Music to the ears for some, but questions also as Government plans a hi-tech recording studio
By René Hill
Government has announced it intends to build a state-of-the-art recording studio.
But the announcement has been met with mixed views, with some asking why Government wants to get involved when there are existing studios on the Island.
Government's announcement in Friday's Throne Speech read: "In response to the voices of the Island's young people, the Government will establish a state-of-the-art recording studio where the incredible talent in the community can be nurtured and given the opportunity to shine locally and abroad."
Abimbola (Bim) Bademosi, of The Feel of Music, who has produced the likes of Maxi Priest and Soul to Soul in the UK, said: "I think it is a wonderful idea, but we need to make sure that we are not having a recording studio without understanding the fundamentals of actually educating and developing the people who come through its doors.
"Every aspect should be available for educational purposes, not just to make a product. The entire process involved in creating that product should be educational.
"It can't be anything else than educational, as these guys need to learn what it takes to become an artist, not just someone who raps."
Musician and home studio owner Tony Brannon said: "Anything to help promote young talent is a good thing." But he questioned why Government would want to be in the recording business.
"This is not a knock on Government, but I would like to know who they plan on using to operate such a place? They use Just Platinum now for much of their work/ads etc. and Steve Easton is great.
"I just hope we are not bypassing Bermudian recording engineers, but it doesn't speak to the nuts and bolts, so I would hope they can explain this more."
Mr. Brannon added: "There is super talent here and we are capable of creating a megastar in my view."
One studio owner, who asked not to be named, said: "If Government really wanted to support, they might look at assisting existing studios, because many of the owners are working two and three jobs and are producing in the midnight hours, which means that they can't work at their passion full time."
Gavin Djata Smith, executive director/founder of The Chewstick Foundation, said: "Our youth have become quite adept at using cost-effective technology to very high levels, in addition there have been several high quality studios developed to address this need.
"For example The Chewstick Foundation is currently building a recording-studio and we would love Government's full support or at least the chance to discuss this objective."
