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There’s a growing stream of initiatives looking for the next big thing in music, with offers to nurture and fund the new talent.
There’s a growing stream of initiatives looking for the next big thing in music, with offers to nurture and fund the new talent.
The Paradise Sound System is joining the stream by offering artists knowledge on remaining independent.
The new German-African initiative will select 10 indie or underground artists and help jolt their careers into a higher gear. With the aid of a few partners, the winners will receive distribution advice, studio time and expert insights from industry captains, including top local house crooner, Zakes Bantwini.
Speaking on behalf of the German-based Paradise Distributions, Sarah-Jane Nicholson was excited to be on the search for untapped talent.
Nicholson (30) is a former drummer. Over the past 10 years, she’s worked as an artist manager developing talent, both up-and-coming and top-shelf. “I have represented Locnville, GoodLuck, Mi Casa, Moonchild Sanelly and now Zakes Bantwini. I have always been passionate about the early stages of artist development,” she shares excitedly. “We are looking for a professional application which showcases diversity, originality and quality. To be selected by the team in Germany, your music will need to speak for itself,” she adds.
There are several rights involved with distribution and a broad array of ways in which to load music to streaming platforms. “We would like to share specific advice on how to stay independent and keep your rights. Distribution is complex, and artists are investing time in making music. They should also invest time in understanding how to reach the correct people with the best chance of success,” she says.
The first Paradise Sound System will take place at the Jazzworx Studio in Johannesburg on January 28 and 29 for the 10 selected artists on Thursday.
And the Indie Africa Workshop will be hosted at the Joburg Theatre on January 30. It will be open to anyone looking to gain a better understanding on how to become an independent artist.
Both sessions will offer insights from international industry experts.
