Grange Urges Composers, Authors and Publishers to be More Business Minded

The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, has encouraged the members of the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers (JACAP) to become more vigilant about the business of music in order to improve their chances of success.
Addressing JACAP members, support organisations and performing artistes yesterday morning (Thursday Dec 18), at JACAP’s tenth anniversary Open House event the Minister said:
“It is very important, fren’ and fren’ that you conduct your affairs in a business-like way, because if you don’t, sooner or later you are going to have problems.
“It is very important when you collaborate and write music together that you agree and formalise your arrangement; even if it’s your brother, your mother, your sister or your cousin. If you change one line in the song agree if you are going to get a 1%. It is very important, because it’s your pension.
“Music is not just playing and writing a song, it is also about doing business and it is important that as an industry we appreciate the business of music.”
Minister Grange also charged members to plan well when they are earning a lot so that they are prepared for the times when they will earn less.
“When you earn well, and the money comes in, you must put something aside for the times when things won’t be as great; when you won’t be getting as much airplay and you won’t be selling as many records. And with the whole industry changing now, you really must plan and know exactly how you are securing your future and your children’s future”, she said.
Acknowledging the progress of JACAP over the past ten years, Minister Grange told the gathering that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture is committed to protecting, finding and facilitating opportunities for Jamaica’s creative people.
“We intend to use all the opportunities available within the structures that exist in Jamaica and outside of Jamaica to ensure that you benefit from your creative works”, the minister assured.
The Open House was part of a week-long celebration (started Monday, December 14), at JACAP’s office on Connelley Avenue in Kingston.
The Open House featured displays from Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS), Jamaica Copyright Licensing Agency (JAMCOPY) and the National Library of Jamaica (NLJ).