Leonardo Carmichael - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Freelance Photographer

Newcomer, Leonardo Carmichael, is hoping to please the world with his music. The 24-year-old, who has his sights set on a successful career in music, released his first single, Only For A Little Time (Let's Make Love), in late October.

The single, which he dubbed as the 'baby-making song for 2010', was recorded at Harmony House's Nazy Muzik and Jay Twiss Records in Smokeyville, St Andrew, and has already caught the ears of listeners with its smooth and catchy sensual lyrics.

"With each song I do, it will speak to a certain audience," said the musician born Leonardo MacFarlane. "When I write a song, it doesn't matter who you are, where you live and what you believe in, you must appreciate it."

Carmichael is a vocalist, songwriter and drummer who grew up in Olympic Gardens, St Andrew. He, as with most inner-city youths, faced rough circumstances while growing with his parents, Geraldine Morgan and Glendon Morgan.

FIRST EXPERIENCE

Carmichael has spent his entire life in music. He got his first experience in music when he was six years-old and began to play the piano seriously while at Dunrobin Primary. As he grew, so too did his love for music and he often envisioned himself performing in front of large audiences. While attending Calabar High, he was encouraged by his schoolmates, who were impressed by his talent.

When he enrolled at the University of the West Indies to study literature, he played drums for the university's Panoridim Steel Band Orchestra for three concert seasons.

In 2008, Carmichael graduated with distinction from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts where he majored in music studies, which included jazz and pop performances.

While at Edna Manley, Carmichael met Nastassja Hammond, daughter of reggae icon Beres Hammond. He found they both shared the same desire and love for music and they combined their efforts to write the lyrics to Ain't Nothing Wrong With Us. The instrumentals for that song was later used on Beres' A Moment In Time on his 2008 album of the same title.

PURPOSE

Carmichael describes himself as an artiste with a strong purpose and vision, and says he hopes to make music that will inspire listeners.

"I want to deliver excellent music, music with vision and purpose," said the singer, who now resides in St Ann. "My concept for music is that everything which was delivered before started out new at some point. Dancehall, reggae, hip hop, you name it, they all started somewhere. For me, it's delivering music with a mix, which at the same time comes across very appealing."

So far, he has collaborated with Nastassja, on her Nazy Muzik label, on Tell Me Again, All I Want, and Not Another Baby Making Song.

"I know they can do well. Once you deliver well and with relevance, you'll be accepted by the public with your music," said Carmichael.

The reggae/ R&B singer, who also plays the drums at Fellowship Tabernacle, said he was aware of the difficulties facing a new artiste wanting to break through. However, Carmichael is confident that he has the goods to deliver.

"The key thing about music is timing. I know that I'm a different type of artiste, but I don't see any reason for the public not to want a dynamic artiste that gives exceptional music, which also edifies and sharpen the appeal of music."