By Caribbean News Global contributor
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Canada’s High Commissioner Laurie Peters and Jamaica’s minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, Olivia Grange, on October 14, toured the world-renowned Tuff Gong International Studio to learn more about the cutting edge technology that will modernize the vinyl record press system. The Toronto-based Canadian company, Vinyl Technologies, will complete a major upgrade at the legendary recording studio.
“I was delighted to learn that this legendary Studio will soon boast a fully automated vinyl record press system thanks to the innovation and entrepreneurism of Canada-based Viryl Technologies. The upgrade will ensure Tuff Gong’s vinyl record production capabilities leveraged by Viryl’s state of the art, cutting edge technology will manufacture more efficient and high-quality vinyl records,” remarked High Commissioner Peters. ‘This is yet another international business relationship brokered by the trade commissioner team at the High Commission that demonstrates Canadian excellence in the technology sector”.
“I commend the Bob Marley Group of Companies and Tuff Gong Studios for this important investment in preserving Jamaica’s rich musical heritage. This bears even more significance as the location of Jamaica’s iconic Tuff Gong Studios was originally home to Federal Records, Jamaica’s first recording studio. Bob Marley and so many others have contributed greatly to our musical heritage and this innovation will help to preserve that legacy and further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Jamaica and Canada,” said the culture and entertainment minister.
Viryl is focused on pushing the boundaries of vinyl record pressing technology with clients worldwide. James Hashmi, Viryl’s co-founder shared that, “Viryl is honoured to be working with Tuff Gong and the Marley family in Kingston, Jamaica.
“Bob Marley’s legacy spans across the globe and holds an undisputed place in music history. Tuff Gong’s unparalleled passion in bringing vinyl manufacturing back to Jamaica represents another milestone on an already legendary legacy.
“Viryl is looking forward to a long-lasting working relationship with Tuff Gong and is thrilled to have our equipment installed and in-use in the Caribbean for the very first time. Viryl takes pride in knowing that we are a piece of what will surely be one of the most visited sites in Kingston, Jamaica.”
Bob Marley limited-edition LP series to be released December 11
Viryl Technologies, one of the few companies globally that makes vinyl record pressing machines, was engaged in 2019 by Tuff Gong to supply machinery and the supporting infrastructure equipment to modernize and redesign Tuff Gong’s Recording Studio and Vinyl Records Factory.
Capitalizing on the growing interest in owning music in vinyl format, the project was advanced in time for Bob’s Marley’s 75th birthday celebrations this year.
