FL:Playing mas from a young age & growing up in Brooklyn, the capital of Soca music in the Untied States. Tells us how Global Carnivalist started & then evolved into a global brand that has you Carnival chasing up to 6 or more carnivals a year?
GC: Global Carnivalist started as an avenue to document my travels and me picturing my “dream job”. I had always said jokingly, that if I could do anything in the world, it would be a Carnival Ambassador, but then in 2014, that didn’t really exist and information for carnival planning was always so hard to find. So I took it upon myself to build out a website and document all of that, the brand evolved on its own.
FL: For the ladies, what should they look for in picking a Mas Costume. Besides the Hype of the bands & when is the right time for frontline vs backline?
GC: Beside making sure the band has a good reputation of delivering what they showcase at band launch, the fabric and color scheme is what I would recommend looking at. Does the costume look functional or is just pretty? There are also a lot of costumes with gemming styles that will not stand the test of a good wukkup, I would pay attention to that. Frontline VS Backline is a personal choice BUT I will say this, if the frontline costume is overpriced for the location, I would opt for backline every time.
FL: A big part of the carnival is FETE. With anywhere from 5-10 Fetes a night during the carnival season, how does Global Carnivalist determine which fetes to hit?
GC: This is a really good question, like most people that do their research, I look out for which fetes other party patrons attend. Will I get the best bang for my buck? and the less “hype” the event is, the more likely I am to attend that one. I love checking out new fetes, I am constantly searching for a new experience.
FL: Jumping back into MAS. Without mentioning any names. Tell us about your absolute BESSS and absolute worse Mas experiences.
GC: My absolute BESSS experience with mas was when a designer [this has happened twice actually, two different bands] took the time to come assist me with a costume fitting while I was picking up my costume and made adjustments for me so that it fit perfectly. I truly appreciated that touch. The road experience for both those carnivals were the icing on the cake for a great start at costume distribution.
My WORST experience was receiving my costume a day and three hours later [it was a two day carnival] and it looked NOTHING like the advertised prototype. I made the best of it but it was horrendous.
FL: If you had the opportunity to run your own mas band, what would you do differently that some bands aren’t necessarily doing right now?
GC: Hmmm, this is a really good question, there is so much that happens behind the scenes, so I think I would increase transparency so that masqueraders understand what goes into providing their experience, while also trying to exceed their expectations. Impeccable customer service goes a long way.
FL: What are your thoughts on Social Media platforms like Instagram blocking the carnival culture for what ever reason it maybe and what suggestions do you have to counteract the situation?
GV: I think that it’s partly them misunderstanding our culture and seeing it as salacious versus what carnival really is about: culture and tradition. A good way to counteract this would be for bands with large followers to develop a working relationship with Twitter marketing reps and to get a better understanding of what content DOES get blocked so we can limit those as much as possible.
FL: You asked a really good question on your IG the other day. So we are going to ask you that same question to get your perspective, How would you like to see carnival evolve?
GC: I would like to see more “small island” designers get some shine at their respective carnivals and more apprenticeships happening so that as designers age, we continue inspiring the generations to come
FL: There’s the Global Carnivalist Website with almost everything one needs, from planning to enjoying carnival & The Global Carnival Calendar. So as they say it’s only up from here, what else is coming in the future? We saw earlier in the year you were debating on A podcast or YouTube Channel..…..
GC:Hehe… sometimes I don’t even know my own ideas until they rapidly come to me. I would like to do more video content though. It’s one thing to write about carnival and the tidbits but it’s another thing to showcase the beauty of it; I just need to make sure it’s done in a way that isn’t currently being overdone in the market. I am also weighing my options with event curation and marketing/designing costumes.
FL: Top 5 Soca Songs for the season so far?
GC: Hmmm.. 2020 season? since songs are already out.
FL: Last Question, as the industry continues to rapidly grow and so many new people are being introduced to the culture, What are the most important tips you would give to a “Carnival Newbie”.
GC: PLEASE do your research! It’s shocking how many carnival newbies aren’t aware that soca will be played all day on the road or that “Storming’ [participating in a band without registering] is a no-no. So I would say, ask questions, talk to someone you know who went before and visit each carnival with an option mind.