We know that our Caribbean genres of music are not yet fully exploited internationally. Here are some songwriting tips which may be useful to our development.

Take a look at this blog by Andrea Stolpe: http://andreastolpe.berkleemusicblogs.com/2008/07/18/creating-your-own-opportunities-as-a-songwriter/ (Creating Your Own Opportunities as a Songwriter). You will recognize that her expressed guide can be an important tool in your song writing technique.

Why write?
Firstly, look at your purpose for writing a song - this plays an important role. Although Andrea references Nashville, I purport that this is a global perspective.

From Paper to Performance
When you’ve written your song, look for a good voice – or at least someone who you think can sing well - and hear how it sounds. When a song is written and when a song is performed – those are two different things. As any music student will tell you, you have to lift the music off of the paper, characterize it, add those subtle nuances.

From Performance to Publishing
At times, persons are afraid to publish their song because of piracy issues or copyright factors. However, it is worse for you not to put your work out there. Your song could have a profound effect on future generations, like that famous song Amazing Grace.

Network
So often, we as Caribbean Musicians feel that we either have no one to turn to or become overwhelmed with the exploration. However, the Internet is a significant tool we have at our disposal and we should use it in expanding our network of fellow song writers and producers.

Stay tuned for the next article which deals with the Caribbean Perspective of Song Writing.

*Over time Caribbean Musician will be looking at ways to assist aspiring regional artistes, as well as to encourage mature musicians to link, such that we develop our craft. After all, reggae is not the only music in or of the Caribbean...