SOME of the artistes down to perform at the 2016 edition of The Jazz Sampler this week got a clearer insight into the business side of the music and entertainment industry.
On Monday, close to a dozen performers gathered at the Bay Gardens Hotel to gain some knowledge in key aspects of the entertainment industry which can make or break their careers.Mineva Ross of Sisterhood (organizers of the Jazz Sampler) dealt with the importance of marketing and imaging which includes Bios, Photos, Press and Promotional Kits (electronic and hard copy). She also spoke of the importance of social media marketing at which point she invited local singer Chrycee to share her experiences and success at effective use of Facebook as her major marketing tool.
Steve Etienne spoke on the role of ECCO as a collective management organization (CMO) for songwriters and publishers and not persons who are just singers or performers but are not the authors of the songs they sing. Etienne sought to clarify the mandate of ECCO and dispel the notion that the organization can and should champion causes which are beyond its jurisdiction. He urged artistes who are songwriters to ensure that they register their works (songs) with ECCO to ensure proper tracking of airplay within and outside of St. Lucia for more efficient collection and distribution of royalties.
Etienne told artistes it is also in their interest to notify ECCO of live performances, in and outside of St. Lucia.
Attorney at Law, Gerard Williams, spoke on the importance of contracts in the music and entertainment industry. He said contracts are legally binding and protect the rights of performers and promoters alike. He said contracts could be used within and outside the courts to guide the settlement of disputes, whereas in the absence of a contract, the entertainer/performer may suffer total loss of earnings.
In relation to branding, Williams said it is absolutely necessary to register trademarks (names, logos, symbols, colours and fonts) to avoid bogus claims by other parties, or theft of intellectual property.
Marketing and Promotions Officer of the Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA), Gasper George, spoke of the Agency’s work with the entertainment sector here. George said in the last few months, TEPA has received 33 requests for assistance from local artistes. Earlier this year, TEPA engaged the services of the UK based company Sound Diplomacy to draft a framework for the development of the music industry in St. Lucia. Representatives of Sound Diplomacy were on island in January and met with 22 stakeholders of the local music and entertainment industry. This was a first step in the process of developing an export strategy for St. Lucia’s music industry.
Now into its fourth season, producers of The Jazz Sampler, Sisterhood, say the workshops are designed to add value and create sustainability in the music industry here, especially for our national artistes and musicians.
Jazz Sampler this year is being staged under the theme “The Master and Apprentice”. Local music icons have been paired with young, up and coming artistes and musicians. The show is slated for Saturday April 9 at the National Cultural Centre from 8:00 p.m.