Back by popular demand, the Jack Daniel's Storytellers kicked off its second season with new R&B/Soul singer Collis Duranty at the Coco Lounge, Woodbrook, on November 30, to an appreciative crop of music enthusiasts. The event, hosted by Nicholas Rojas and Aaron Marquez, takes place every Tuesday until February 1, and aims to showcase local talent, by shining the spotlight on both seasoned and up-and-coming artistes.
Stating that the first instalment in July 2009 was a huge success, Rojas, a bassist and back up singer with the local rock band Orange Sky, hopes that Storytellers will provide the nation's performers with much needed exposure to take their craft to a new dimension. He said the time had come for T&T to represent, promote and support "our own."
A different kind of show
Taking pointers from the American groundbreaking VHI series, also titled Storytellers, Rojas, who has an impressive 15 year music career under his belt, described the local version as a "different kind of show." Intimate and interactive, he said Storytellers allowed the public to get up close and personal with some of their favourite artistes.
"The first segment got a really good reception," he asserted. "It gave people the chance to view performers in a different light. This time it will be even better." And while soca seems to be the main money spinner these days, Rojas said that in addition to acts such as Shurwayne Winchester and Soca Elvis, his programme would feature diverse music genres, with artistes like 3 Canal, Marlon Asher, the Mighty Shadow, Zandolee, Ravi B and Isasha.
More than talent
Having toured North America with his band for two long years, Rojas said he knew, first hand, the importance of artiste development and understanding the business side of the music industry. He said while T&T was home to some of the most talented artistes in the Caribbean, it often took more than just talent to make it big. "It costs money for artistes to get somewhere... besides just singing, people need to remember that it's a business."
According to the Diego Martin resident, perseverance and commitment are also two requisite attributes needed to reach the exalted land of commercial success, as the music industry is not all "cookies and cream." "The mentality down here is if a show is starting at 10 pm and you're told to get there for that time, artists arrive for 11.30 pm. In America they don't play that. You will definitely loose your slot!" he said, matter-of-factly.
An avid lover of music, Rojas said his dream was to one day see a local act become a world-wide sensation, and win a coveted Grammy award. An elusive dream? Rojas thinks it's definitely possible. Supporting local music, he said, was the first step to making that dream reality.
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The Jack Daniel's Storytellers cost $40. Eighty per cent of the proceeds go to the performing artistes. The fun starts from 8pm sharp.