Chimney Records Bio

With an ever increasing catalogue of hits to their credit, business partners Jordan McClure and David Hayle have solidly established their production company, Chimney Records, as one of the front runners in a challenging and diverse music industry. 

Skillfully tapping into the beats of reggae and dancehall, these two classically trained pianists are fearlessly pushing the envelope as they ensure that their productions are fresh, unique and overflowing with appeal. It was in 2007 that McClure and Hayle – both of whom were immersed in dancehall music from their high school days – officially signalled their intention to place Chimney Records on the musical map in a huge way. 

Pulling out all the stops, the Campion College past students, who had been producing riddims for deejay-turned-producer, Delly Ranx, decided that the time had come for them to stand and be counted. Interestingly, it was Delly Ranx who unwittingly gave the company its name. As the story goes, one day Delly arrived at the studio and the place was filled with smoke. Delly commented: “This place is like a chimney.” And with that, Chimney Records was born.

Yearning to savour the taste of a number one song and help re-energize the music business, the two producers unleashed their creative energies in the studio and the results were predictable. They knew they had what they were looking for from the moment Vybz Kartel voiced the song "Trailer Load of Money". With the all-round popularity of that single in 2008, Chimney Records was well on its way to becoming a household name. Keeping their eyes squarely on the prize, McClure and Hayle were soon churning out riddims that beckoned the best of the best in dancehall and reggae.

Riddims such as the Sex Appeal, Retweet, Star Bwoy, Happy Hour, Summer Fling, Money Box, Tropical Escape, Chill Spot, Rising Sun, Movie Star and World Premiere connected with the psyche of the ‘massives’ in a meaningful way and became the passport needed to take Chimney Records to international markets. With artistes such as Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Elephant Man, Konshens, Zagga, Aidonia, I-Octane, Tarrus Riley, Tessanne Chin, Chris Martin, Serani, Bramma, Di Genius, Chino, Ding Dong, Cecile, Alaine and TOK riding these riddims, Chimney Records has become an acknowledged and respected hit-making machine.

It therefore came as no surprise to music critics and fans alike when Chimney Records won three major categories at the Star Awards held in 2015. These include Producer of the Year; Collaboration of the Year “Way Up Stay Up” (Remix) - Chi Ching Ching, Popcaan and Beenie Man and Song of the Year: “Mi Nuh Trust People” - Vybz Kartel.
Quite pleased with their achievement, but also cognizant of those on whose shoulders they stand, McClure and Hayle unreservedly give kudos to legends such as Sly and Robbie, Steelie and Clevie and Dave

Kelly, while also highlighting their admiration for the work of next generations producers including Stephen McGregor.
Always remaining dedicated to the production side of the business, and ensuring that the business side is also taken care of, Chimney Records has signed their first artiste, Zagga, a talented reggae singer who has already begun to make purposeful strides up the ladder of success.

Chimney Records, many will agree, has definitely stayed true to their core ideal of making great music that they are happy with and happy to share with the world.