Alex Morrissey CEO of JamaicansMusic.com introduced his company and services to attendees at the 3rd annual Caribbean Cultural Conference. 22 years old Morrissey’s JamaicansMusic.com has made significant strides in the industry in only 3 years – amassing over a million supporters around the world from the caribbean to Asia.

The website which offers:
- an online virtual dj software complete with features from the actual virtual dj software
- a radio station with live music 24/7 with hardly any commercials available on the Blackberry and Android platforms,
- IrieZine a strictly digital entertainment magazine showing another side of Reggae from around the world
- and artist profile pages (connected to various social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter)

The site is constantly expanding and so are its benefits to both artists and users.

Visit www.jamaicansmusic.com to get more information on this great new media company.

You’ve been PITCHED!

The 3rd annual Caribbean Cultural Conference began with an insightful discussion on issues surrounding the production of caribbean music. The panel of experts included, recording artist and producer Ed Robinson, Grammy award winning mix engineer, James Bonzai Caruso, and artist and producer, Shawn Da Ma$tamind Noel. The discussion was moderated by Simone Harris of 360ARTISTS.

Critical discussion points included the following:
- the role of the Producer in the region has evolved “negatively” resulting in a mass of individuals being called “producers” but who lack for the most part the skills and know how needed to produce a high quality record.
- ongoing issue of access in the region. Access to updated equipment, education, needed to be able to create music that is at the final stage – globally competitive.
- no ready access to music production schools, and institutes locally
- the advent of technology and the internet has been “a blessing and a curse” (Ma$tamind). It has made the production process easier BUT the consequence has been that the creative process has been “watered down” resulting in music that lacks ability to be viable in marketplace beyond local supporters of the artist.
- lyrical content is a problem across the region.

The discussion also touched on other areas of the business including marketing and promotions. Some attendees argued that a major problem for the region is a lack of avenue for exposure after the record is created. Others argued that the lyrical content is such a major problem that the music cannot become a viable product globally because of that. Some attendees believed though that despite the lyrical content, with the right marketing a song can become a “hit”

It was clear at the end of the discussion that most agreed that the region needs more institutions focused on creative development not just for performers but for those who share in the creative process including producers.

Industry professionals at the CCC 2010, this morning argued that Caribbean artists need to do more to monetize on the new opportunities presented by new media technology.

In the first plenary session "Marketing your music in the digital age: The power of new media strategies," panelists, Harris Simone, Carlette DeLeon, Noah Jolles, Heather Cunningham, and Patrice Barnes discussed the key role that new media, specifically the internet, plays in an artist's ability to better market their musical products.

Noah Jolles of ND Promotions suggested that the market has opened up tremendously for an 'independent' artist but it is incumbent on these artists to better differentiate their product among the sea of other self funded artists who are using the same channels for exposure.
He mentioned that historically, major labels controlled music distribution channels and with the advent of digital aggregators that can get musical product to the global marketplace in a short period of time, artists are now in a position to "get their music out there easily." Jolles was careful to note, however, that in today's saturated music marketplace it is important to have a strategic plan that will allow the artist to develop a core market that will be willing to buy the product. Barnes agreed with Jolles arguing that much of the saturation in the Caribbean market is caused by artists who release new music too frequently.

DeLeon from Headline Entertainment, argued that Jamaican artists have never had a problem using new media technology such as social media but they have been unable to translate their online fame into dollars. She advices that artists should use the technology to better determine where their biggest markets are and develop focused strategies that will build their brand in those areas. 

Harris agreed with DeLeon while suggesting that the seemingly predominant inability to capture core audience and get them to spend is connected to the fact that many may not understand their market and communicate effectively (beyond doing status updates and posting "check out my video links.") She mentioned improv jam band, Umprhrey's McGee, that is wholly independent and averages over 100 shows per year and who have been known for experimenting with new technologies. She believes that Caribbean artists can do the same thing….because the internet has given them access to the same new media tools.
According to Harris "new media has empowered independent artists…it is for our artists to take hold of that power and make it work for them."

*Official release and footage to be posted soon