It is no secret that Jamaica has no shortage of talent; arguably, what is lacking from the music industry locally is structure and information. So, kudos to the Island Music Conference for recognizing and addressing this issue and making the information available from local and international sources.
The Island Music Conference (IMC) brands itself as an “island meeting place” for music professionals to expand their network and grow in the industry with the knowledge and platform being provided. They are geared towards the growth of the Caribbean in the music industry as it relates to professionalism and growth both locally and internationally. Founded by distinguished figures in the industry, the IMC boasts names such as acclaimed musician Orville “Shaggy” Burrell as chairman and accomplished directors/CEOs, Sharon Burke and Judith Bodley.
What the IMC (Island Music Conference) has done and accomplished during the days of February 8 to February 12 is create a hub in the Courtleigh auditorium for learning and networking, with Courtleigh being a location sponsor of the event alongside the Pegasus hotel. A plethora of professionals from all areas of the music industry took the stage to break down terms and share knowledge for musical professionals at all stages of their careers, ranging from topics like: Mastering Media, DSP Strategies, Money Management and so much more. To address these topics and answer the burning questions of the patrons, representatives from major corporations in the industry both locally and internationally attended. To name a few of the corporations present: Spotify, Youtube, JIPO, iHeartRadio, international radio hosts and DJs, Sony, Jamms, VP Records, and the Grammys, again, to name a few.
“One of a kind” said Curtis O’Brien, a Music Producer who goes by the name of “Ghost Note” when asked about the IMC experience. “It was one that this industry needed and one that I personally needed in my career, networking is an important part of business and of industry, it doesn’t always birth collaborations however it opens the eyes of all in the community of visionaries and talent hidden, something abnormal to the music industry in Jamaica.”
Arguments may be made that the information is available because we live in a digital age and platforms such as YouTube exist. However, the global information available online doesn’t account for the cultural differences and local processes. The laws, terminology, and etiquette of music vary across countries and cultures. The IMC was able to make the ins and outs of the industry more digestible and relatable to Caribbean professionals as compared to the general information online.
When asked what part of the event he found most beneficial or interesting, Mr. O’Brien or Ghost Note stated that the experts on the panel, the artists, and the professionals at various stages of their careers coming together to exchange information were the aspects of the event that he found most beneficial or interesting. There were many sponsors involved in the IMC experience—too many to count. This should be an indication that there are many parties interested in the development of the Caribbean music industry; therefore, take notice of the Island Music Conference and their partners. Take note of platforms and participate in their development.
