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 Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 3:27 pm Post subject: TI MICHEL: THE KOMPA MAGAZINE INTERVIEW (HMI PEOPLE)! |
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MICHEL JEAN BAPTISTE (TI MICHEL) has been in the HMI for years. He is simply a mystery to many who follow the HMI from afar, but to those in the business, he is an HMI warrior. For the first time, TI MICHEL talks in depth about his career in the HMI as record producer and more.
"HMI PEOPLE"....Because everyone has a story.
(INTERVIEW conducted by PATRICK DESVARIEUX for Kompa Magazine)
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1) TI MICHEL....What can we expect from TROPIDISC/TROPIKAL Records in the upcoming months on the CD front?
TI MICHEL: We are working on a few projects. We are releasing the Shabba and Friends around Musique En Folie. We are also working on the STIL Live CD. We have started to record the new Zenglen Live album. We are also working on our release calendar for 2009. I am interested in releasing some World Music album. I will be releasing some Zouk CDs. We are also working on our distributor network outside of the HMI.
2) Is there still money to be made as an executive record producer in the business in these times of bootlegs and music downloads?
TI MICHEL: I believe that there is still some money to be made even in this rough business environment. We will be focusing our effort on the legal music download platforms. We will also start effort to do music placement in the film world. We are looking at the ringtones business. We are looking into a viable product for the HAITI market. The way to go forward is the 360 degree contract.
3) The state of the HMI currently as we speak in your opinion is.....
TI MICHEL: In my opinion on the retail side the worst that it has ever been. In terms of talent there is a lot of emerging new talent. On the legal aspect of the business gen plis dezod ke jamais.
4) What is so far the best selling CD in your catalog?
TI MICHEL: I got to say so far the Tantan “Pam Pam Pam” and Daan Junior ‘Di’m Sa’w Vle”
5) Is there a CD in your catalog that you thought was going to do well, that for one reason or another, did not meet your expectations? Please explain the answer.
TI MICHEL: I usually look at the worst case scenario and account for that when we go into a deal. Therefore we reach our expectations.
6) Are you after CARIMI's upcoming fourth studio CD, and if "YES", how close are you to signing them?
TI MICHEL: To be honest, we would be interested in producing Carimi’s upcoming CD. I believe that most producers Haitian and Non-Haitian that are producing Kompa or Zouk would be interested. They offer a lot of upside. There is much to be accomplished with Carimi. I can not tell you how close we are to signing them. I honestly do not know.
7A) Your ADMIRERS will say what about you?
TI MICHEL: The people that know me will tell you that I put my self-esteem above everything. M’ap toujou on Kamikaz. I have got to be able to look at myself in the mirror. They will tell you that I am loyal. They will tell you that I am a hard worker.
7B) Your DETRACTORS will say what about you?
TI MICHEL: Mwen resevwa yo, jen yo vini a.
 Do you regret the encounter that ensued between you and Roberto Martino at Marabou?
***CHOSE NOT TO RESPOND TO THE QUESTION***
9) Who is the HMI personality that you respect the most? Why?
TI MICHEL: I have got to say that it is Fred Paul. The work that he did speaks volume. What Mini Records means around the world.
10) The biggest problem facing the HMI today is.....
TI MICHEL: I think that the biggest problem is the legal aspect of the business. I believe if we do not wake up sooner rather than later, n’ap gen plis pwoblem .
11) Who is your MUSICAL "IDOL"?
TI MICHEL: I have to say that Barry Gordy of Motown.
12) Do you think you are unfairly judged at times as a guy "searching for respect" any way you can get it?
TI MICHEL: The only people that I want to be respected by are my family members. I can tell you that I am not looking for respect from anybody in the HMI. Moun ki panse ke m’ap cheche R.E.S.P.E.C.T fek fe fot.
13) How devastating was DABENZ's departure to the 5 ETWAL project? Your thoughts on DABENZ?
TI MICHEL: Dabenz's departure was a major blow to the project. I believe that he is a very talented individual and I will leave it at that.
14) Why has NU LOOK, almost 1 year after the release of their new CD, not released any music videos? Is it your record label's fault?
TI MICHEL: I can not answer that question. My record label did not release Nu-Look’s CD. I am the wrong person for you to ask that question.
15) Do you believe that KREZI will become a TOP 3 HMI band any time in the near future?
TI MICHEL: Yes, I believe that Krezi can become a Top 4 HMI band. They are only a hit away from becoming a top 4 band.
16) Do some Haitian bands neglect the importance of the Antilles market, or is the Antilles market simply a "HYPE" that really does not do too much for a band?
TI MICHEL: Some bands do neglect the importance of that market. Bands need to understand that once you have been accepted in that market W’ap mange tout res vi’w. This summer Freres Dejean played the Antilles. Djet-X was also there. There are band that we are not even aware of that are doing well there in terms of CD sales.
17) How do you explain the way you have been able to survive in this business for so long? Give us the secret?
TI MICHEL: I believe that my survival is based on hard work and knowledge of the market place. I stay hungry. I am always open to go a studio and listen to any project. I believe that my love for music plays an important part as well. Last but not least grace ak neg en haut a. lol
1 How does one get their foot inside the HMI house and become "RELEVENT"?
TI MICHEL: You have to have some start up fund. You got to work hard. You got to stay hungry. You have to have goals.
19) The top 5 bands in the HMI according to you are....
TI MICHEL: To me there are 4 top bands:
Nu Look, Carimi, T-Vice and Djakout. To me many bands can claim that 5 spot.
20) Top 5 "POWER PLAYERS" (Big Dogs) in the HMI today are...
TI MICHEL: Noel & Cecibon
Kaliko Productions
Nouvel Jenerasyon
AD Mizik (Paris)
Jean-Claude Adrasse
.
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