When Casimir Thomas declared “the beat has been brought!” on the final day of the Bring the Beat masterclass, his fellow music producers erupted in applause. Thomas, better known in the industry as “Peck Jonezz”, was one of 31 local music producers who completed a 7-day intensive workshop organized by the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA) to boost Grenada’s music production capabilities.  

The music producers’ workshop, which was the first of its kind in Grenada, was facilitated by Kasey Phillips, one of the Caribbean’s most prominent music producers. Kasey is the founder and CEO of Precision Productions, the music production house behind some of Soca music’s biggest hits. Kasey has worked with Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Kes the Band, Kerwin Dubois, Voice, Patrice Roberts, and many others. However, Kasey’s production talents are not limited to Caribbean music; Precision Productions works in other genres, including R&B, Hip-Hop, Rap, Pop, Gospel and K-Pop. Kasey’s work on Ciara’s 2023 EP “CiCi”, where he produced 5 of 7 tracks, resulted in the chart-rocking hit “How We Roll” featuring Chris Brown, which has more than 45 million streams on Spotify and is RIAA certified gold.  

“My team and I have been trying to do a workshop in Grenada for 7 years, since we launched the Audio Essentials workshop series in 2018,” Kasey explained. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic halted their efforts to bring the workshop to Grenada. “So, I was excited when the GOCA team contacted me about this Bring the Beat masterclass.” 

“A transformative experience” – Neron “Tonic X” Gabriel  

On the opening day of the workshop, emotions ranged from apprehension to excitement since, for some of the producers, this was their first time taking an in-person music production class. “I’m here to learn what I don’t know, to further my skills and make the most of the experience,” said George Gludd of Maddkastle Records. “I am proud of myself for taking the time off to be here.”  

The Bring the Beat curriculum, designed as a practical learning experience, covered five main topics: advanced production techniques, songwriting from a producer’s lens with local singer-songwriter C’Jae, vocal recording and production, music copyright and licensing, and mixing and mastering. Kasey gave the producers insight into his own production process, demonstrating his tried-and-true methods, as well as new and cutting-edge techniques. But this masterclass was more than an avenue to teach new techniques. It provided an opportunity for the producers, many of whom had never met each other, to see the value of collaboration. Together, the producers built a beat and recorded their first song on the aptly named Bring the Beat riddim, which will be released later this year.  

The producers’ showcase was another highlight of the masterclass. Armed with their new knowledge and skills, the producers were challenged to revisit an old project and apply the new techniques. Then, on the final day of the masterclass, the producers presented their tracks for peer and instructor feedback. The difference, in some cases, was night and day, which speaks volumes to the critical role of training and capacity development to empower creative talent and transform Grenada into a creative capital in the Caribbean.  

Alix “Sandman” Aird, who has been producing music for almost two decades, described the masterclass as a premier experience in his musical career. “Being here was worth every minute, getting professional wisdom and training from Kasey –– he doesn’t gatekeep.”  

Kasey, who is deeply passionate about seeing the Caribbean music industry thrive, praised the producers for making the sacrifice to participate in a week-long workshop and being fully engaged in the experience and making full use of the opportunity to learn and grow. “Grenada’s music is in good hands,” he declared. 

“Another step in building a powerful creative economy” – Sen. the Hon. Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture 

As Grenada establishes the way forward for strengthening its creative economy, GOCA has identified music as a strategic cultural and creative industry (CCI) pillar because of its significant potential for growth and linkages with other sectors. The Music Producers’ Project was designed to support the growth and development of Grenada’s music industry. Through funding provided by the Cultural and Creative Industries Business Development Fund, music producers can upgrade their studio spaces and equipment. To date, 10 music producers have benefitted from the funding. The Bring the Beat music producers’ masterclass is an extension of the Music Producers’ Project. “We have been producing good music in Grenada; now, we can produce great music,” said Mr. Orlando Romain, advisor with responsibility for the creative economy. “But even with brand new equipment, the producers need to know how to use it.” Sen. the Hon. Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture added “we want to ensure our Grenadian producers are equipped with talent, competence and confidence.” 

The efforts to enhance Grenada’s music industry are not limited to the music producers, as GOCA has committed to supporting two other initiatives for young songwriters and musicians. GOCA will facilitate, in collaboration with singer-songwriter and Youth Intellectual Property Ambassador V’ghn and IMA Grenada, a songwriting masterclass for youth. GOCA will also support Sing Grenada, a transformative music initiative developed by singer-songwriter Jeverson Ramirez to discover, mentor and empower young Grenadian musicians. Sing Grenada will feature a comprehensive school tour, a music summer camp, and the experience of creating the Sing Grenada EP.   

“Our music will never be the same after this” – Akeem “A#keem” Abraham 

As the producers reflected on their experience during the closing ceremony of the masterclass, the impact of the last week was evident. “There has not been any attention paid to the producers in the past,” commented Nordley Frederick of Phat Tracks as he expressed his gratitude to GOCA for making the initiative a reality. “I see our industry being lifted and I know everyone here will take some of this new knowledge and apply to their work.”  

“My personal goal coming into this workshop was to become better than I was at the start, even if only by a little,” expressed Elon “Nole” Cambridge. “My expectations were blown away. I’m 200% better than where I started.”