Vanessa Bling supporting young women in music

A video of a young woman crying on social media about allegedly being pressured to sleep with a producer in order to record her music struck a painful chord with dancehall artiste Vanessa Bling.

That situation pushed her to act on a dream she had been carrying for years – opening the doors of her new high-end recording and mixing studio to young female artistes who may not have the money to get their music professionally produced. While Vanessa Bling said she was fortunate not to have had a similar experience as the young woman during her own journey in the music business, she knows the industry has not always been an easy road for women.

“I was one of the lucky ones where I didn’t have to go through that, but there are so many stories that are horrific,” she said.

The artiste, who has had her own struggles navigating the competitive and often male-dominated music industry, said she wants the studio to remove at least one of the major obstacles standing between talented young women and their dreams – money.

“The high cost to package their music is one of the biggest barriers. You have to record, pay the engineer, mix and master,” she said. “I will cover the cost for recording, mixing and mastering so that they can have something to promote themselves with, as well as something they can present to other producers.”

However, not every aspiring singer or deejay will simply be able to walk into the studio and claim free sessions.

“There will be a vetting process by our professional engineers first,” Vanessa Bling explained.

She opined that the initiative could provide a crucial stepping stone for young women who have the talent and determination but lack the financial backing needed to get a properly produced song. And while she believes the Jamaican music industry has made strides in creating space for women, Vanessa Bling said there is still room for improvement.

“It could be better, but we are still grateful because the leading female artistes are breaking down the barriers,” she said.

Asked what she wished someone had done for her when she was just starting out, she said she has no regrets about her own journey.

“Each person’s career and path will be different. For me personally, I wouldn’t change a thing. I got great advice in my career and it has shaped me to be what I am today,” she said. “This studio is like another home to my collection of homes. It’s my workplace, so maintaining it on a high level is a goal of mine.”

As for whether the next big female star could emerge from behind her recording booth, Vanessa Bling is leaving that question to time.

“We will have to wait and see what the future holds for the next generation, but I’m sure many stars will come from it.”