Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
Let all Calypsonians know that Sokah2Soca is ready and willing to post their songs with all the necessary "proper documentation!" This initiative aims to elevate the art form and celebrate the rich culture of Calypso music. Together, we can ensure that every artist receives the recognition they deserve while sharing their passion with a wider audience.
The Current Scenario
In the realm of Soca, musicians frequently furnish detailed production notes, guaranteeing the documentation of every aspect of a song's creation. They meticulously note everything, from the song's name to the arranger, the producer, and the recording studio. The bards of Calypso, Sparro, Kitchener, and others provided crucial information about their recordings. Unfortunately, many Calypsonians do not follow this meticulous approach. Radio stations often receive songs without even the most basic information, such as the title. Furthermore, the contributors to the song, including arrangers, producers, and even the songwriters, remain anonymous. This anonymity extends to the artists themselves, who often lack promotional photos, leaving media outlets with little to work with when attempting to feature their work.
The impact of a lack of documentation is very frustrating indeed. I recently had a conversation with Mr. Kenny Phillips and Mr. Desmond during their "Dotish Hour Show" on WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM, where we discussed the dearth of information about new music featured on the station. They expressed the same frustration. Most of the time, they receive the song without any documentation, yet they (Calypsonians) eagerly await its playback. Once the song is complete, their only goal is to have it broadcast on the radio! This oversight is problematic.
This oversight has multiple ramifications:
Recognition and Credit: Without proper documentation, those who contribute to the creation of Calypso songs do not receive the recognition they deserve. This lack of credit can affect their careers and opportunities for future collaborations.
Archival and Preservation: Music is a significant cultural artifact. Proper documentation ensures that future generations can understand and appreciate the history and evolution of Calypso.
Promotion and Marketing: In the age of digital media, having comprehensive information and visuals is crucial for effective promotion. Without these, Calypsonians may struggle to gain visibility and reach wider audiences.
Intellectual Property: Proper documentation is also essential for protecting the intellectual property rights of all those involved in the creation of the music.
As one can see, just writing a song, arranging the music, and recording the project is but a small step in the 'big picture' and all the regulations that come next. What steps can we take to rectify the situation? Here are some steps towards improvement and making things right for everyone involved.
To rectify this issue, a systematic approach is required:
Education and Awareness: It's crucial to educate Calypsonians about the significance of due diligence and documentation. We can organize workshops and seminars to emphasize the importance of maintaining comprehensive records. This should be the responsibility of TUCO (Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organization). While it's not necessary to assign blame, it is evident that TUCO (Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organisation) has failed to exercise due diligence in fulfilling their responsibilities towards the art form.
Standardized Forms: By implementing standardized forms for song submissions to radio stations, you can guarantee the inclusion of all necessary information. These forms should cover song titles, names of all contributors, and additional production notes. Once again, TUCO should assume a significant role in guiding all Calypsonians to submit their songs under this organization's guidance.
Professional Management: Artists can benefit from professional management services that handle the administrative aspects of their careers. Before releasing any music, managers can ensure that all documentation is in order. This presents a challenge, as the majority of Calypsonians lack the financial means to hire a management team. Again, TUCO can step in and do probono work to bootstrap those with limited resources. By providing essential support, TUCO can empower these artists to focus on their creative endeavors without the burden of administrative tasks. This assistance not only helps elevate their careers but also fosters a thriving cultural scene that celebrates Calypso music and its rich heritage.
Digital Platforms: Utilizing digital platforms can simplify the documentation process. Online databases where artists can upload their music along with detailed information can serve as a centralized repository accessible to media outlets, event organizers, and fans. Sokah2Soca can help with this. We can upload the songs to our SoundCloud platform and do posts on our blog to bring awareness to the new music.
Industry Collaboration: Collaboration within the industry, including record labels, radio stations, and cultural organizations, can help create a supportive ecosystem that encourages proper documentation. Our advice to the Calypsonians is that they should contact Mr. Kenny Phillips of WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM for advice. He owns the radio station and the number one recording company for Calypso music, K.M.P. Music Lab.
Sokah2Soca and WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM, led by Mr. Kenny Phillips, are merely voices expressing their longing for change. We conclude with the following:
We should preserve and celebrate Calypso music as a treasure. Calypsonians can ensure the recognition and appreciation of their contributions by addressing the current shortcomings in documentation. This not only benefits the artists but also enriches the cultural fabric of Trinidad and Tobago for generations to come.
Let's take the necessary steps to properly document and cherish the legacy of these artists as the timeless rhythms of Calypso continue to captivate audiences. The journey toward improvement may require effort and collaboration, but the rewards are undoubtedly worth it.
