Everybody is talking about international careers now. At the same time the local markets are blocking themselves against the outside world. People from Europe, Canada, America or any other place in the world have a hard time in keeping updated with the music. Who has time and money to visit every carnival on every island?
It looks like many artists dream of an international career while sitting at home and waiting desperately for a call by an international dance label who is looking for the next quick summer sunshine music trend. Lambada, Soca Dance, Reggaeton, Popso… you name it.
Even though some artists may be happy with making watered down and faceless island pop (yes, bills have to be paid, I know) while handed round in cheesy tv shows for adolescents, I believe that most of the soca artists are really serious about their music. And how they are promoted and presented.
But how to get international attention for the non - soca monarch / roadmarch/ calypso king artist?
Artists have to expand their horizons and make themselves familiar with the internet. Use the power of the medium to promote your music. Use existing platforms and cooperate.
Many artists have websites, yes, but very often they haven’t been updated since they were set up. Blinky flashs and bothering sound loops are not exactly what users expect. How about an updated tour schedule? How about an information concerning the upcoming album? How about a free download of music which couldn’t be released? Band members changed? Okay why can’t we read about it on the band’s website? Better believe rumors in forums, right?
It is that easy: make sure, that an updated contact info is available in the internet. Use one of easy-to-use content publishing systems to keep your site frequently updated. How about a blog? An article about the last show or a new tune you just recorded?
Communicate with your fans. Answer emails. Call back.
There are a few who understand the internet and use it. I’m sure these are the same people who will make the future business.
Btw. this article was inspired by Ricky Jourdan’s Local talent told to think global in Nation News.
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