Brother of Dancehall artist ‘Popcaan’ spotlights complexities of music industry in new book

Author, music producer, former manager and older brother of Dancehall artist ‘Popcaan’ are just a few titles attached to multifaceted Demonie Wilson. Better known as ‘Squidell’ to many, his name has recently been a hot topic as the release of his book ‘Essential Notes: A Glimpse into the reality of the music industry’’ has created a buzz, sparking some necessary conversations around the reality of the music business and the pitfalls to avoid.

The thought provoking read provides a ‘backstage pass’, allowing fans, listeners and consumers to experience life ‘beyond the spotlight’, Squidell says. ‘Moreover, it serves as a handbook for those aspiring to pursue a music career, aiming to guide them through the perils that wait in the industry’. Released May 28th 2024, ‘Essential Notes’ consists of 13 chapters of compartmentalisation of the industry, told as testimonies from real experiences through the lens of the author and others within it. 

A Jamaican native, Squidell was raised in a family oriented environment and although he had an exciting curiosity for the music industry, he was a relentless and avid reader of literature. As he entered the music business, working alongside his brother ‘Popcaan’, he became quite conscious of some of the findings and lessons during his professional journey and began to reflect and document them. Known to family and friends as the go-to person for advice, he pondered on the idea of translating that information into a book before deciding to turn the idea into a reality. 

Within the book, he addresses the complexities of fame, expectations, the system, family and friend dynamics, social media within the music industry and mental health, to name a few. Providing a very layered and nuanced presentation, Squidell renders perspective with much food for thought.

With the success of the book, Squidell has recently had his published book accepted onto the curriculum and it is officially studied within mainstream schools across Jamaica. He says ‘My book Essential Notes has been added to the UWI curriculum and is also available at the Mona bookshop, that’s a great accomplishment’.  ‘Essential Notes’ can be purchased on Amazon and is due to be distributed in many other stores within the Caribbean soon. 

SOURCE: @ceeinlivincolour

Chloe Bernard