DJ Mac talks creative process, and global publishing deal

 Jamaican-based producer DJ Mac is quickly becoming one of the most influential young creatives shaping the sound of modern dancehall. 

From creating charting rhythms to producing music that dominates both parties and playlists, the Kingston-born producer has built a reputation for delivering records that resonate with audiences across Jamaica and beyond.

For DJ Mac, born Jason McDowell, the formula behind his growing success is rooted in a willingness to experiment while staying connected to the essence of dancehall culture. “I kinda go for more unorthodox type of sounds; sounds that people aren’t necessarily using in the space,” he explained. “I try to keep everything mixed with an old style but a new style. Anything that can be played in dancehall, anything that can be played at parties. Especially being a DJ, I know what keeps the crowd moving, I know what people want to hear and what keeps the people going. That’s kind of what drives my inspiration going into a studio session, whether I’m choosing a beat or creating one.”

That approach has already produced impressive results. In 2025, DJ Mac and co-producer CrashDummy released the highly successful WYFL Riddim, a project that dominated both mainstream and underground music circles while charting on the US iTunes Reggae Songs Chart. The rhythm quickly became a cultural phenomenon, attracting more than 200 recordings from artistes within months of its release and cementing its place as one of the largest juggling projects in dancehall history.

The success of projects like WYFL has helped establish DJ Mac as one of the most sought-after producers of his generation. However, as his catalogue continues to expand internationally, he understands that creating great music is only part of building a sustainable career. To strengthen the business side of his growing brand, DJ Mac inked a global publishing deal with Hapilos Publishing, covering his full catalogue and future works. Leveraging the global infrastructure of Sony Music Publishing, the world’s largest publisher, Hapilos Publishing has fast become the leading publisher in the reggae and dancehall space. The deal allows Hapilos Publishing to administer DJ Mac’s catalogue, including securing placements, licensing opportunities and handling royalty collections and copyright protection worldwide. 

According to DJ Mac, the decision to work with Hapilos Publishing was based on trust, transparency, and the company’s proven track record of looking after creators. “Hapilos being my publisher is definitely something I would recommend. I’ve recommended it to other people as well because I feel like it’s a straightforward process,” he said. “They make sure to notify you on anything you release, even works that were released before. They’re on time and on point with the management of your songs. They pay on time, you get your statements, and everything is clear and straightforward. It’s an easy process to use and something I would highly recommend.”

As the music industry continues to evolve, publishing has become an increasingly important component of an artist or producer’s career. Beyond collecting royalties, effective publishing administration helps creators maximise earnings, secure synchronisation opportunities, protect intellectual property, and ensure their work is properly represented around the world.

For DJ Mac, the partnership represents another important step in a journey that began with a passion for music and a desire to create sounds that connect with people. With an expanding catalogue, growing international recognition, and a strong publishing partner behind him, the producer is positioning himself for even greater success on the global stage.