The dynamic Michelle Arthurton

REPOST - eliteBUZZ



In another of our “Powerful Women” series, eliteBUZZ this week features the dynamic Michelle Arthurton.

Michelle Arthurtorn, like Diana Ross, deserves to be referred to as “Miss Michelle Arthurton”, as she has earned the reputation of being a pillar in the music industry with over fifteen (15) unbroken years in the sector.

Based in New York, Miss Arthurton is making her mark in reggae music throughout the Caribbean Diaspora. She presently has numerous responsibilities, wearing many hats in the industry. These responsibilities include, but not limited to; (1) President of E2 Recording, (2) an avid advocate for Autism awareness, (3) a voting member of the internationally acclaimed Grammy’s/National Academy of Recording Arts and Science, (4) Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide (member), (5) Reggae A.M.P.P.S (Artists, Musicians, Producers, Promoters & Songwriters), (6) Universal Music Benefit for Orphans around the world and (7) broadcast journalist.

A native of St. Kitts, who grew up in England and Switzerland, Ms. Arthurton completed her studies at St. Kitts Business College. She began her legal career in St. Thomas while working for the Honorable Judge Brenda Hollar when her duties began to turn from administrative to legal research. Once her interest was piqued, Michelle furthered her studies with a Paralegal specialization and BA in English and Literature at the University of the Virgin Islands. She also completed her studies in Music Business (Music Specialist) at Berklee College of Music.


From L-R: Queen Ifrica, Ed Robinson and The Dynamic Michelle Arthurton

With a love for the industry and her impressive qualifications, she initiated MEA Productions, a concert promotions company that also deals with booking artistes, music publishing, artiste royalties and copyrights.

Ms. Arthurton had been freelancing as a fashion model on the runways of St. Thomas as well as in television and print advertising in her spare time, she had developed a keen awareness of the specialized needs of performance artists. This experience would prove to be invaluable as she began to develop her expertise and clientele.

In 1994 Michelle’s background led her to a position as an on-air personality for the radio station WSTA. While there she interviewed international recording artists and further deepened her knowledge and access to industry insiders. The new millennium brought new frontiers for Ms. Arthurton with her relocation to the United States in 2000. She continued to work in the legal arena while maintaining a strong presence in the Caribbean music industry. As a member of B.E.S.L.A, the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association, she made even bigger inroads. She met the late Johnny Cochran through this affiliation and subsequently became his personal liaison when he was in St. Thomas.

In 2003, her zeal and love for reggae music influenced her to start E2Recordings Inc. which has several subsidiaries: E2Recordings, E2 Studios, E2 Onair, E2Onair Radio (February 2010), E2 Bookings and Le 2 Music Publishing. She is also the only female to sit on the board of the Caribbean American Cultural Caucus, which is a testament to her dedicated to the growth of the entertainment industry across the Caribbean and other regions.

Miss Arthurton has been asked about her involvement with the Grammy’s as a voting member. Humbly she has always explained that to be a voting member at the Grammy’s in the Reggae Category is something she takes seriously, because she believes those who are voting in the reggae category needs to clearly understand the genre; and that, to her, is where she’s needed.

Music aside, eliteBUZZ mentioned earlier that Miss Arthurton is an activist in Austism related initiatives; her son, EJ was born autistic, and Ms. Arthurton felt that there was more to be done for children who suffer from that which is seen as a challenge to many. She did much research on Autism and has made it a primary focus among her other professional endeavors. Under her leadership, E2onair radio has been mandated to air commercials, as well as explain fully, dealing with an Autistic child through radio interviews and writings. She explained that her advocacy will be accelerated soon, as she has various plans in the pipeline to raise awareness.

eliteBUZZ salutes Miss Michelle Arthurton. Next week we will once again highlight another “Powerful Woman” in New York, it may just be you or someone you know.