One of Nadine Cheng's pieces which is dosplayed on-line.
Tanya Batson, Staff Reporter
'LOG ON' is far more than simply a catch-phrase, dance, or song. Actually, the fact that it was used in a song and, by extension, in a dance, suggests just how popular the concept of the Internet and other areas of technology have become.
For many it has become a way of doing business; for others, a way of life. The term 'Generation X' is making way for 'Generation D', as in digital. Gone are the days when sliced bread was the most fascinating thing around. The idea of something being done at the speed of light is truly being realised.
If it can be dreamt of, it will soon be created.
While the www bug might not be as rampant locally as it is overseas, there are certainly those in the entertainment fraternity who are using the Internet to get their voices heard, or their faces seen. In fact, the issue of technology and entertainment will be the theme at Caribbean Music Expo (CME) 2002, which begins next week Wednesday in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
Now in it's third year of existence, the upcoming CME conference will focus on issues related to 'Technology, the Internet and Music Industry Development'. CME announced that music promotion and distribution on the Internet, Technology vs. the Law, Artiste Management, Marketing of Music Products, Family Values and Ethics in Artiste Development, Digital Audio Technology, Songwriting and the Role and Impact of Sound Systems are all issues which will be dealt with.
Mr. Lloyd Stanbury, one of CME's organisers, told The Sunday Gleaner that the conference would deal with these issues because they are of great importance to the entertainment industry. He noted that emerging technologies have had and will continue to have significant impact on the music business and said that the industry cannot afford to remain unaware of the implications of technology.
"The advent of the Internet and wireless technology is also having serious impact on promotion and delivery," he pointed out. Of course, persons can find out more about the CME 2002 conference and register to participate on-line. Mr. Stanbury argues that the region needs to be aware of what is legal, illegal and "what can threaten your very existence".
Mr. Stanbury also noted that in the area of music production, Jamaicans are taking great advantage of what technology has to offer. He pointed out that the advent of digital audio technology has radically slashed the cost of building a studio. "What it costs now to equip a studio is a fraction of what it cost six or seven years ago," he stated.
Mr. Stanbury said that as far as he is aware, persons in the Jamaican music industry are truly into computers. He pointed out that almost all the studios he has visited are making use of technology and argued that despite the criticism producers faced when they adopted the drum machine, it is the same way in which they are now taking advantage of the more advanced technology at their disposal.
It must be noted that the incorporation of the drum machine, reportedly first made popular with the 'Sleng Teng' rhythm in the early 1980s, totally revolutionised dancehall music, in terms of both sound and production.
What making use of the technology may also mean is that entrepreneurs who choose to be independent, whether through necessity or otherwise, find it easier to do so. Paul Ustanny pointed out that he uses his personal computer to create rhythms from home. He is among a growing population of young deejays who are using the Internet to get exposure for their music.
A visit to mp3.com reveals that quite a few dancehall and reggae acts have their music posted. However, with the exception of Spragga Benz and CeCile, most of the names were obscure. Therefore, while mp3.com might not be the best way to move out of obscurity, it provides another way of possibly getting discovered - other than being a studio rat, that is. By providing access to the music, it means that artistes can be heard by persons all over the world, which at least may provide a crack in the door, if not thrust it wide open.
The great Napster debate, not to mention the proliferation of other 'free music' sights, have put the problem that having music posted on the internet poses on the front burner. Carlette Deleon, publicist for Shocking Vibes, notes that it is for this reason that the company only posts 30 to 40 seconds of each song on the Internet. By doing this, the company promotes the song without worrying that the entire thing will be stolen.
Mr. Stanbury said that pirates have always been with music and will continue to be so. However, he also argues that distributing music via the Internet is far too important for international music moguls to not find a way to do so with relative safety.
Of course, not only musicians are making use of the Internet. Jamaican poets, actors and artists are all logging on. Actor Mark Danvers, known mostly for his supporting role in Dancehall Queen and starring role in Third World Cop is making use of the Internet through his own website. He said that his site provides him with "an audition on the Internet".
Mr. Danvers said that while he does not know any other local actor who is taking advantage of technology in this way, it is an integral part of his marketing process. "It is a way for people to see who I am and what I'm about without actually seeing me," he said. Mr. Danvers noted that this is especially important on the international level. "It was either that or live in L.A.," he said, "and I'm not about to live in L.A. just yet."
His website features pictures, his biography and his resumé (including clips). Mr. Danvers points out that the site is a part of his portfolio, which he maintains digitally. He notes that it has given him a lot of exposure, though it has not as yet led directly to an audition. Nonetheless, he intends to update the site soon.
Poet Gina Rey Forest is also taking advantage of what the Internet has to offer. She is using it to promote her upcoming book Hot Sweet Chocolate. She is also using the site to promote her performance poetry group, 3 Deep Poetz.
Other Jamaican creative minds also have tangible form on the 'Net. Fine and commercial artist Nadine Cheng has a gallery on-line that exposes her work, resulting in international demand. However, she has been very remiss in updating the site, as all the work displayed there is already sold. Additionally, she noted that she needs to get involved in e-commerce, to avoid worrying about payment.
It would appear that creative Jamaicans are indeed 'logging on' to what technology has to offer. While they have some way to go, they are on the right path.
