President of US talent agency, Springle Entertainment Group, Brian Springle, with renowned soca songstress, Alison Hinds.
Spotlight on Bajan talent
5/25/2009
By Jewel Brathwaite
THE way is being made for another local entertainer to make a breakthrough on the international circuit.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the US-based Springle Entertainment Group whose president, Brian Springle, was in Barbados last week to have a first-hand look at local talent in the music arena.
In an exclusive interview with the Barbados Advocate, Springle said his mission here was to both introduce himself to Barbadian talent and to find an artist to manage and sign a record deal in the United States.
“I am also here to introduce myself to the local music producers in the music business and to learn more about Barbados,” said Springle. “I am looking for either a Rhythm and Blues artist, or a Gospel artist. I would like to work with them and make them ready for a record deal,” Springle further explained.
He also held a meeting with Anthony T. Bryan, Chairman of Invest Barbados, on the possibility of an investment on the island.
Springle remarked that the benefits for the entertainer selected are enormous. “There will be worldwide exposure and opportunities to put over their message in a professional manner,” according to him.
However, managing an artist is not an easy task since it calls for enormous effort, time and money. It calls for working with and getting to know the individual.
“Managing an artist is a 24-7 job. You have to make sure personalities are working together and everyone has to have the same goal,” Springle stated. He also noted that Barbados was chosen for the selection out of a desire to grow the good working relationship he has with Ronnie Morris, the promoter behind the annual Barbados Music Awards.
Springle Entertainment, which is also a booking agency, has been around since 1996. The company has worked with more than 400 artists, according to Morris, with some of them having won Grammys and Academy Awards.
On the process of finding artists, Morris explained that “since you do not want to hear any and everything, you try to narrow it down to what you would call the cream of the crop, so that what they hear is the best of Barbados”. Beyond that, the individual chosen must be someone who has the ability to represent Barbados, is an experienced performer, has the ability to write and to perform songs, knows how to conduct interviews, and above all, is intelligent.
Springle said that currently they manage a number of high profile names in the entertainment business, including top artist Regina Belle, but have also booked key figures such as Gladys Knight Jeffrey Osborne and Frankie Beverly of the band Maze, among others.
Morris said that some of the artists Springle Entertainment was scheduled to meet included Alison Hinds, Toni Norville and Ayana John.
However, since he is in possession of the music of other performers, that will also be a factor in the process.
There is no set time in making the selection; however, Springle is expected to return to Barbados in June to pursue investing in an office here. That initiative will be further raised with Invest Barbados.
