By: Coriandre Lawrence

Vibrant, captivating and phenomenal are just few of the words that can be used to describe the lyrical style Calico. Born Jason Borland of Havendale, Kingston, Calico a one time student of Wolmers Boys High has always been passionate about music, especially dancehall. In a recent interview with the up and coming artist he shared his journey through the music industry.

His love with the art form began in high school where he would at lunch break “clash” other students using popular songs but adding a bit of a “Calico” twist to it; which would cause him to triumph in those competitions. As his popularity grew his skills brought him to St. George’s Collage in the evenings where, again, he would astound his young audience with his artistry.

After leaving Wolmers his eyes were set on seriously taking his talent from the classroom to the studio and beyond. At the time he was still known as Jason but in a chat with his brother one day the name Calico was born. He reminisced about the conversation he had with his brother and shared the story with us. His brother said to him “ mi want yu fi Buss” and Jason’s reply was “ You want mi fi buss like a big gun like a 9mm or a Calico”. They both loved the name Calico and he used it ever since.

Spending most of his time at Left Side and Esco’s studio, Calico enhanced his talent. Coincidentially, Solid Agency was on the same building with the Studio and as a result Sharon Burke heard a few of his recordings and realizing his talent signed him to her label. Though young he writes his own music and has released many songs that have attained radio play and is regularly heard in clubs and sessions. Tunes like “X-rated”, “When we roll out”, “ Flossing” featuring Left Side, “Lady Sunshine” featuring Flava Unite, the popular “Monogamy” and the controversial “Freedom of Speech”. The latest addition to his list is “Gal dem want a man” on the Spanish Rhythm and “I Love” on the Cupid Rhythm. He has also performed on shows like fully loaded and Hypnotic.
How does he describe his style? “ Well, I think it’s a mixture of Dancehall and how I express myself.” He sums up his style as "Calico" meaning unique and possessing great impact.

Calico has worked with prominent producers like Shiah Coore, Renaissance, Left Side and Don Carleone, which he says helped to curve his career in a direction that looks prosperous. In the future he hopes to do collaborations with Vybz Kartel and Bounty Killa, which he said, “ is going to happen”. He also added that Wayne Marshall and Vybz Kartel are some of the artistes that have been helping to put his career on a higher level.

When asked who was his favorite artist he exclaimed that he likes many and this would place him in a dilemma. He nevertheless named a few, General Degree, Baby Cham and added that he admires Sizzla’s lyrical wizardry.
He is currently working his album “Tropical Heat”.

In the next five years Calico modestly tells us that he sees him self on the international market with at least 3 albums that have done well.