A song written, produced and performed by OECS Nationals
Friday, November 11, 2016 — The launch of “YOU” on YouTube, a song written, performed and produced by OECS nationals, is a continuation of music development work by the OECS Commission through its Competitive Business Unit (CBU). Performed by Dominican Marsha Augustine, “YOU” was co-written by Marsha in collaboration with fellow Dominican Derek “Rah” Peters, Grenadian Nekoyan Bain and Kittitian Grace Richardson, with music production done by Vincentian Mark Cyrus.
The track, taken from a compilation of songs developed during the OECS Regional Song-Writers Camp in April 2014, is the first to be released as organisers prepare to promote the album and help to create a platform for the artistes. The camp, and the subsequent recording of a ten song album, was part of the work programme of the CBU under the 10th EDF Regional Integration for Trade in the OECS.
The Song-Writers Camp brought together over 15 singers and performers from across OECS Member States with four well-known music producers, three of whom came from the OECS and one from Trinidad. The camp was coordinated by artist management firm Island Network of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and provided an opportunity for collaboration in song-writing and music production. Artistes were exposed to an environment of teamwork and combining their various artistic talents to create a body of work which is now part of the legacy of the 10th EDF programme.
“YOU” and the other tracks from the album will be launched in March 2017 as the OECS Commission brings closure to the 10th EDF and this phase of its development work in the creative industries sector programme. In the months leading up to the launch, organisers plan to release additional videos of top tracks so that the public, and especially consumers of music in the region and internationally, can have a full appreciation of the range of the talent and skills of OECS musicians.