Those who don’t know Comar ‘Frankie Music’ Campbell as the producer behind Koffee’s early hit Raggamuffin, may know him as the shears keeping artistes like Shawne Antoine and Razor B neatly coiffed. As one who makes his living as both a music producer and an aesthetician, Frankie Music has been doubly devastated by the COVID-19 crisis.
In the wake of the public health disaster, both the entertainment and cosmetics industries have taken major blows. With no projected recovery timeline, the pandemic continues to make its way around the globe. Artistes and musicians aren’t travelling, and there are no parties or concerts to get ‘bushed out’ for.
So, how is Frankie Music coping with the coronavirus pandemic’s negative effect on both his passions?
“I’d be lying if I said I was coping. Truth is, every business faces struggles. Unfortunately, this is one that mankind cannot physically control the outcome by projections, but more so by bringing unity and following the guidelines as our Government has been putting into place,” he told The Gleaner.
He continued: “I do my part to make sure my business and every individual who plays a role in them are safe. When the time comes to rectify losses, I will be guided by what has always provided for me and mine.”
Financial trauma aside, Frankie Music is using the effects of this pandemic as a wake-up call. “It doesn’t allow us to stop. It is even more encouraging to continue creating. I am blessed and I remain grounded in knowing that I, alongside my force of strength and motivation, will survive this, as I have many public or personal battles,” the music- producing aesthetician added.
Find out some more about the decidedly perennial producer in this week’s instalment of 5 Questions With … .
1. How long have you been in the cosmetics industry, and how long have you been in the music industry?
Twenty years. Avery’s Beauty Concepts has been registered since 2003. And I have been in the music industry since 2006.
2. Is there any similarity between being a barber and being a music producer?
Yes, most certainly. I’d highlight running any business is a full-time job. I took much time, dedication and personal vigour and strength to operate each business individually. Each entity took much sacrifice, both business and personal.
The similarities would definitely entail drive and determination to executing goals, hard work ethic and dedication to said goals and creativity. Day in and out, it requires time and most important, passion. You have to not just love, but be passionate about your goals. That will be your driving force to consistently make your focus grow and unfold.
3. How do you balance the two?
I ask myself that question every day, multiple times per day. I make it work within my means and create opportunities for it to unfold in time. I draw my strength from myself, my inspirations (the family and team), and, most important, from God. We reason all the time!
4. You recently opened your own recording studio. How long was that project in the making?
Yes! To be honest, the ‘project’ has been brewing since the vision of what I wanted, or saw myself wanting to represent, was born. So, let’s just say a few years.
5. Is your recording studio still open for business? How has COVID-19 changed studio practices?
The studio is open, under strict schedules and guidelines. The most important factor is health and safety for our clients and staff. We have put guidelines, alongside recommendations from our Government, in place to ensure that we are compliant as well as prepared.
Bonus: When you produced Raggamuffin, did you imagine you would end up with the title ‘Grammy-winning producer’?
When I produce, it is my intention to master my craft to one day be an example to every solitary individual that anything is possible, through commitment, hard work and dedication. As it relates to Raggamuffin, I accept and acknowledge with gratitude the accomplishment wholeheartedly. I can’t say I expected it when it happened, but I can say that it has taught me a lot and I will harness that lesson to strengthen what is to come.
