Barbadian musicians gifted, says former Sony president

Former President of Sony Music Entertainment Europe, Paul Russell, is calling on the Government of Barbados to invest more in its musicians.

“This country punches way above its weight when it comes to music,” he expressed.

“I don’t know all the great Bajan film directors, actors, but I know a lot of very gifted Barbadian musicians,” he stated.

Russell shared this with students of Harrison College during an interactive session made possible by the Aron and Christina Foundation, yesterday.

According to him, Government needs to keep its musicians on this rock. He believes more should be done to help them, particularly the song writers.

“By doing so, they wouldn’t have to leave Barbados. In addition, a lot of international artistes and others who need songs will come to Barbados. They will all spend money; the dollars will stay here instead
of disappearing abroad,” he stressed.

While lauding the work carried out by the University of the West Indies Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination, Russell however pointed out, “It’s all about helping film – helping film directors, producers – it does nothing for music. In my view that’s a disgrace. And it can be done so cheaply.”

“Also, what kind of annoys me is that governments tend to see the Arts as mainly film and theatre. You never hear about government subsidies for music. Why is that? But, every time governments need help, they firstly turn to music. For example, every time there is a disaster – hurricane in Haiti, floods in Bangladesh.”

“Any Government can take a tiny fraction of what they spend on the Arts and divert that to what I called the song writers collective,” he suggested.

Russell took the opportunity to advise students considering a career in the industry, which he said generates billions of dollars annually. He explained that they can work in the music industry without being an artist, as there are opportunities for lawyers, accountants, marketers, promoters, human relations, etc.

“Go get your university degree. With a Bachelor of Arts or even Bachelor of Science Degree along with a passion for music, you have a much better chance getting a job in the industry.”

Sony Music Entertainment Europe, under Russell, enjoyed much success with a wide variety of artists from all over the world including Frances Cabrel, Jean Jacque Goldman, Mariah Carey, Des’ree, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, the Fugees, Macy Gray, Gipsy Kings, Julio Iglesias, Jamiroquai, Patrica Kaas, the Manic Street Preachers, Ricky Martin, Oasis, Frances Obispo, the Offspring, Sade, Savage Garden, Bruce Springsteen, Suede and Travis.

In that time, he worked very closely in both the UK and Europe with Michael Jackson in many different areas – from his records “Thriller”, “Bad,” “Dangerous”, the six-times European platinum “HIStory” and “Blood on the Dance Floor” through to his record-breaking European tours in 1988, 1992 and 1996/7.

Russell further stressed that “music is in the blood of Barbadians”, and having moved to the island eight years ago, he has proudly thrown his full support behind Honey Jam, which is a developmental programme that provides educational, networking, mentoring and performance opportunities for young female artists as well as promotes and supports entrepreneurs and initiatives which support women and girls.

In February 2013, Russell joined Ebonnie Rowe in the incorporation of Honey Jam (Barbados) Inc., where he is a director of the board. (TL)