Culture

NCF Digital Music Distribution Boost For Local Artistes & Managers

Two days of workshops hosted by The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) gave valuable insight to Barbadian music artistes, songwriters and auxiliary industry professionals (managers, booking agents etc.) to aid in increasing their operations within the global Orange Economy.

Held at the Courtyard by Marriott on Saturday, September 30th and Sunday, October 1st, the inaugural sessions are an extension of the NCF’s Digital Distribution Music Cluster (DDMC) which supports artistes in the marketing and promotion of their music online.

“You can’t just release music and let it sit. You have to release music and give it life,” said Lisa Howell, Business Development Officer at the NCF. She shared how the DDMC, which was launched in 2021, initially just paid for the distribution of artiste’s music on major platforms through Tunecore. However, after noticing deficiencies in other areas, the team decided to increase their involvement in procuring more tools to assist the artistes (cover art for releases, electronic press kits, photoshoots etc.). And further increase their knowledge on the industry with these sessions on the Cluster’s third year of operation. “We realized it is important to let some experts speak to the younger artistes on how publishing and the distribution works,” she said.

The panel of experts included music business veterans J. Spencer Mussellam, LAS Label Leader at Believe Canada and Vivian Barclay, Managing Director of Warner Chappell Music Canada, the publishing division of Warner Music Group; and local specialists Junior Sealy, Stylist and Creative Director, and Tracy Highland, PR/Social Media consultant and owner of JILL Media, to provide insight on crafting an image online.

“The first thing [I do], when I hear about you, I’m going to check your social media,” said Highland. “It is your calling card.” She enforced the recurring, underlying theme of the workshops: consistency. The discipline to ensure profile names are homonymous across platforms (be searchable!), frequently updated with high quality imagery, and constant authentic storytelling can help bolster the artiste’s personal brand and, in turn, generate revenue through bookings, merchandise, or brand deals. “It allows you to build a fan base independently which you can then use as capital,” she said.

Junior Sealy echoed the theme of consistency, too: “You gotta bring the style every single time, as an artiste. Even if you’re going to the supermarket.” The sartorial savant shared how fashion can lead to unseen opportunities, gave tips on acquiring trendy pieces on a budget, and encouraged the artistes to forge relationships with local designers, given the symbiotic relationship between design and music. “As artistes we want to stand out with our music. So why not stand out with our personal image?” he asked. He wrapped his talk by doing a live styling of a few members of the audience.

J. Spencer Mussellam tackled one of the main points on the DDMC’s agenda: increasing an artiste’s online visibility. The independent music professional, with over thirty (30) years of experience, gave a detailed presentation on online distribution, and how attendees can increase reach and awareness on the world’s top Digital Service Providers like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and Youtube. He gave best practices on populating profiles, using relevant keywords, search engine optimisation tips, and how to repurpose creative efforts across each platform to drive their business.

“One of the first things you’re doing is making sure you have good habits when it comes to copyright ownership,” Vivian Barclay said to the audience of professionals. She shared how the song “is king” and you protect “the crown” by staying on top of publishing administration (the management of song rights, royalties, and licensing) to ensure that artistes can take full advantage of income generation from all areas of the world. She stressed on the importance of practitioners becoming members of a Performance Rights Organization, knowing their Interested Party Information number, and practicing strict metadata management.

Attendees were receptive, and enthusiastically interacted with each presenter. “I learned more of an elaboration on certain things I’ve known before, but it was in more detail,” Wynelle Lovell, stylist and artiste administrator, said of the workshops. “It leaves a big open door for growth and for better things to happen because we’re moving into modern times.”

Limited spaces are available for registration to the Digital Distribution Music Cluster. The slots are open to registered cultural practitioners at the NCF who:

have recorded a single, EP or album – within the past six (6) months to a year – that is completed and ready for distribution,
are digitally releasing new music for the first time,
and are new to Tunecore.

Interested parties should contact Lisa Howell at lisa-howell@ncf.bb. Registration closes on Tuesday, October 26th, 2023. (PR)

Culture

Juniors vying for a spot in the Finals

The Graduation Tent at the University of the West Indies will come alive, on Sunday July 7th at 6 pm, with a stellar showdown and exciting display of calypso and soca as the semifinalists of Scotiabank Junior Monarch competition take to the stage on the grounds of The UWI Cave Hill Campus.

Twenty-six young, talented calypsonians and soca artistes from across Barbados are set to light up the stage for a coveted spot in the July 20th finals.

The air is thick with anticipation as these rising stars, ages 9 – 18, prepare to showcase their musical prowess and creativity in what promises to be an unforgettable event.

Co-producer of the event, the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) Cultural Officer – Music Education, Kevin Moore, anticipates a brilliant display of talents stating that the youngsters worked hard through the rehearsals and mentorship sessions and tent nights.

“The stories out of this year’s competition are interesting. We have five newcomers and 12 schools represented. We also have four self-penned pieces, which showcases the development of not only the singing and performance skills within this programme, but also the writing exponents as well.

“Further to that point, we have songs being written and arranged by former Scotiabank Junior Monarchs and Competitors, namely Kymorhi Overcomer Trotman and Dondria A-lee-yah Forde. . . . Ladies and gentlemen, the 26 Scotiabank Junior Monarch contestants are ready, the band is ready, the team is ready,” Moore said.

If the two thrilling nights of the Junior Monarch tent at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed in June were any indication, the semi-final will indeed be an epic showdown. Expect fierce competition, electrifying performances and a vibrant celebration of Barbadian culture as these young artists bring their A-game.

King K

In the calypso category, this year’s semi-finalists bring a rich tapestry of themes and lyrical artistry. Alyssa Queen A Cumberbatch with A Prayer for the Youth delivers a heartfelt plea for the well-being of the younger generation; Charity Murrell’s Waste tackles the pressing issue of waste and its impact on our environment; Deyonte Yonte Brathwaite reminisces about the joys and challenges of school life in his performance of School Days; Eden Potent Murrell will sing HOPE which delivers an inspiring message of hope and resilience; Haylei Hailstorm Wise celebrates the beauty and culture of Barbados in Beautiful Nation, while Kadarius King K Allen’s Boys Don’t Cry addresses the societal pressures on boys to suppress their emotions.

Charity

Kenaz Bit Bit Walker’s Put On A Show is expected to be an energetic performance about the excitement of live entertainment; Khalijah Khaleesi Kellman’s Girl Unseen highlights the struggles and strengths of overlooked girls; Rashonna Shonna B Browne sings about the importance of preserving our natural environment in Green; Relissa N’Kyla Mitcham’s Runaway tells the often untold story of why many young people, particularly girls, go missing; Rimiya Majestic Miya Wilson in her rendition of We Need You calls for unity and collective action; Sabiah Gaskin’s Real Heroes pays tribute to the unsung heroes in our lives and Trinity Clarke in No Joke brings a serious message about the challenges faced by young people.

In the Soca category, the contestants promise high-energy performances which wowed the packs crowds and got them moving during tent nights. For instance, Israel John Boss Savoury’s Heart Beat combines infectious rhythms with heartfelt lyrics; Jade Leilani Roach’s Home is a warm homage to her roots, whereas, Jayden Inniss’ Welcome Home is a welcoming track that is sure to resonate with patrons.

What’s Wrong with You? by Jazarie Zarie B Belgrave is a playful yet pointed song and asks several important questions; Joshua Joshua B Blackman aims to bring the house down with his electrifying performance of Taking It Down; Kari-Anne Kari Holford-Sam’s Sweet Pan blends sweet melodies of the steel pan with vibrant soca beats; Kyle Twin Boy Bishop’s Obey is a call to action and respect; Joshua Josh Ox Oxley’s Pandemonium captures the chaos and excitement of a lively soca fete and celebrates the steel pan; Kymani Mr. Showman Devonish is sure to take the stage by storm with his dynamic performance of Ready; Ranesha Stewart’s Road Call celebrates the festive spirit of revelry on the road; Rojani Shurland-Agard’s Company is about the joy of good company and celebration; Sephon Lil Stathis Sealy brings the energy with Bring It and Talisia Mottley’s Put Down The Gun delivers a powerful message against violence. (PR)

Culture

New Location for Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes

Carol Roberts, CEO of the NCF, has just announced that the Digicel Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and 50th Anniversary Tent will have a new location!

This Saturday, the marquee event for Crop Over 2024 is coming to Bridgetown with activities happening in the 3 main squares – Golden Square Freedom Park, Independence Square and National Heroes Square, from as early as 9AM.

The highly anticipated procession will begin from the Pelican Lifestyle Centre at 3PM and head towards National Heroes Square, where the official ceremony will take place at 4PM.

The 50th Anniversary Tent, which will feature exciting live performances of well loved soca and calypso songs, will take place in Independence Square from 6PM.

The Digicel Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and 50th Anniversary Tent offers fun for the entire family. Enjoy a variety of cultural activities, performances, and demonstrations, as well as numerous vendors offering food, drinks, and local artisan products throughout the city. Admission is free for all. NCF

Culture

First Bridgetown Craft Market potpourri today

The City will come alive in an explosion of colour, culture, food, craft, art and all things Bajan, when the first of two Bridgetown Craft Markets gets started today at 10 am.

Celebrating the theme of The Shop Crop Over Experience, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has paired the Bridgetown Craft Market with its Sweet Limes initiative to add even more flavour to an already highly popular attraction.

At the Golden Square Freedom Park from 10 a.m., there will be the hub for authentic Barbadian craft, wellness products, jewellery, cosmetics, local memorabilia, leather goods, clothing, soft furnishings and, of course, the hottest DJ music and entertainment.

The live entertainment includes: Foundation Steel Pan

Folk Troops, St. Mary’s School Landship, St. Cyprians Boys Choir, Deacon’s Primary Landship, Dancing Africa, Limbo and fire eating, Mark Forde on Steel Pan, artistes from the Pink Pen Project and more.

Senior Business Development Officer at the NCF, André Hoyte, explained that vehicular traffic will not be disrupted for the Bridgetown Craft Market, which starts in the morning and continue to late in the evening.

He notes the range of activities and entertainment are meant to be a boost to creatives and encouragement for Barbadians and visitors to make Bridgetown the go-to place for high quality local products and fare.

With the country already abuzz with excitement from the International Cricket Council’s Men’s T-20 World Championship matches being hosted here, Hoyte expects the vibe to be even more hyped over the coming days as the Cricket Final is staged tomorrow June 29.

“It’s exciting that T-20 cricket is also happening in Barbados. Of course, our first market happens on the Friday before the Finals. So, we know that people are going to be in The City in their numbers looking for things to do, food to eat, gifts to take back, and entertainment to enjoy,” Hoyte stated.

He also praised the efforts of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry for its cooperation with the NCF on these Bridgetown-based events.

Restaurants and stores in Bridgetown will be opening late as top DJs play some of the big hits of the season, at select locations including Abeds, DutyFree Barbados, Royal Shop, Sole Addiction, while Soca artistes will add more thrills to the potpourri of attractions from various locations.

Fully costumed festival characters will stroll the streets and boardwalks of Historic Bridgetown, showcasing the cultural experiences and history of the island in dramatic form.

The senior NCF official highlighted the sponsorship which Toyota Nassco Limited, KFC, Payce Digital – Digital Payment Partner of the Festival, has provided this year to help make the Bridgetown Craft Markets a success and an integral part of the Crop Over Festival Calendar.

The day culminates with the final Crop Over Sweet Lime at Golden Square with a line-up that includes: Lil Rick, Mikey, Mr. Blood, RPB, Fadda Fox, Barry Chandler, Coppa Dan, Adrian Clarke, Timmy and many more. (PR)