Harvey Edgecombe
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Montserratian born and raised, Kulcha Don has performed and recorded with legends in modern music to include Tupac, Notorious B.I.G, C&C Music Factory, Beenie Man, The Fugees and many more. Along the way, Kulcha has become a legend himself and is now an inspiration to many at home and abroad.
In recent years Kulcha has been dedicating a lot of his time and resources to projects close to his roots in Montserrat including Soca International, University of Soca and most recently MONY Music.
Via email, Kulcha responded to a couple of questions regarding his latest venture
What is your motivation behind MONY Music Group?
My motivation begun long time ago. It’s from hearing some hit songs originating from Montserrat since I was a child that has never made it across the waters. As an International artist myself who has signed 3 major record deals and worked with some of the best in the music business, both in studio and label wise, I think I have gathered proper knowledge of how the business works. So I’m assuming the duty to be the vehicle to take our artistes and songs across international waters.
How is MONY Music structured as a business?
MONY Music is an Independent Record label where we will be signing the best of what we have locally and regionally. The plan is to have everything in-house. We will have a Marketing, Publicity and Promotions department. We will also have a video and graphics department, pretty much the same operation as a major label just at a smaller scale.
Can you perceive MONY Music as an avenue for Montserrat’s development?
No doubt MONY Music will be an avenue for Montserrat’s development. In marketing and promoting our music internationally, we will be highlighting Montserrat and all it has to offer in interviews and our videos. Before we are done, the world will know Montserrat is back and open for business again.
Has the new government in Montserrat offered you any support for your business?
The new government of Montserrat has said they will support us. We have not worked out exactly in what capacity yet but I’m hopeful. The first line of support will be tested in Nov-Dec when we will be shooting the video for our new single “Nar Miss No Carnival”
How do you balance commitments to MONY Music and commitments as an international recording artist?
Well I haven’t done anything major as an artist since 2010 as I’ve been planning for this move. Now that the label is up and running I will be doing most of my work as an artist through MONY Music and it begins with our first single with Nyne featuring myself and Madzart another Soca/Ragga artist from St. Vincent.
Montserrat’s music legacy is strong, with Air Studios, Arrow and now you. What general advice do you give Montserrat’s new generation of artists?
There’s not much that advice is gonna do for this new generation here. These youths do not know anything about Air Studios and have not seen Arrow in his glory. This generation is unfortunately inspired only by what they’ve seen on TV. They have no clue as to how it actually works so the best advice will be in demonstrating and showing them how it really goes. I can’t bother with the plenty talking, I’m into action and that’s what MONY Music Group is about.
Where are your thoughts on the Caribbean’s music industry and how do you see it intersecting with New York?
The Caribbean Music Industry is lacking in many areas. There're not too many artistes who made progress internationally and took time out to learn the business on a whole. Earlier, when my good friend Beenie Man had the hit Zim Zimmer I encouraged him to move to NY for a while so he can maximise the publicity he was getting but he chose to go back to JA. NY is where it’s at, and it’s because of my resources and connections here in NY, why I’m able to do this label thing effectively.
For more information, please visit MONY Music’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/MONY-Music-Group/260042664173030
