Music Execs scout talent in SVG

International music executives were solidly impressed by local artistes, at the end of what was described as a very successful workshop and talent-scouting visit.{{more}}

Close to 20 singers of various genres wowed the North America-based panel consisting managers, video directors, song writers and music publishers last Friday night at the Xcape Night Club, with hopes of being the next performer for this country to “buss”.

The event was held at the culmination of the Invest SVG-sponsored workshop at the Methodist Church Hall from November 4 to 6.

Speaking for the group, former senior vice president of Sony BMG, Ivan Berry, said they were tremendously impressed with the pool of talent that was showcased.

He identified a few artistes in the bunch that he said had the ability to make it big on the international scene, if given the proper support and exposure.

Up and comers Young Fross, Lil Pain and Amanda Gooding, graced the stage with seasoned artistes Abuza, Maddzart, Bomani, Skarpyon as well as Digicel Rising Stars Kyoka Cruickshank and Kyron Baptiste.

As far as the workshop was concerned, Berry said that he believed that it had served its purpose in getting the various stakeholders together.

He noted that he was impressed with the enthusiasm shown by the participants, who ranged from singers, songwriters, producers and videographers.

“The biggest concern that we heard expressed was the lack of infrastructure. We have to make sure that infrastructure is around the artistes so that St. Vincent and the Grenadines can start exporting talent and revenue stream will remain at home.

“We were impressed with the fact that over the two days, grown men and women who had their jobs, would take time out to sit, listen and ask questions with eagerness about their passion for the arts,” Berry added.

The manager, who had a direct input in the career of Kardinal Offishall, Jully Black and a few other Canadian performers, said that the priority for these stakeholders is to create organisations that would legally and forcefully enable them to act as lobbying groups for their various causes.

He urged that stakeholders become more familiar with technological advancements in their fields and gain more knowledge in marketing skills.

Other members of the panel included video director Bobby O’neill, head of Warner Chapel Publishing, Vivian Barclay; David Wright of Def Jam Records, producers/songwriters Rupert Gayle and Justin Forsley, artiste manager Stephane Lecuyer and chairman of Copyright Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (COSCAP) Derrick Wilkie.