Tanya Batson, Staff ReporterCaribbean Music Expo (CME) 2002 took place over five days in late March. The question now, is whether it had been a worthwhile venture or if the conference was just another talk shop.
The theme for CME 2002 was 'Technology, the Internet and Music Industry Development'. A myriad of local and international industry personnel spoke on a range of topics such as Internet promotion, distribution, ethics, royalties, songwriting, and how to make the maximum use of the available technology.
In addition, CME 2002 highlighted rising Caribbean talent. Among the Jamaicans were rapper Nadz, violinist Mark Stevenson and guitarist and singer Marcus I. Other Caribbean islands were represented with Renee Castle coming from Trinidad and the Courage Band coming from the Bahamas. The Saturday night featured acts from the Spanish and French speaking Caribbean.
The performers came with different hopes for and expectations from their CME 2002 experience. Nadz, who was originally scheduled to perform only on the opening night but was called back to perform on the Saturday night, said she had hoped to gain exposure and the attention of some of the music executives attending. She noted that she had attended the workshop on using the Internet better and found it very informative.
Renee Castle stated: "I think it's good to be involved in something like this." She noted that she had just started focusing on her music career. The expo allowed her further exposure, the opportunity to network, as well as a chance to perform and hone her talent.
First CD
Unlike the others Marcus I, who performed on the opening night, had a booth at the expo which had his debut CD, Forward to the Basics, on sale. He noted that he had used his own funds to attend the show. A one-man band, he wrote, produced, and is now promoting, the album. His hope, he said, was for a distribution deal. Marcus I felt his time at the CME was well spent, and that the panel discussions were especially relevant to what he was trying to do. "They reinforce to I and I that I doing the right thing," he said.
The expo also featured an exhibition hall showcasing goods from a wide range of companies. A number of people used the opportunity to give away demo CDs, business cards, flyers, and brochures. Those who were trying to establish themselves in the business, used the expo to make both local and international contacts.
A few entities, such as Whaddat.com, chose to make their booth reflect the personality of their business. Draping the booth in black, Whaddat.com tried to recreate the party atmosphere portrayed of its Web Site, explained Carrie 'Quiz' Sigurdson, Creative Director. Whaddat also gave away paraphernalia bearing the company's name. Interestingly, the boothe also served rum.
Impact
Ms. Sigurdson said it was important that her company had an impact, but noted that while the discussion panels were good, many other booth holders did not make the effort to create stimulating booths.
Julian Smith who attended the expo in several capacities, said he believed that CME 2002 was a worthwhile venture. He also noted that that it was a worthwhile attempt to develop the industry. "CME provides a breeding ground for young artistes and ideas."
Errol Bonnick, a recording artiste who attended the expo agreed with the sentiment. He made special mention of the panel discussion on the ethics of promoting and marketing reggae, referring to it as a "beautiful seminar". Bonnick added that he went to the expo expecting to learn and was not disappointed. "It is where we need to be in terms of grooming and establishing artistes. All it a do a encourage we to keep on doing weh we a do," he explained.
Focus
Floyd Morris who attended the entire expo, noted that he learnt far more
than he had expected to. While he had expected more of an international and Caribbean flavour (the focus was very Jamaican, he believed), he said he got what he wanted.
Sadly, only a few recording artistes attended the seminars despite the benefits they would've gained, as they tended to focus on the developing artistes. Even many of the upcoming artistes who performed did not avail themselves of the seminars.
Several interesting factors about legal issues relating to technology as well as the use of the technology were revealed during the course of the expo. It can only be hoped that more persons will choose to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the CME when next it comes around.
