ARTIST'S MANAGEMENT

In the Caribbean Music Industry when it comes to artist's management we tend to see people assume this position as the head cook and bottle washer. These same individuals also tend to conduct the business as business asusual. In this day and age we see that those same artist's who still insist on having this type of operation have been left to the back of the bus. It is simple, today's business asusual does not cut it.

In many of my conversations with respect to the above it always comes around to these questions - What is an artist manager? What are the key qualities of an effective artist manager? How do I become an artist manager?

(a) An artist manager is one who is in charge of running the business or personal side of an artist's career, so that the artist is free to focus on creating music.

As stated above many Caribbean artist's do have managers who assumes different duties, may it be agent, promoter, accountant, creativity manager etc. One finds this with artist's who are either signed to small labels or unsigned. Wherein, artist's who are signed to a major label will tend to be in a supervisory position. This person will now make sure that the label is doing what they are supposed to be doing when it comes to his/her artist, such as advertising, promotion, tours and payment to the artist.

(b) Is your manager getting things done for you? What exactly should he/she be getting done? The manager is responsible for financial planning, long term career plans, publicity marketing, and advertising. When an artist is starting out the manger becomes his/her baby sitter, cheerleader, parent, guide, advisor, psychiatrist, problem solver, protector (to protect you from the sharks and be your bug repellent so that the entourage does not suck the blood from you leaving you penniless)

All in all your manager should be your confidant. A good manager should be passionate about what you the artist is doing. He/she should advertise, publicize, and market you well.

(c) Steps that one would have to undertake to successfully prepare for a career as an artist's manager - First and foremost is to educate oneself. If one cannot afford the education of a college/university, I say learn from the best, pick the brains of the best. Find that mentor, research the internet, look around in the industry, check the track records of managers and artists who are successful.

Become knowledgeable of the business, read, read, read. Read entertainment journals. Read current news, these are available on the internet, libraries, newspapers, it is here you will get an understanding of what is going on.

Next, go to your local book stores pick up books on the music industry, read from authors who are managers, artists, producers, booking agents and listen to interviews. Acquaint yourself with this type of literature learn and read from people who have been there and done that, as well as people who are presently there.

Again, I cannot stress the importance of finding a mentor. When you have found this person, ask, ask, ask questions.

Lastly, try to find a job with a team or become an intern. Go in there and learn and work your butt off as if you own that firm/company. When you have developed and proved yourself to the team it would not hurt to go to clubs, concerts, and showcases to try and scout talent/artist for your firm or yourself.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF REGGAE ARTIST ROMAN STEWART - HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Year after year, every January 24, 25 and May 11, I have to sit around and shake my head in sorrow, shame and pity. One cannot hear a radio personality purse their lips on their radio program to remember Roman Stewart. I sometimes wonder if these radio personalities know their reggae music history or care to know. Do they take time out to research or interview elders in the industry to learn? I guess not. All you hear most times is a bag of noise and/or chat. When I do meet up with them - those with whom I can relate to, they can tell you that I always tell them like it is, as I am not one to hold back.


This year I must say thank you to Clinton Lindsay, Carter Van Pelt and E2onair.com, for remembering Romey another year. Thanks also goes out to Frankie Paul, Glen Brown, Jr. Demus, Winston Meditations and Linval Thompson for your drops and memories of Roman that will be aired on E2onair.com all day today.


TO THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW, IF THERE WAS NO ROMAN STEWART THERE WOULD NOT BE A DENNIS BROWN. Yes read my caps. Roman taught Dennis to sing. Listen to Dennis, Watch Dennis, See Dennis' performance - who do you see - YES ROMAN STEWART.


THE MAN, a/k/a ROMEY, MR. SPECIAL


Born in May 11 1957, Roman Stewart at a tender age would sing on the streets and at the pier where cruise ships docked. His friend Freddie McGregor would collect the money that people gave them. In 1968, he was just 11 years old when he did his first recording "Walking Down The Street". In 1974 Roman got his first hit song "Hooray Festival", followed by "Hit Song" in 1976.


The early 1970's was good to Roman wherein he started recording more songs for well known producers (Glen Brown, Derrick Harriott, Everton Da Silva, Phil Pratt and Linval Thompson) It is said that his best known tune is "Rice and Peas" recorded in 1979 for Linval Thompson. In all Roman recorded more than 70 singles and two albums by himself and endured a career of more than 30 years.


Roman moved from Jamaica to New York in 1976, he recorded some songs, dubs and did shows. The latter he was known to do especially when his friends arrived in town most of for free of charge.


On January 25, 2004 Roman a/k/a Romey died of a heart attack at the age of 46. Prior to that night Roman attended a show to see his good friend Freddie McGregor. Thereafter, he attended a birthday party where he sang two songs. It is said that when Roman attempted to sing his third song, he placed the microphone down and complained of chest pains. He later collapsed and was rushed to the hospital in a coma.


Roman had regain consciousness after an operation lasting several hours and it is said that Roman was heard saying "If I get through this, I'm going to change my life." Later he went into a second coma, as we sat and waited in E2 Studios (Ed Robinson's Studio) praying and hoping for the best, we received that call from Yvonne Young the call we really did not want and she informed us that Roman had passed on.


I know that Roman is probably up there looking down at us with that kool aid smile about to make a call to all sound-men saying "hey I got D Brown and Alton here, how much dub you want". Always the jovial hustler - our Romey. Gone but not forgotten.