Rad Dixon starts 2023 with first album

Singer Rad Dixon gave himself a new year's present with the release of his first album on January 1.

Hard Times is produced by Tasjay Productions, the company that has guided the singer for most of his career. Dixon, who lives in South Florida, is from Manchester where his recording career started in 2000, using the moniker R Rated. He has released a number of songs since, as well as an EP, DJ Treasure Music Presents Best Reggae Lovers Rock Covers.

"The songs on the album see the artiste exercising his experimental creativity while maintaining recognisability as an authentic reggae artiste. The soulful, R&B-like production of (lead single) Times Are Hard is not a bid to water down his music, but is a testament to how serious he takes his craft. Nothing sounds generic in the production of Hard Times," read a statement from the Toronto-based Tasjay Productions.

Times Are Hard is a collaboration with reggae crooner Luciano. Right Portion (with Talee), Mama's Love and Tuff Life are also on the album.

Dixon has recorded several songs that have been well received in South Florida and Toronto, including Baby Don't Do It and Make it Right. His EP contains his take on songs like Kenny Rogers' Write Your Name and the Billy Ocean original, Suddenly.