Recording Rap

I recently attended the Film Florida Conference seminar on the Music Industry which was headed by Leslie Zigel of BMG US Latin. Other Panelists included Joe Galdo (Island Records); Jeanie Mason (Estefan Enterprises); Will Edwards (Sprokets Music); and Tom Dowd (producer).

Miami has become the epicenter for Latin music. All six major multinational labels (Sony, EMI, Polygram, WEA, Universal and BMG) have their Latin music headquarters here, and all except EMI have their US Latin-market offices here, too. Last year in Miami-Dade County, the music business brought in $343 million and was a key contributor to South Florida’s fast-growing $2 billion entertainment industry.

While the Spanish-language music scene has exploded, the live-performance industry is struggling. Our region could lose a lot of business if it doesn’t do a better job of promoting live music. Tom Dowd stated, "There isn’t a decent club to go listen to a live band. Every place has pool tables, TV sets and a DJ." Joe Galdo added that in the 1970’s bands had many clubs to chose from and most played five sets a night, six nights a week. Now musicians are lucky if they play two sets one night a week. More clubs must open to give local talent a chance to grow.

South Florida needs to improve its recording facilities and performing venues, as well as promote local talent so the industry can grow from within. Billboard Music Group is building a four-level, 35,000 square-foot entertainment complex on South Beach featuring a state-of-the-art live performance venue. Also in the planning stages are the Ice Palace, to be built in the area of NW 14th St and N. Miami Ave. Eugene Rodriguez, owner of South Beach’s Big Time Productions, heads this project; its 100,000 square feet will have sound stages, prop- and set-building shops, editing facilities, and office space.

Television production in South Florida needs to make changes to attract more large-scale productions. Two missing key elements: the banking infrastructure needed to finance projects and the presence of national talent agencies. Most TV and Film people look to New York and L.A. for agents. And TV industry leaders claim banks in Florida do not have the know-how to finance television and motion picture projects. Some banks are trying to change; one recently sent a representative to L.A. for an intensive three-day seminar.

The Conference gave me a chance to network with many of the key people in the film and music business. Everyone shared ways to help strengthen our film community and generate more projects, and this will mean more Sidelining and recording work for our local musicians.

Reunion Records Follow-up

Because of pressure put on the Label by Union musicians, Reunion has finally signed the AFM-Phono Record Labor Agreement. Coordination of musicians at the Local and Federation levels meant that stars couldn’t get their Reunion projects recorded, even in other cities. Now that Reunion caved in under pressure from the players, other Labels, including EMI-Christian, Word Entertainment, and Stonehill, are following suit. Four months of standing together has shown nonsignatories that AFM musicians are a united force that will have their voices heard!

1999 Billboard Latin Music Awards With a South Florida Connection

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