Raw Riddim, Bitter Blues

Dominica's music is distinctive, highly creative and full of power and intensity; so why is it taking so long for it to set the world stage alight?

What is it that the island's talented composers, musicians, performers and back-up crews have to do differently to translate raw talent into international recognition and commercial success?

Too many gifted local artistes seem to be clinging to a fragile existence in the music world, languishing in obscurity outside their innermost circle of fans.

Talent doesn't always produce due recognition, but after decades of sending innovative Dominican music to the world with limited success, it's time to get straight answers to some tough questions.

It seems fair to say that most of those in Dominica's music scene are amateurs who can't make a living from music-- persons who have to hold onto their day jobs to pay the bills.

Such "part-timers" are widely thought of as persons who have not taken the correct road, because of lack of opportunity or other factors and influences.

They passionately want to know how to create the music they love in a way that brings them recognition as serious musical artistes at home and abroad--- and make a decent living from it!

So, how do they transition from where they are to where they want to be? This series of articles-- "Raw Riddims; Bitter Blues" -- gets to the heart of this matter.

Local musicians, composers and performers who can truly be called professionals share their thoughts about the current music scene and what they do to succeed.

Other prominent advocates of local music-- administrators, managers and producers-- give frank, informed opinions about what's right, what's wrong and what should be done.

We hope the insights in these articles that follow would inspire stakeholders to unite, share ideas and strive to make Dominica's music the international creative force it ought to be.

-Articles by: Gwen Evelyn