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Our History

In the early 1990's, Steffen Franz (Stand Out Selector) enlisted the aid of Wookie J. to form Positive Sound Massive Recordings, a global sound system dealing only with the pure conscious dancehall vibe of reggae music. In response to what they felt was an onslaught of slack vocalists, Franz and Wookie J. recruited reggae musicians and vocalists with varied musical backgrounds from all over the country, including guest session players from San Francisco's already burgeoning new jazz scene, to bring the sound system's musical ideas out of the SF scene and into the world reggae market. In 1995 and again in 1998, PSM's efforts were recognized with BAMMIE (Bay Area Music Award) nominations in the Reggae/Worldbeat Club Band category.

Our Music

Over the past few years PSM Recordings has put out the freshest Bay Area sounds, releasing a dozen CDs and 12"s, and has seen greater success with each one. The first CD was a full-length voiced by the Godfather of Dancehall, Nicodemus. The album, entitled "Dancehall Giant," was the last album recorded before Nicodemus' untimely passing in the summer of 1996. Dancehall Giant received international exposure and paved the way for the release of the label's first compilation album in late 1997, "Time's Up." This album featured many unreleased singles and "B sides," and a stable of world-class vocalists. The entire album, which included the single, "Jah Everlasting" b/w "True Freedom Fighters," featuring Rocker-T. and Jamalski, received airplay in over 30 countries and throughout the United States.

PSM had two new releases during 1999, including Rocker-T. "Tru Ganjaman EP," a four song "pro-ganja ep" released in July. The EP received great international hype with radio play from Melborne, Australia to Europe and Japan, as well as in approximately 30 Reggae markets throughout the US and Canada. Sparking the EP's push was the unexpected appearance of its cover in New Line Cinema's feature film "Next Friday."

PSM released Rocker's full-length solo album "If Yu Luv Luv, Show Ya Luv," in October. The album and EP (which received nuff press and even some awards!!!) continues to sell and receive radio and Internet play. In 2000, Rocker performed at reggae festivals throughout the United States, including the biggest and most prestigious, "Reggae on The River" in Northern California. (Check our tour page to find out more about live shows in your area.)

In May of 2000, PSM released its first producers' special album and double vinyl entitled "Mi Selecta," which includes tracks from world famous producers and beat builders like Mix Master Mike, Dan "Automator" Nakamura, Easy Star All-Stars, Rocker-T., Jamalski, biL featuring DJ Quest, Strong Foundation, Kulcha Shok Muzik, Westside Chemical, and Knowstyle Productions. (For full bio and album information please feel free to click on the links above.) Also released in 2000, was "Prophets of the Most High," our first 7" release in as many years, and "The Cyber Supplement," our first all virtual and all free 4 song EP available for download here and in affiliated mp3 sites.

Our last compilation release (February 20th 2001) is "Riddim Please," our first full-length Dub and Instrumental project. This album features dub versions of many of PSM's favorite tracks remixed fresh for today. It has scored over 100 playlists worldwide and has had some great reviews in a handful of "national" and "Reggae" publications. In 2003, PSM released the debut from biL titled "Magic Thumper," , and of course, More Luv," the follow-up to Rocker-T's "If You Luv Luv Show Ya Luv" . Also look for our newest 7" titled "My Little Bush", a powerful and positive look at a simple little weed, from Karney (A San Francisco based singer/songwriter,) and DJ SOS. This 7" has already charted in a few west coast markets and paves the way for Karney's next full length album due our in the winter of 2004.

DJ's for DJ's (A Brief Overview of our early history)

With the concept of "DJ conscious for conscious DJs," PSM created double 7" single packs (with dub versions of each on the opposite record's B-side) so that DJs could remix right on the spot. Thus far, PSM has put out two of these packs. The first was a double single pack by PSM themselves, entitled "Sex & Guns" b/w "Unity" featuring Raskidus & DJ Collage. This release charted in a half dozen American markets, as well as in France, Ireland and Malta and continues to receive airplay both nationally and internationally. Another single release, by renowned "King of Nyahbingh," Ras Michael, entitled "No Bow Down" reached number one in various college markets and charted high on playlists around the country. It also also received 'nuff soundsystem and radio airplay in Jamaica.

Positive Sound Massive is more than just an independent record label. It is a soundsystem in the true Jamaican tradition, a band and for its creators, a way of life. Remember to visit our Catalog and What's New sections to find out the latest information about our new and current releases and tour information.