Peter Lacey
Peter Lacey is a successful entrepreneur who comes from a background in the entertainment software industry, having successfully built S.A's largest independent entertainment software company, Vision Software, before selling it to Electronic Arts (EA) and running the African division for four years.
Peter has always taken pride in the fact that South Africa has tremendous talent, both in software development and musical ability, and that all we ever needed was a channel to the international market to develop that intellectual property offering.
Peter is a huge music fan, having been a DJ at college and he has known Brian O'Shea for 20 years. When he decided to leave EA in 2000 there was only one thing he wanted to do: create a music company with a global reputation for great music. Peter is a natural risk taker who has brought all artists onto the label under his motto "Pride, Passion, Patience and Persistence". Peter handles all exploitation and other business activities. These include publishing, personal and business management arms to young artists striving to break out of the traditional low income base artists presently have in this country.
Peter is actively involved in the following industry associations: RISA financial sub committee, SAMA Global Chart committee and was a Moshito panelist at this years conference discussing technology trends.
Peter recently shared his opinions on the South African music industry with iAfrica.com
MUSIC EXCHANGE Q&A
The benefits that may be gained by attending Music Exchange.
QUESTIONS:
1) Which internationally acclaimed bands have you worked with?
Seether, 3 Doors Down, Staind, Audioslave
2) In what capacity did you work with these bands?
Record Label for the first, toured and drank with the rest.
3) Regarding your work in the music industry, what is the biggest mistake you have ever made and what did you learn from it?
Plan, Plan Plan..... time is the friend of all music. I always forget to remind myself of that. Music never dies, it never fades away, and it's never valueless. I need to remember that time and time again. The number of great songs that I've lost because we didn't plan properly grinds me every day of my life.
4) Of which achievement are you most proud?
Obviously Seether is a fantastic achievement and clearly the winner. I'm also proud of doing an international deal for Candice with Muff Winwood and Ceclia McKamley of Sony UK. I was delighted to get a Zola track includede on EA Sports FIFA World Cup 2006, as well as placing Sugardrive on the soundtrack of Big Muthatruckers. And having a successful and profitable 12 day Fevertree tour to the UK was a mean feat in itself.
5) In a nutshell, what are the primary requirements needed by a young band who want to enjoy a successful music career?
“The 4 Ps”:
1. Passion
2. Patience
3. Persistence
4. Pride
6) Who is your favourite SA band at the moment and why?
WOW, too difficult to pick one so I'm only gonna go with the new ones who've affected me in the last month or three. The Plastics, New Holland, The Pretty Blue Guns, Ramblin Bones, Joshua Grierson and SEETHER - Careless Whisper :)
I think the new guys are not worrying about making music for the masses which is great. And I think the cover song is an inspired and unforgettable choice by Seether.
7) In your opinion, what is the significance of something like Music Exchange to the South African music industry?
It's time to make a stand and share our experiences and expertise, not a time to dig our head in the sand
8) Overall, what needs to happen to the South African music industry in order for it to make more inroads into the international market?
“The 4 Ps”. Hell, this applies not only to bands, but Management, Promoters, Media, Venue/club owners and so on and so forth.
Okay so besides what Miles said..... focus on the music.... Don't rush it... spend time with your baby... love it.... nurture it.... and live it.....
9) Which specific area of the music industry will you be discussing at Music Exchange and what benefits do you expect to be gained by your audience?
Where the money goes on a retail price of R150. And in the panels mostly focussing on where we a regoing forward, new avenues for revenue, and the international market.... how can we help bands.