Caribbean Cultural Conference – A Review

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  Music University in Brooklyn – Sheron Hamilton-Pearson

  The Caribbean Cultural Conference 2010 convened by the Caribbean American Cultural Caucus Inc. under the chairmanship of Junior Forbes met on Friday and Saturday June 18 and 19 for two full days of Music University. Although almost 100 attendees were present on the first day, too many in the music and affiliated industries failed to avail themselves of this wonderful FREE event held at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. Panelists included such luminaries as Carlette DeLeon, Noah Jolles, Simone Harris, Dr. Verna Green, Patrice Barnes, Michelle Arthurton, Matt Laszuk, Ed Robinson, Pat McKay, Heather Cunningham, Esq. and Stan Smith and featured executives from SoundExchange, ASCAP, 360ARTISTS, The Orchard, Tunecore, A2iM, and IRIS. TuneCore, IRIS, The Orchard, A2IM, Ma$tamind Productions, E2 Recordings, Headline Entertainment, 360ARTISTS, and Hot Trackz Entertainment.

  The first panel dealt with marketing and music in the digital age and the excellent soundbites and advice proffered could be utilized by everyone in business, not just those in the music industry. The discussions about branding and the importance of creating a credible brand certainly resonated with those entrepreneurs in the room. The presentation was ably brought to life by the cool calm and collected Kam-Au-Amen, University of the West Indies lecturer, who gave priceless pointers on building a credible brand – “a brand is not a logo but a promise of value”. He highlighted the woeful lack of symbiosis between those in the reggae industry and some unlikely partners, the surf crowd, fashionistas and alcoholic beverages were some of the mentioned potential collaborations. This was the first in arguably a stellar line up of professionals in the industry who shared their time, talent and advice with a rapt audience.

  An in-depth interview with Carlette DeLeon at the conclusion of the first session, saw her expounding on the difficulties she faces as a woman in a predominantly male-driven industry. Her most pressing issue; how to maintain her even-keeled personality without being seen as a pushover, since the opposite hard-nosed aggressive model of some women in the industry, is not an option for her. When asked what she is doing to change the perception of what it is to be a woman in the Caribbean music industry, she paused for reflection and said that it wasn’t her place to tell others what to do; but hoped they would find a positive example in the way she lives her principled life. A measure of the importance this conference held for her is evidenced by the fact that she flew to New York from her home in Jamaica for the sole purpose of being one of the panelists! She currently manages a crop of up and coming stars, including fresh-faced, all-round performer, Romaine Virgo, former Digicel Rising Stars winner. She cautioned newcomers to the industry to select professionals to manage their careers as opposed to friends who could easily get lost in the morass of shady dealing and exploitation.

  “The Production Booth”, had the musicians in the room sitting on the edge of their seats and their questions became more personal and germane to their individual needs. Moderated by Ed Robinson with Panelists Pat McKay – Program Director Sirius , XM NY, Sean Stewart – Producer, DJ and Artist, Sean Noel – Artist Musician, Producer and owner of Mastermind Productions and Anastas “Nasty” Hackert – Producer and world-renowned drummer. On Saturday June 19, the plenary session on artist management, saw panel moderator Michelle Arthurton, posing the question….”are manager’s really glorified booking agents?” The final session for the day saw the licensing and publication rights companies giving their presentations in “Let Your Music Make Money for You” which delved into the minefield of royalties and publishing rights. Moderated by Michelle Arthurton with, Sam Taylor, Scott Sellwood, Donald Harper and Neeta Ragoowansi providing much needed information on protection of one’s rights and also how to register with those companies who collect and distribute royalties.

  The aim of The Caribbean Cultural Conference and their annual event is to bring together entertainment industry stakeholders to explore and examine the obstacles confronting the advancement of the Caribbean entertainment industry. They certainly carried through that mission on June 18th and 19th in Brooklyn. Everyone affiliated, even if only on the outskirts should not hesitate to attend the event in 2011 as this group brings cutting edge information and access to the movers and shakers in the Caribbean music industry.

  For more information about the Caribbean American Cultural Caucus contact Junior Forbes:646-395-0288