Top executives of Dunamus Soundz Records Lavard ‘Manifest’ Parks (left) and Coridon ‘Papa Don’ Hanna (right) announced plans for an Artist Music Workshop. The workshop which coincides with the 6th annual Truth Hip Hop fest will offer guidance to those aspiring careers in the music industry. (Photo by Arthia Nixon)
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Nassau, The Bahamas……Dunamus Soundz Records, the prolific local hip hop music label with international acclaim, will be hosting a workshop for those seeking to learn the tricks of the trade in the challenging and competitive music industry. The label which boasts several award winners and nominees is headed by Lavard ‘Manifest’ Parks. Manifest is Marlin Award Winner and founder of the Truth Hip Hop Fest, which will be celebrating it’s sixth year in concert at the Rainforest Theatre on September 5th. In fact, interested persons have the opportunity to see various presenters performing live at this event.
Organizers say the Artists Music Workshop, set for 12pm September 6th at the Wyndham Nassau Resort, Crystal Palace, is geared toward artists, musicians, promoters and music business professionals of all genres, who are interested in gaining knowledge to take their art, craft and expertise to the next level. At a cost of only $10, organizers urge interested persons to reserve their space early.
“We are having this workshop to inform and enlighten Bahamian artists and professionals in general as to how to be successful in the music industry,” says Parks. “We want to guide the amateur from the time they write their song through the process of recording, booking, marketing, A&R, getting it to the right hands, getting copyrighted, getting royalties, understanding the business, how to get it on radio right up to handling their money. We’ll even focus on how to deal with professionals and managers and how to spot the jokers and frauds.”
According to Parks, the time is right for such a workshop especially since the Bahamian talent pool is producing all kinds of unconventional genres.
“We're no longer stuck to soca or calypso or rake n' scrape because we are from this region,” Parks states. “Our genres are crossing borders we may not have dreamed about and are appealing to nations and ethnicities that otherwise would not have been reached. That’s why we need to be informed how to conduct our music business and industry in a way that, across the board, will be accepted and recognized as professional and the artist will be protected in every right.”
Lack of knowledge in the industry is another reason why so many talented Bahamians are shunned. Parks pointed out that while reading music is being taught in school, there is no part of the curriculum that deals with the industry and how to be successful– even at the college level. According to Parks, this is part of the reason so many qualified and university-trained artisans end up teaching subjects instead of practicing their craft while making a profit.
“We feel that the workshop will enlighten artisans on how to persist, how to make that money, and how to gain the support of the community” added Parks. “With our booming tourist industry, Bahamian artists have an advantage over other Caribbean countries, to expose their art to nations via tourists travelling on cruises, planes, and more. Very few artists are actually inventing mediums where tourists will have the chance to see and hear their music.”
Yet, said Parks, Bahamians are often times too lazy when it comes to creating their own venues because they expect things to fall into their lap, and don't want to get information that's useful to them or apply what they know to practice.
“The problem is Bahamians don't want to push. I've heard Bahamians say they waiting on their break or to be discovered, but if they don't discover themselves I don't know how that will ever happen.”
Among those lecturing at the workshop will be Dove and Grammy Nominated and Lookalive Records CEO Ahmad and Tena Jones addressing
What Artists Need to Know About the Secular Music Industry and How to Get Paid. Also speaking will be Jamie Thomas of Tempo’s
Rise & Shine who will tackle
Image is Everything: Projecting a Powerful Image as An Artist.
Bahamian music mogul and media personality Kevin Harris, will be tackling
How To Get Your Music Played & Paid. Harris, the CEO of the prestigious Marlin Awards is a former member of System 3 and past Grammy Nominee who appeared on a MoTown Records album.
Other speakers include Double Syx who will discuss
Keepin’ It Original: Creating Music That’s Original, CEO of Lion of Judah Records, Monty G tacklling
The Secrets of Being on the 'Most Wanted' List: Getting Gigs, Bookings, Etc and Florida’s Demetrus speaking on
The Man Behind The Music: The Importance of Character to The Music Industry.
Manifest himself will be a presenter, speaking from his prospective on the topic
CEO vs. Emcee – Juggling the Two.
“We definitely want attendees to leave inspired and motivated about making it in the music industry,” concluded Parks. “We want them to leave with a renewed passion to do so in an excellent way - a way that shuns shabbiness and a 'make do' attitude. Finally, we want them to leave with information to apply to their craft whether it's singing, songwriting, playing an instrument, etc, as well as useful contacts for networking in the future.”
The workshop takes place Saturday, September 6th from 12-3 p.m. at the Wyndham Nassau Resort, Crystal Palace. Interested persons can reserve their space at 328-5729 or by e-mailing info@dunamussoundz.com
