On the lookout for a superstar on Saipan

“Just one major act who achieves international superstardom will put Saipan on the map, rejuvenate the economy, and will do wonders not only for them and their families, but for the whole island.”

These were the word of artist Sam Joyner, who, during a recent interview, stressed his desire to develop local talents into international acts.

“It’s about providing a venue and opportunity, not only for the artist and the youth themselves, but for the island,” he said. “We established this studio to provide an outlet for local entertainers and to fulfill the need for local entertainers and musicians.”

Since arriving on island in 1989, Joyner has strived to find local talent among the youth in hopes of one day putting Saipan on the music industry’s map. Toward this end, he put up a recording studio in Garapan called the Pacific International Entertainment that he hopes will help him find the one who can make that quantum leap to superstardom.

“I have some friends who are high-end producers back in the states,” he said. “They’re always looking for the next sensation. Once I realized that there is international talent on this island and there are people here who are very talented, that’s when I got interested in trying to develop some of the youth talent with the thought and purpose in mind that it’s possible that we can put Saipan on the map through the youth. The industry itself is kind of looking at the youth.”

Among the artists that Joyner has worked with are Palauan musicians Parker and Sheldon, the Junior Serenadors, Candido Taman, and 2004 Marianas Idol Dina Palacios, among others.

Joyner also said he intends to release an album of his own, with either a double CD or possibly four CDs at once.

However, despite spending tons of time in his studio working on eight projects featuring the likes of local artists Ace Elameto, Easy Money, Rowena Ogo, and a compilation of all artists who have recorded with PIE Records, Joyner still manages to pursue another project—a drum corps that performs during various marches around the island.

“We started the drum corps in 1996 with one drum, and we’ve managed to keep it going, doing various marches within the community for different causes,” he said.

Most recently, the corps, comprising students from Kagman Elementary School and Cha Cha Oceanview Junior High School, took part in a domestic violence march in Kagman last week, and is currently gearing up for a performance during the July 4 celebration next year.

“The drum corps is about giving students the opportunity to express themselves with cheerleading, batons, and drumming. It’s a lot of fun and it has a purpose. The movie Drumline came out so everybody is inspired and it seems like everybody is working twice as hard to raise the level of excellence. We want to have a good show this year, so look for something spectacular,” he said.

THE BEGINNING

Joyner, who grew up just six blocks from the kid who later became known as the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson, began to devote his time to music at the age of 12, later earning a bachelor’s degree in the field while in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

“I got into music because I didn’t really fit into the mainstream society, like being an office worker or factory worker, or something like that, and I accidentally started playing music when I was in junior high and ended up getting a degree in music,” he said. “I was just trying to learn how to play. I always wanted to be a performing artist and I have always been a performing artist.

Before arriving on Saipan, Joyner was engaged in major gigs around the U.S.

“I started playing with famous musicians and famous singers and people who had hit records. I was doing big-time concerts, with about 10,000 to 20,000 people. I was functioning in the capacity of manager and music producer and bandleader.”

Joyner somehow found his way to Saipan in 1989, and “just fell in love with the island.”

“I had been burned out on the city life, traffic, and rat race, and after being in the fast lane all my life, the island was perfect for me. I love everything, from the clean air to no traffic jam. I like the island, the people, the element of it still having the island feel and the cultural attachments and the element of being just modern enough to be able to make a living.”

Joyner, a radio jockey on Power 99 on Sundays from 12-6pm, urges individuals interested in recording to contact him.