I-Octane Ready For First Major Outdoor Festival Performance In NYC

Before he became known to the world as I-Octane, young Byiome Muir was just another youth growing up in Sandy Bay, Clarendon with big dreams. Recognizing early that he had a passion for music and singing – he would sing in school and used the desks as drums to entertain his classmates – he didn’t consider performing professionally as a viable career choice.

Understanding the financial hardships that his family had to endure, he took on the role of “man of the house” and focused on helping his mother raise his brothers and sister. However, his mother encouraged him to work hard at school, teaching him the importance of education. Through her encouragement, Byiome applied himself and discovered that he had an affinity for science and architecture. So much so that he considered becoming an architect. However he could not escape the call of the music.

Before he became known to the world as I-Octane, young Byiome Muir was just another youth growing up in Sandy Bay, Clarendon with big dreams. Recognizing early that he had a passion for music and singing – he would sing in school and used the desks as drums to entertain his classmates – he didn’t consider performing professionally as a viable career choice.

Understanding the financial hardships that his family had to endure, he took on the role of “man of the house” and focused on helping his mother raise his brothers and sister. However, his mother encouraged him to work hard at school, teaching him the importance of education. Through her encouragement, Byiome applied himself and discovered that he had an affinity for science and architecture. So much so that he considered becoming an architect. However he could not escape the call of the music.

After completing High School and through the encouragement of his family and friends, Byiome took the plunge – thus beginning his musical journey. He began performing under the name “Richie Rich.” His hardcore dancehall lyrics gained the attention of famed producer Donovan Germaine of Penthouse Records. Byiome began spending time at Penthouse where he met fellow reggae artist Buju Banton and Tony Rebel who gave him the opportunity to hone his talent. While working with Penthouse, he decided to change his name to something that better represented him as an artist. He realized that “high octane gas” was known for its high energy and performance. Byiome knew immediately that this epitomized the type of performer he wanted to be. He personalized it by substituting the “high” for “I” and so the name I-Octane was birthed.

After three years with Penthouse Records, I-Octane was approached by Junior Arrows who signed him to the label. The decision to sign with Arrow Recordings brought a lot of changes and I-Octane slowly began to make a name for himself. He transitioned from dancehall music to a more cultural vibe and his first hit single Stab Vampire cemented his position as a notable reggae artiste.

Stab Vampire went to number one and received the award for Video of the Year at the Excellence in Music Awards (EME). The success of Stab Vampire gave way to other successful single such as Different Page, Hurt Mi and Mama You Alone. I-Octane’s reputation soared and his fan base increased. As his popularity grew, the demands went beyond Jamaican soil, prompting a European tour. Soon he began to work with notable producers and his repertoire of hit songs broadened rapidly.

Fast forward to 2009/2010, I-Octane became an independent artiste, having ended his four year partnership with Arrows Recordings. His catalogue continued to grow thus giving way to hit singles Lose A Friend, My Life, Puff It and others, along with numerous accolades, awards and nominations. In 2010, Digicel named the singjay Brand Ambassador for the company.

2011 promises to be just as great for I-Octane as he kicks off his “My Life” tour February 1 – April 29th. The tour will consist of performances in the United States, Canada and Europe. Even with his success to date, it is clear that I-Octane has just scratched the surface of all he is meant to achieve.