency in the Cayman Islands, where he plans to establish new operations in the thriving tax-free haven.
In an exclusive interview with WMV, Browne shares insights on maximizing income for fellow DJs. He advocates a strategic emphasis on visual presentation, urging newcomers and veterans alike to elevate their live performances and social media presence to stand out in the digital era. According to Browne, this focus on visual appeal can be a game-changer for DJs seeking to enhance their financial prospects through a more engaging and visually compelling musical experience.
How did you get into the world of DJing and electronic music?
I happened by default; it wasn’t planned. As a producer and composer, I always sampled stuff. I made a lot of records and worked with many Jamaican artists on numerous tracks with people I met in New York. I made records with singers on the tracks, and if, for any reason, the record didn’t come out, I couldn’t go on tour. Now, as a DJ, I go on tour alone. With my own music, I have features in the tracks and make videos, but I don’t require a vocalist anymore to tour. So, it’s the business model that leads to becoming un-reliant on a vocalist and delivering a top-level solo performance.
DJs make a lot of money; the top DJs make over US$30M a year. How do you make money as a DJ?
I have gone through this process where I have been blessed to play all over the world and at some of the premier venues globally. I have been blessed to be paid respectfully. As my own music started to evolve, in the last year and a half, I put out four music videos that I directed and worked with Shaggy, Devin Di Dakta, Sly and Robbie. Putting this stuff out there raised awareness of me as an artist. Putting the two together lifts each other.
I go to the Cayman Islands, where I play some large shows, and the pay continues to evolve. There is a lot out there; it’s silly on some levels, but when you think about it, I am grateful I get to bring other people in and give other people jobs. It’s teams; everybody wins.
Who do you think started EDM?
With EDM music, you have to look at the early House records. Those were the guys who kicked it up from Hip Hop, disco, or funk, going up to 140 bpm. The energy kicked up. You have to go back to guys in Detroit, like Marshal Jefferson and Mr. Fingers. It goes from Funk to Disco to Funk and Hip Hop going on at the same time.
EDM made 4.5 billion dollars in 2022. How do you think Jamaican DJs can get some of that?
It’s very important to do your own thing. It should always start with the music first; business is important, but it’s an alignment. The visual component is important now; you almost can’t go out without a visual component. The music is always gonna live, but do your own thing.
Do you play the same set everywhere?
I never play the same set ever. I never do the same mixes twice, and visually, it will always be different too.
What will you be setting upon Cayman, and what does success look like in a year?
The Cayman Islands had a bad connotation for a long time; people would go and hide money. They have changed that, and now it’s become pretty much the financial hub in the world; all the banks are there. For me to open a company and live there, I had to have Caymanian partners with me from the start. You are required by Caymanian law to have this relationship, and it also sets forth a clear understanding of percentages from the start. You have to go through a vetting process of your background, a notarized passport, and I can’t even open up a bank account there for a couple of months until the company is registered, and all the partners have gone through the process. We are doing it and really excited, and I have great partners who own the venue called the Sand Bar.
I am very fortunate; I have a great opportunity to make a substantial amount of money between now and a year and a half, and I am sure I am undervaluing. I will make seven figures. It’s a great place to set things off, and I will take it around the world. There are opportunities like that because there are people who want to do more.
How do you find balance between the business and being an artist?
It’s tough; I don’t like to do business stuff. I just like to go about the business in a creative capacity. I exercise, meditate here and there.
What are some of the things you see that Jamaicans can use in the culture that is exploitable and monetized?
It’s not easy to make money here (in Jamaica); it’s full of talent but it’s not easy. I would like to see more brands involved down here and behind events and more productions. I would like to see DJs get more opportunities. There should be a Global Citizen event in Jamaica. The music is so rich here, and if that being done here and streamed all over the world would be a game changer.
Who are some of the artists you work with in Jamaica?
Devin Di Dakta, Sly and Robbie, Shaggy, Irie Soljah. I would like to work with a lot of legacy artists like Shabba Ranks, and really like Ding Dong. I am open to female singers, dancehall artists. I make the music, I arrange it; they can sing whatever, and I mix it out with my engineer and team and put it out on my label- which is called SOON (Something Out Of Nothing) Recordings. I have been with The Orchard/Sony Music now for 17 years. In 2006, I made my first deal and it rolled over every year, a very successful relationship that’s continuing to grow. It just kept selling each year. I might upstream and go to Columbia or Epic.
You say casually that it “just keeps selling,” how does it keep selling when reggae and dancehall have a selling problem?
I think the visual is important, whether it’s a live component or on YouTube, Facebook, or Spotify, or pieces of the video to create awareness. Digital marketing is important; I am kinda learning about this, but to break it down, always believe in yourself, and if you got skill, you gotta go there. It’s 10% skill and 90% hard work.
