 Hello, greetings to viewers. It's Music Month, and we're here at NTN Studios with a gathering of very knowledgeable and experienced people in the music and production industry. And we're here to bump heads and to try to understand the way forward for the music industry, where we have come from, where we're going to, and where we act. Music Month, it's been designated by Friends of St. Cecilia and the government of St. Lucia to commemorate the achievements of musicians, music productions, and us as St. Lucia and where our music industry is going. In studio today, on my extreme right, we have Mr. Jason Darius, who is a producer, producer of the Davener segment. I mean, radio announcer personality is very active in the current situation as it pertains to our music. On his left, we have Mr. Ian Sanchez, no stranger to the industry as a promoter and also representing Echo as the deputy chairperson of the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organization. To his left, we have Mr. Lennon Blaise Thoss, there. We're going back, rhythm crazy. I mean, this guy had everybody gyrating from the 80s and 90s, moved into the Calypso Arena. He's a writer, producer, and even an activist and the one who wants to see the formalization of the music industry, the business aspect of the music industry as it what comes back to the musicians and producers definitely is on his plate. He's been an advocate and also a member of Balance Inc. And that's a very recently formed organization who are particularly interested in the business of music as to what comes out of these productions, moving forward, what are the benefits, even as musicians get older and the music industry itself, what could be derived from forming partnerships with different regional and international organizations. So rather than forming clubs and societies, they're looking to formulate business entities and collaborations. So once again, welcome to Music Month. My name is Buffalo Adam today as your presenter as we deal with the business of music. Once again, it is Sensei Celia's day. So in advance, I'm asking you to look forward to Sensei Celia's day on the 22nd. It's going to be big and all musicians and music lovers will look out. So we are here trying to decide as to the direction that the industry goes. So first and foremost, I have Mr. Jason Dario. So we're going to pose that question to you. Should St. Lucian radio stations play more local and more Caribbean music? Well, definitely I think so because most of the complaints that you hear, I mean, especially from the artists on the ground that they don't get that air play, especially in other not so popular genres such as the R&B and hip hop genres here in St. Lucia. They're not as popular as, for example, the Soka, the denry segment that you have popularized nowadays. So I definitely believe there should be at least a quote of Caribbean and St. Lucia music being played on our local airways across the board so that everybody has a fish of the pie. And when it comes to royalties and disbursements, everybody could see that they actually get something from that pie as opposed to, I guess, just the little crumbs that some artists are literally getting now. I mean, don't get me wrong, especially for October. I cannot complain when it comes to October. Our music is heavily rotated on the radio stations, but that has to be more, I guess, more sustained throughout the year. In October, we get all the junequiel music, all the music from yesterday, every single thing junequiel, you actually get it on the radio stations, but that has to be a little bit more sustainable in my own perception of things. And it has to be a year-round thing. It cannot be just once for the year. You can also speak from a DJ and present a standpoint. The psyche behind a DJ or individual being behind the console, what comes to mind? Is it nationhood? Is it the fact that if I play it, the local artists are gonna get more royalties, or should I play what is popular? What do you think goes through the psyche of the local DJs as to the fact that it is obvious that most people think not enough local music is being played? And why seasonal? Okay. Well, the reason why it's seasonal, because I guess the landscape that we actually have with the various competitions such as Soka Monaca and junequiel, you tend to get that seasonal type of vibe on the ground in Sengocia. But there's a saying that a good DJ will play what people want to hear, but a great DJ will play what you didn't even know that you wanted to hear. So that separates the two, you understand? Yes, that's very interesting sense. Exactly. So for me, it's just about the level of maturity for a DJ and a radio announcer just knowing what is what and when it's appropriate to play whatever. You cannot just be on the real plane, the most popular stuff all the time. It gets boring, it gets stale. I mean, that's how I remember a couple of years past, like probably when a new Vibes cartel or something came out, you would head out on the radio stations, on the buses everywhere, constantly until, like in a matter of weeks, people just tired of it. That cannot work. It has to be something, again, that is sustainable and again, just not really know what people want to hear, but like take people on a journey through the music landscape, especially with the plethora of music that we have here in Sengocia. I mean, we have some tremendous artists, some tremendous talent here on the ground that really and truly don't even get the opportunity, don't get the effort that they really deserve and it's a shame, really. Yeah. Yeah. In my view, you look at the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, we're speaking about Russia and if we have to go international and these guys always go back and pay homage to. Exactly. Brown, they pay homage to Pussy Sledge. James Brown and these names always come up, even with the artists who are current now. And I'm gonna put that question to Mr. Sanchez, that do you think that there is enough information and appreciation out there for those who were there before? Because we couldn't have just gotten there. Neither the Denry segment, the Groovy Soka or the Power Soka couldn't have just got there. There was Calypso before, there was what we call slow or love Soka before, love music and what. So what do you think that brought about this change or should I say the non-appreciation of what obtained in the past? Good afternoon Buffalo. Basically, I have what you're asking me but really and truly a country without a history. Has no heroes. And we have heroes in San Usha. Going back to what Jason was saying, Denry segment music came from the history of solo music, right, that's where it started. And Denry segment music is not in any way seasonal. We get the hits year on, 12 months of the year. And going really and truly based on the fact that we have this music filtering throughout the airwaves. But our young people do not know the history of where it came from. San Usha music has been struggling for 40 years. I mean, we started with the True Tones, then we went to Quivers, then we had the Calypso and the hits of Calypso from the 60s, the mighty Pele. Our young people don't know that history. I think that is something that needs to be written and documented. Excellent. And I concur because I think we need to know where we came from and what obtains now. And then it wasn't apart from talent is God given. But then culture has been laced and laid down by our ancestors. And then we have to appreciate that. And in other disciplines in country, there's appreciation and also a great acknowledgement by the artists. For the artists who were there before in the case of Trinidad like Short Shirt, Barbados, Red Plastic, and Gabby. And you just name it. And these names keep coming up. But it's important that you mention that and that moving forward, we have to understand where we're going to is as a result of where we came from. But Buffalo, don't get me wrong. You get young producers and artists like myself saying that, well, we do have that appreciation for the years gone by, the artists who have paved the way, the producers who have paved the way for us now. It's just going back to what Ian said, it's just that it's not documented. It's not anywhere that it's easily to access. You understand? So you tend to get lost along the way when you're trying to find that information. You understand? Actually, it's when they die. When they die, then we remember them. Yes. I want you to hold that point and we're about to take a break, our first break. The world's climate is changing and that affects all of us. Storms are becoming increasingly intense. Periods of intense drought and heavy rain stress farm animals and destroy our crops. Higher average ocean temperatures kill our coral reefs and change the migratory patterns of fish. St. Lucia contributes only 0.0015% of global greenhouse gas emissions but is doing its part along with countries around the world to reduce the emissions that are warming our world and changing our climate. These efforts are called mitigation but decades of emissions have already changed the climate and the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere today will increase average global temperatures even more. We need to adapt. That is, do everything we can to prepare for and respond to the actual and expected negative effects of climate change and everyone has a role to play. We need to protect our crops. Build homes that withstand storms and keep our drains and waterways free of garbage to help us recover or bounce back from climatic events. Learn more about the government of St. Lucia's National Adaptation Plan and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your fellow St. Lucia's. Yes, we're back again. It's a music month and we're at the studios of NTN, as anything else. We have some very resourced gentlemen there in the creative industry and music and production field. So I move across now to Mr. Lennon Blaise Papa Pops Prospect. I mean, that name resonates with me from the 80s, the days of rhythm crazy. That was a very popular band at the time when I had Sounds Blush and there's no doubting that this young man comes with a whole arsenal of history in the music and music production industry. So over to you because I know you have enough to say where our topic is concerned. Well, good afternoon and thank you for having me on. I am here today in the capacity of Blaise as a musician, writer, and also as a member of Balanced Inc. Now, for those who don't know what Balanced Inc. is all about, we're a new organization just formed for looking after the welfare of artists in St. Lucia. We are tired of the association and clubs. So right now what we wanna do is actually have a business entity that's going to look after the welfare of artists. Not a club anymore where artists can make money, can go to work. Now we're about launching in the next week and a half or so. So look forward to that. And we're letting artists know that you can come on board, come register with us because what the association have not done for you, that's what we intend to do for you. We are also artists, so we know what you're going through. Now, as to the talk of music, I was listening to Jisna while ago and he said that the Henry segment is not seasonal and I agree. And the reason why the Henry segment is not seasonal is because it is popular, the DJs are playing it. Now Soka and Calypso is popular other places too. The only thing about it is the DJs not playing it. However, if you look at Trinidad Soka, the DJs are playing it. So it is popular all year round. So what happened to our music that it can't be played all year round? I'm just talking about the Calypso and Soka because I know Calypso artists from other countries that travel all year round just doing Calypso. I know Soka artists who travel all year round just doing Calypsoka. So what is so wrong that we can't do it here? Now, not to cut you short, you know, that didn't always used to be the case. That didn't always used to be the case with Henry segment music because back in the day, when it was just starting out, people used to call the lyrics raunchy until there was that sort of demand for it. It used to play underground in the clubs until it actually got popularized overseas and then came back in. So there was a demand for it. So they really couldn't stop it. I remember when radio stations were banning almost every single Henry segment track, you could not hear Henry cement on radio anywhere that has literally been flipped on its head, you understand? So for me, what I think it should be right is just, I mean, to create that demand, create that sort of marketing platform for whatever artistry that we have, whether it be Calypso, Soka and literally push and start knocking down those barriers, you understand? And really popularize it. I also believe that there should be more education, not just for the general public, but I think there should be more education for the DJs. Because I think a lot of DJs just go on the radio doing their own thing. I don't think, I would want to think that I would want to think that there is a program, direct and give them a program, but sometimes I am listening to the radio and I'm even wondering what's going on because it all seems like a backyard kind of thing. Like we now backyard having fun and you know, and then when our music don't play, guess what? We don't get royalties. Right, so let me come in there. And you say you're in the business of music to make money and to make a livelihood for the musicians. So let me direct this question to Mr. Sarchez, who is the deputy chair of ECHO? And the ECHO is responsible for monitoring and monitoring the activities, musical activities as to how much and where the songs are played and the remuneration for artists and writers. Where do we stand? Where do we stand as the, where we understand the business of the music and what comes out of the royalties paid by ECHO? Well, basically, Buffalo, ECHO represents music of the world. Currently less than 10% of St. Lucia music plays on radio. So this is where we stand. I would like you to repeat that. Less than 10% of St. Lucia music plays on St. Lucia. 90% of royalties collected goes out of St. Lucia. You heard that, St. Lucia? Are you listening to me, DJs? 90% of music played in St. Lucia leaves our shores. Go ahead, Mr. Sarchez. So based on this, I mean, ECHO is an organization that represents music of the world, as I said. On that basis, ECHO monitors the registrations and that's why I can tell you it's less than 10%. And as a result, it pays these royalties based on the writers and composers of world music. So that's why they can easily tell you and they pay royalties to St. Lucia writers, original writers, American writers, everywhere, all over the world. So they are in the best position to basically assess the music industry. And there's no way these royalties could be averted to any other place but where it is recorded and documented that 90% of the music played in St. Lucia goes out to other artists in the rest of the world. Other writers and composers. Yes, on that point, I'd like you to hold it and we'll do a break. The seaside is a great place for recreation but you should be tsunami smart and know the natural warning signs of an imminent tsunami. If you're on the beach or near the coast and you feel the ground rumbling and a long, strong shaking. Drop, cover and hold until the shaking stops then run to higher ground. If you see the tide receding further out than normal. Run to higher ground! If you hear a strange or loud noise coming from the sea. Run to higher ground! If you experience any of these signs run to higher ground, at least 30 feet high or as far inland as possible or to the third floor or higher of a building and wait for announcements from authorities for the all player before they safe the return. Remember, Run! Run! Run to higher ground! Be tsunami smart. Learn the natural warning signs of a tsunami. There may not be enough time to send out an announcement in the event of a tsunami. This message brought to you by the Viewport South District Disaster Preventer's Committee and Nemo and funded by the USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. Once again, we're back. It's a music month. We're celebrating since Sicily's day. We're celebrating the musicians. We're celebrating the artists and producers. And we are here in a forward direction and to make recommendations and to bring awareness to the conditions under which musicians and producers operate in Senucian. How we could make it more beneficial for the artists, for the writers, for the producers, for the sound system providers and the industry at hand. And gentlemen, I must say, the government has been expending an unprecedented amount of money within the creative industries. Maybe it needs to be articulated a little more as to where, what is going the creative industries and how it comes down to the artist. So part of this discussion is also to give guidance to that thrust that will eventually end down to the benefit of us as musicians and producers moving forward. So I want to direct the question of, how will Senucian content support the Senucian music industry? How? Well, basically, what you're basically asking is whether more Senucian music getting airplayed on radio and TV will that help the royalty situation? And it will. As long as you have more Senucian music played, the royalties will flow to those Senucian writers. Yes. So that's what, in summary, that's what needs to happen. Ian, not got any shot, but don't you think that we should have at least 40% of our music played? On the radio and television? Yes, then 40% of the royalties will stay here. Of course. I mean, if 40% of that royalty stays in St. Lucia, economically it's good for St. Lucia. Exactly. So would it be a policy requisite or requirement or request to the minister of broadcasting and the government that the musicians would want a X amount, I don't know if it's 40, but X amount, X percentage of the local content played by local radio stations, licensed by the government of St. Lucia, that that quota be paid played of local music daily. Well, I believe 40% is good for St. Lucia. That's my belief. I believe St. Lucia should get 40%, because if 60% of that is going out there, I don't see why 40% of it goes out there. 90% of it goes out there. Oh, 90, wow. 90% of it goes out there. Well, guess what? We want to get back 40% of that to give us the 40. Well, let me go back to Mr. Darius because he carries Mr. Many hats. Is there a process of being a DJ? A DJ comes with a laptop, comes with the prerequisite skills and very technical and we have very good technical DJs. But is there something more? Is there a psychology behind being a DJ, your purpose, your sense of nationalism and the fact that a DJ could actually fashion a trend, a mode? I believe so. I believe so because you see it often, like very often. I mean, we have certain St. Lucia ambassadors such as HyperD, Sri Lanka, who actually goes out there and represents St. Lucia to the fullest. I mean, they play every single genre of St. Lucia music. You understand? So being on radio, it's very different from playing in a crowd. You understand? With the crowd, you actually get that immediate crowd response and again, certain events would call for certain songs or whatnot. But being on radio, it's purely up to you. You set your own vibe, you set your own pace and it kind of has to do with the radio manager to a certain extent, literally directing what sort of programming it is that they want. For example, I know in February, there's, I know there was this national competition for radio stations. Whoever played the most national music coming from St. Lucia would be awarded some sort of prize. I mean, that is a step in the right direction. While you say that should be a step in the right direction, don't you think that why we have to, we have to have a competition for that? That's the thing, it should not be the case. It really should not be the case. There should be that sense of patriotism and everything of that sort, because just earlier this year, we went to Barbados. Remember, Ian, we went to Barbados and for international bachelors, so come on up. And I mean, every radio station you flip through in Barbados, you will hear a Beijing track. Every single one, all the time. Yes, and that's Barbados for you. I really think there's this lack of patriotism on our part, and we should really focus less on commercialism towards the next one, because I mean, we have like what, almost what, 20-something radio stations in St. Lucia? Yes, wow. I'm president, most book capital in the Caribbean. Exactly. Mr. Sanchez. I'm less than 20% licensed and paid. Yes, that's, I was getting that to you. Less than 20%. The artists who are out there listening, they're probably not aware, because artists like me, I go and I perform on some radio stations. We listen to them. There is this unwavering support and allegiance to these radio stations. Exactly. From the echo standpoint, could you tell me where the compliance factor is concerned where our local radio stations are? Compliances that are all time low. So they don't pay royalties? Some do, as I said, less than 20% pay. Yes. And that's a problem, and as a result of that. Artists don't go at any royalties. But Ian, what can be done to literally fix that, turn that side? To talk to Ministry of Broadcasting, let them know we need legislation to mitigate that. Well, there is legislation there. There is, well, why isn't it been enforced? Well, I don't know if there's legislation, but once again, we're here with the artists. We're here with the movers and shakers of this industry, and I'm hoping that the Ministry of Broadcasting is listening. I hope St. Lucia is listening. There's a wealth, a plethora of artistry and talent in this country. We are waiting to exhale the producers, the singers, the performers, and that the government, even with financial support, that what they are saying, that we need modern financial support. We need administrative support, and we need legislative support that we could take whatever is expended towards the arts and creative industries and make it lucrative. So, you know, so then in that case, Balanced Inc. can profit. Echo can be, could have that, that, that. It could pay more to its members. Pay more royalties to the artists. The denry segment and the development of it, it could go further, and that as the nation we are, because arts is what's going to propel this nation forward, and I hope the powers that we are listening. And I think we're on the right track as far as support is concerned, but we also have to depend on ourselves as business people, entrepreneurs, and thinkers, that we have the nation depending on us and we can shape the nation in whatever direction we are concerned. So, once again, I would like to say it was been a pleasure being here. You're presented Buffalo Odlam. It's a music month, and in collaboration with the government of St. Lucia, we are presenting a whole month of activities. Most of these will be unveiled. We have a press conference coming up, and it's all about the music, musicians, and the music industry. So, stay tuned, St. Lucia. There are big things coming up. Once again, I'd like to wish you happy music month, happy St. Cecilia's Day, and look out for us. We're coming for you. All about the music.