From make-up artist to artiste manager

Hailing from the community of New Haven in Duhaney Park, St Andrew, as a blooming inquisitive teen who was always fascinated with the arts, Koymor ‘Purple’ Palmer launched out to explore all areas before finally landing in the music industry as an artiste manager.

Palmer is the owner of Purple Productions and the manager at music management and promotions company, Teddy Laidley Productions. She has had her fair share of experience on the entertainment scene as she climbed the metaphorical ladder to finally reach her ‘happy place’ in music.

“I’ve dabbled in a lot of areas,” she said with a chuckle. “My first love out of high school was the medical field because I always wanted to be a neurosurgeon [so] I did phlebotomy for two years, but then I [thought] it wasn’t working out economically so I had to put that on hold. I went on to an [entrepreneurial journey] where I created a T-shirt line called ‘309’ while juggling as a host of Yardstyle Live. I later went on to do five years as a make-up artist where I now transition into special effects [make-up]. My passion for acting also gave me the first professional career as I was a part of the local movie company Jollywood Jamaica, where I’m featured in at least three movies,” the 29-year old ‘boss lady’ told THE STAR.

Her role as an artiste manager started under the label, Prime Time Music.

“That’s where I got all my introduction to music, then I encountered two mentors – Mr Thaddeus ‘Teddy’ Laidley and Mr Alfred Reid, who took me under their wings where artiste management is concerned. I am happy I found this journey and I see where I really do fit in and it’s working for me,” an enthusiastic Palmer added.

As founder of one of the long-standing companies that assists with entertainers’ travel documents, Laidley is also known for his work as an artiste and road manager for established acts such as George Nooks and Gregory Isaacs.

As the new manager of this enterprise, Palmer explained what her role entails and why it excites her.

“I do artiste management, visa applications and work permits for entertainers, road tours and I also manage my company, Purple Productions, which is the sub-company under the Teddy Laidley Productions,” she shared, while noting that she had worked with various artistes in acquiring their visas. The list includes Beenie Man, Masicka, Kraff, Pablo YG and Bayka. Palmer has also done production work for up-and-coming artistes including Swazz, Dray Badz and Frahcess One.

Palmer added that one of her greatest accomplishments is “when those work permits are granted”.

“I celebrate that as my accomplishment as well — their accomplishment is mine,” she said, while highlighting that Beenie Man receiving his Canadian visa after a five-year ban was one her most memorable moments. Palmer stressed the importance of artistes having reliable artiste managers in order to monitor their financial affairs.

“The business itself is one per cent talent and 99 per cent business, and I think a lot of entertainers let that get over their heads. You [artiste] go into the booth and create the work but can you manage the business part of it?” she questioned.

“You can’t do everything and there’s a lot to learn from the business side of music and you would need somebody to structure your business, [take] your bookings, formulate contracts and [negotiate] the percentage you’ll take for your work. [For example] if your song is used in a movie, so you can get what you truly deserve. And I don’t think artistes make themselves knowledgeable about that side of business,” she reasoned.

Though this area is predominantly male dominated, Palmer advised other females to “go for it” as she always maintains her dignity despite the sexual advances and ‘negotiations’ that come with the job.

“It is a very thin line you have to cross and you have to keep up to your morals and standards and value yourself first. Because in this industry where it unfortunately becomes sexual sometimes, the ‘come check mi’ fi a song is not [always] to ‘talk business’ but to see what they can get. And it’s really sad because there are females out there who are great managers and just want to make you make money,” said Palmer.

“But, females if you want it, go for it; it’s for them to separate [the two] and say ‘Hey, I’m here to do business,” she advised.

After busting down several doors and crossing many male-dominated lines, the bold Palmer revealed that she is also currently working as a backing vocalist for entertainer Richie Stephens, while her ultimate goal is to develop a charitable organisation to give back to the music industry.

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