There has been so much talk about Soca music and how it will conquer the World. Yes we love Soca music but then again I am from the Caribbean and grew up listening to Calypso. The music has changed and has morphed into Soca thanks to the efforts of Garfield Blackman aka Lord Shorty and many others.
We must also come to terms with the fact that the rest of the World doesn't know about Soca music; and if you watch this video you will understand that most Americans don't have a clue what Soca music is... As a matter of fact they have never heard of it - amazing? Well, not really. I have lived in the United States for 20 years and apart from the West Indian communities the rest of the American public doesn't know or don't care about our music unless they are going on vacation to the islands or are on a cruise ship heading to the Caribbean sea!
There is so much to get upset about but I guess by now you understand how I feel about the subject. One of the problems as I see it, is that we are not selling the right type of Soca music to the rest of the World. Power Soca is for the Caribbean however, for the US and rest of the World the emphasis has to be on Groovy Soca. I just don't understand why they continue to push the 'Power Soca brand' outside of the Caribbean region - it has not worked and will not work! That form of Soca, full of energy, will only be appreciated in the Caribbean region or by people of Caribbean origin living overseas. The rest of the World is not ready for that brand! Give them the smooth style of the Groovy side of Soca - that is a recipe for success.
The problem is that much of the music caters to the Carnival season and as we all know, that music is in fact seasonal music. A lot of energy is harnessed to capture the flavor and energy of the Carnival season. We need more music like "Smile" sung by Ataklan and Terri Lyons for the foreign markets - then lots of promotion to create an awareness of how good the music is and can be...
Until we recognize this fact we will continue to "spin top in mud". Now let's take a look at the trailer for this documentary.
We must also come to terms with the fact that the rest of the World doesn't know about Soca music; and if you watch this video you will understand that most Americans don't have a clue what Soca music is... As a matter of fact they have never heard of it - amazing? Well, not really. I have lived in the United States for 20 years and apart from the West Indian communities the rest of the American public doesn't know or don't care about our music unless they are going on vacation to the islands or are on a cruise ship heading to the Caribbean sea!
There is so much to get upset about but I guess by now you understand how I feel about the subject. One of the problems as I see it, is that we are not selling the right type of Soca music to the rest of the World. Power Soca is for the Caribbean however, for the US and rest of the World the emphasis has to be on Groovy Soca. I just don't understand why they continue to push the 'Power Soca brand' outside of the Caribbean region - it has not worked and will not work! That form of Soca, full of energy, will only be appreciated in the Caribbean region or by people of Caribbean origin living overseas. The rest of the World is not ready for that brand! Give them the smooth style of the Groovy side of Soca - that is a recipe for success.
The problem is that much of the music caters to the Carnival season and as we all know, that music is in fact seasonal music. A lot of energy is harnessed to capture the flavor and energy of the Carnival season. We need more music like "Smile" sung by Ataklan and Terri Lyons for the foreign markets - then lots of promotion to create an awareness of how good the music is and can be...
Until we recognize this fact we will continue to "spin top in mud". Now let's take a look at the trailer for this documentary.
Part 1
This groundbreaking documentary on the music of Trinidad and Tobago examines how the artists of this small twin Island nation plan to conquer the international market and promote their music to the world. Distributed by Tubemogul.
Part 2
Groovy Soca - Smile by Ataklan and Teri Lyons