Martino 'Tino' Mark mingled with some of the greats in the music industry as he was the lone participant from the Virgin Islands to attend the recently concluded OECS Work Camp. Photo: Provided

With the experience gained at the historic work camp VI's local boy (right) is all set to add a new twist to his writing after this year's festival activities. Photo: Provided.

The songwriters and music producers represented the Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada and host country Dominica. Photo: Provided

Music Producers Mark Cyrus of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Cornel Phillip and Krishna “Dada” Lawrence of Dominica as well as Neil Bernard of Trinidad & Tobago were facilitators at the work shop, while the Camp mentor was Canadian-born (with Jamaican roots) internationally acclaimed song writer/producer, Rupert Gayle. Photo: Provided

This was made possible as he was recently sponsored by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to attend the first ‘Work Camp’ on the island of Dominica recently. The activity ran from May 9 – 12, 2014 after which he shared his experience with this news site.

“For a long time my writing was more focused on Soca and Reggae but with me attending the workshop I was able to see and learn of other types of music that is more recognizable on the larger international market and scenes,” he said.

Hands on song writing/producing experiences were gained during the sessions as he and others sat among some of the greatest artistes. “We worked among the greatest writing and producing songs eight of which the OECS will be marketing worldwide and that’s a big plus and push for me.”

While he is now more equipped and knowledgeable ‘Tino’ said that he is continuing to focus on his preparations for the competitions of this year’s 60th Jubilee festivities but thereafter he will be spreading his wings.

A release from the OECS described the Work Camp as a major success story as the participants produced musical compositions which are expected to be released within the next few months.

“The OECS Export Development Unit says participants produced more than 14 songs highlighting the creative expressions and the rich reservoir of talent to be found across the OECS. Songs ranged from ballads to up-tempo Caribbean rhythms reflecting rich diversity and immense skills of the songwriters and producers who participated in the Work Camp,” stated the release.

Currently the material produced at the work camp is being reviewed for final production of a compilation of songs for regional and worldwide distribution. All songwriters and producers will be credited for their contributions and will be entitled to a split in royalties and copyright payments once the material is released.

The OECS Export Development Unit (EDU) organized the three day Regional Songwriters and Producers Work Camp which was coordinated by Island Network of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.

The songwriters and music producers represented the Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada and host country Dominica.

Music Producers Mark Cyrus of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Cornel Phillip and Krishna “Dada” Lawrence of Dominica as well as Neil Bernard of Trinidad & Tobago were facilitators at the work shop, while the Camp mentor was Canadian-born (with Jamaican roots) internationally acclaimed song writer/producer, Rupert Gayle.

The Regional Songwriters and Producers Work Camp was supported by the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) for Regional Integration and Trade for the OECS and is among several activities targeted to build the competitiveness of the creative industries sector in the OECS.

The OECS Export Development Unit based in Dominica is a Unit within the Economic Affairs Division of the OECS Commission which is mandated to develop and implement programmes of support for OECS Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their competitiveness.