In conversation with Dexter Wansel  

From left to right: Mark Anthony, Dexter Wansel, Damon K. Williams, Paul Ward.

This week the university was lucky enough to receive a visit from Grammy award winning Dexter Wansel and his team. Students on the music pathway were fortunate enough to experience a master class and industry session with him. During his time here I was able to interview him and his team, finding out a bit more about his musical influences, how the industry has changed in his opinion and the importance of being business minded in music.

How have you found the experience today working here at the university?

Well, I think it's been absolutely wonderful. No, brilliant as the British say. Sharing our experience with people, watching them follow the path of creativity, especially through music. It's something that I’m passionate about, influencing the next generation. I’ve always been passionate on this in my life, back in Philadelphia I was fortunate enough to help put young bands together.

What are some of your early experiences of music?

As a kid what influenced me was people showing me my first chords on the organ. I’ve always wanted to share that experience with other people and help them, like I was. The organ and the guitar were the first instruments I started out on. I’ve always worked with the piano because when studying music theory, harmony, and composition the piano has a big role to play. In junior high when I was 12 years old, I became a cellist, that’s what really opened the door on my perspective of music for me, especially in classical music. There’s a composer I love to listen to named Ralph Vaughn Williams who I believe is underrated and he is one of my favourite composers.

Looking at the industry now, what advice would you give to the younger generation?

Follow your gift and enjoy your life with your gift but at the same time learn as much as you can about the business and recording side. The business element is very important, being talented and skilled isn’t enough anymore because within the industry this weakness can be taken advantage of. It’s important so that artists can get the right deal to allow them to be creative. Back when I started out there was a musician’s union which could really help you with the business and recording aspects. When I went in to record somebody’s rhythm chart as a union musician back in the 1970’s I would make a fair living. However, nowadays the musician’s union has so many more hoops you have to jump through when you need help so it's vital you are a member. There are still good management companies out there but there are also some bad ones, so consider carefully. Having a good team around you is extremely important as it’s like being able to have 2 or 3 of you, knowing people have got your back and are looking out for you.

Any top tips?

Be smart in business, read contracts and don’t sign until you are happy. Although the production of music through mediums such as GarageBand has made it much easier to create quality music, it’s hard to be heard but keep persevering. Make sure you have a team that you can trust helping you, that are invested in your success. Protect your brand by securing your name in the industry. Get your image out there, but make sure it is you who is controlling what the public sees. It’s important to consider how and when you share your images, you shouldn’t share all photos from a photoshoot at once on one platform, such as Instagram because then you can get lost in an oversaturated market. Always check contracts because there are often pitfalls to signing them where you not only give and share your music but there is a monetisation of your brand and any other success you may have. Lastly, success is hard to measure and looks different to everybody. With that in mind, don’t compare yourselves to others. Whilst it may take you years to make it later in your career and someone else may have instant fame, everyone is on their own individual journey, all aspiring for different things.

By Priya Gupta Editor-in-chief for the school of performing arts