Project Spotlight EP is out

THE Project Spotlight EP, comprising of eight artistes from Music TT's Spotlight programme and featuring original music was recently launched and is available via various streaming platforms.

The collaborative body of work from the third cohort of the Spotlight Programme highlights Aaron Ifill, Aisha Noel, Alethea, DNA 868 Muzik, Juss Lizz, Leah Richards, Mahalia Thomas and Monique La Chapelle.

The Spotlight Programme is an an initiative of the Trinidad and Tobago Music Company Ltd (MusicTT) and is aimed at creating a strong, balanced, upskilled portfolio of artistes and musicians prepared for a range of international export opportunities, said a media release.

The launch on February 26 was a hybrid event, hosted in-person and virtually by MusicTT. The new EP is a single-issue release and will be shopped to international music catalogues for sync opportunities.

The release said general manager of MusicTT Melissa Jimenez is thrilled by the continued thrust for strong artist development which, she notes, "is a key cornerstone for global music success." “The mission of this programme has always been simple: to give our artistes an opportunity to experience well-rounded development of their talent in real-time, which is critical to accessing and capitalising on international opportunities,” Jimenez said of the nearly year-long initiative.

"Project Spotlight is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication from these talented artistes and music professionals that share in a bigger vision of music industry excellence.”

MusicTT engaged the services of titans in the industry to bring Project Spotlight to life, including expert involvement from executive producer Darryl Gervais, who is one of the most sought-after music professionals in the Caribbean, the release said. Gervais, who is a seasoned songwriter from TT, has successfully contributed to the global music industry with albums and growing catalogues for MegaTrax, Universal Music Australia, LA Records, Netflix, to name a few.

Jiminez said, “Music is an evolving art, and the Caribbean is unique in showcasing a range of influences in our culture. Working with these eight diverse artistes for the Project Spotlight EP over the last year has not only (been) a testament to the exceptional abilities that we have right here at home, but exposing them to a global quality standard of production sets the tone of expectations for our industry to push for greatness, develop the talent the right way and take our place alongside the brightest and best on the international stage,”

The production and mixing services were done by Jhay C of HCL, one of Australia’s most successful urban pop producer/writers who has multiple song placements in over 400 shows globally and in the US on networks such as: MTV, Disney, NBC, FOX, Netflix and major sports franchises ESPN, UFC, NBA, NFL and WWE. He has also had his songs featured on major films such as Hugh Jackman’s Logan and the Simone Biles Story.

The “Project Spotlight” EP is available for all music lovers: https://projectspotlight.hearnow.com/