My Youtube Playlist

19 September 2010

Hector Artist - The Revealed Chronicles

Hector is an up and coming musician and entertainer from South London. He was once a former member of the Grime collective Regal Players who released the single Rudeboy in 2005. Since then, Hector has been pursuing and pushing his dream in the music industry, I thought I’d catch up with him to talk about his progress in the scene.


Tell me a bit about yourself and how you got into music?

When I was younger, my mother used to play a lot of soul in the house. As I got older I used to sing, but when I reached the age of 15, garage was around and collectives such as Heartless Crew, So Solid and PAYG were controlling the scene. Encouraged by my cousin, I began to take up the rapping side of things and branch out my skills.

After many years of practising in youth clubs, I was approached by a record label called Frog Music who signed up my team “Regal Players”. We had an underground hit in 2005/6 with a track called “Rudeboy” and I branched out to do some more work, in television, on the Paul O’Grady show.

Years on after focusing on other aspects of my life, I’m back doing what I love… making music and pursuing my career in the television industry.

Most of how I started out can be found on a track I have on now released mix CD “Revealed Chronicles”. The track is entitled “My Journey”. I chose such a name for the CD as I wanted to disclose anything I have held back over the years, including old material. That that this CD has been released I will we working with many other artists and experimenting more with my music.



What messages to you try to convey through music?


Be yourself and stand strong in the decisions you make.

How would you say you’re different from other artists?

I paint a picture when I rhyme. I tell a story. Most tracks I create are guaranteed to leave you thinking, so much so you might just have to reload it lol

When do you think its right for other musicians like yourself to make the transition between taking music as a career in comparison to a hobbie?


I think when you yourself know you have a decent fan base that are true to you and you know you put your all into what you write and your performances, then that’s when you need to make the transition from music as a hobby to an actual career.



Which of artists do you aspire to, and are there any similarities between you?


I’d say Jay-Z and Drake are artists I aspire to. I am often compared to the likes of Kano and Ghetto, I usually think it’s because of my diction and clarity, but what ever the reason, they to are good artists, so I turn the negatives to positives and see it as a compliment lol

If you weren’t doing music what would you be doing?

If I weren’t doing music right now, I would be pursuing a career in either television or radio. I love the media and I love to be centre of attention!

Describe your experience as musician in one sentence?


Remarkably gifted and fortunate to have had so much experiences.


For more of Hector, you can follow him via his Twitter, Facebook or Myspace pages.

10 September 2010

Who Is Lady Shivz?

Shivon Da’nette is an up and coming singer, songwriter from East London, formally known to the underground Grime scene as Lady Shivz. Despite her miner ‘war’ in the scene with South London musician Dot Rotten, she has continued her music journey aiming to enter the mainstream. With over 3000 youtube hits during the he first week of her new single, ‘Priority’, we can only suspect that she’s well on the right track to stardom. I thought I’d catch up with Lady Shivz to find out how she got in to music as well as what we can expect from her in the future.



When did you realise music was for you?


Probably just before I hit my teen years. I was always listening to Mariah Carey in her prime and the way she used her voice, as well as many other singers and I grabbed on to how they expressed their emotions through music.

What has been your worst experience and how did you overcome it?

My worst experience in music was when the wrong person found me attractive and didn't like the fact that I was ignorant to care about it. They made up a 'diss track' aimed at me and it was a big stepping stone for me because I was still finding my way in the up n coming area. I suppose I could of handled it much better but at the time I wasn't as known in the music scene as I am now and hadn't experienced any form of lies, hatred or controversy to that extent.


Which artist/s would you say have impacted or influenced you musically and why?


Keisha Cole, she has hard times in life but she always expresses herself through music, I love that. Michael Jackson R.I.P has influenced the way I express my emotion through music, he never held back the way he felt and also this is why I write my own lyrics because it gives me much more adrenaline in studio to sing something coming from me.

How would you describe your style?

Pretty much versatile, when I started singing people would either say I have an 'angelic voice' or a 'powerful voice' which is down to me having so much style.

As a musician what are your views on of the innovation of social networking sites such as twitter, facebook and myspace?

Social networking sites are the best things you can use to build your fanbase, promote your music and build your contacts. You can find almost everyone from directors, to producers, to record label A n Rs on facebook, twitter etc. I started from myspace to promote my music, jumped on facebook to network with people within the music scene besides artists, and twitter is just the easiest way to get '@' anyone you feel is important to what your doing 24/7.


What artists would you like to work with and what can we expect from you in the future?

Hmm thats a tricky one, I am more focused on putting my music out there so people would want to work with me rather than me wishing to work with somebody else lol. I'm currently wrapping up my mixtape Frozen Hype which is grime music and at the same time working on a few projects for release and collaborations with other grime artists. I've just put out my new video 'Priority' the feedback and support is incredible and amazing I am really appreciating everyone supporting UK talent and telling me how much they are waiting to hear more, I love the fact that no one knows what to expect as I’ve been quiet working on a lot of music. I'm shooting another video abroad next month, the location hasn't been confirmed yet and I've got a few more hot trick up my sleeve.

What advice would you give to up and coming musicians?


Be prepared to put in the work. You have to want it so much that you’re going out your way to network and contact people, search in google about labels find out who is who, it’s a lot of work. The main thing is to work on your talent and build up your FANBASE. Even if you feel that other artists or important people in the scene are not trying to help or open doors for you, as long as you have your fanbase focus on them and your music. There are a few musicians who are only heard of when they receive help from others but their fanbase isn't strong. Also the internet has helped a lot, its free promotion basically. Promote your stuff, do everything at a good quality and you will be noticed. Go to networking events and let people know who you are just by word of mouth; your name will eventually ring bells. Just put your heart into music if you really are passionate about it and remember it’s more than a 9 to 5 job, music is my life and you won't see me give up.

Stay tuned to Lady Shivz via Facebook and Twitter

9 September 2010

The Lowdown With Avalanch

Avalanch is a 23 year old MC/Rapper from North London, he’s been in the scene for a while trying to promote himself as an artists as well as connect with others to collaborate. From the age of 17 he decided to take his music from the youth clubs where he performed at, to the studio’s and radio stations hoping to enter into the mainstream. I thought I’d catch up with Avalanch to find out more.


Where And How Did Your Musical Journey Begin?

Well, my music career kicked off for me at the age of 17 I’m now 23. Chilling in my room I decided to have a go a writing some grime lyrics [LOL] for the first time and ever since then I’ve just became more an more confident, from MC’ing at youth clubs to radio shows etc.

What Would You Say Your Style Is And How Does This Make You Different From Others?

I have to say grime was always a garage listener from when my big brother was on stations like Y2k, Freak Fm. I love grime because it’s different, makes you move and creates a crazy atmosphere.

What Is Your Favourite Genre Of Music And Why?

My style is not your typical style; I don’t know a MC out there who sounds like me and haven’t come across one. I expand on a lot of concepts and have a mind of my own.

Would You Say That Radio Is Dead, Now That Everything Gone Digital?

I suppose radio has died down but not completely.


What Up And Coming Artists Do You See Alike Yourself Making An Impact And How Are They Managing To Do So?

I don’t want to say names because there’s so many. I just think its UK’s time to shine since so many doors have been open for us.

Who Would You Like To Work With In The Future?

I would love to work with Akala, Kano, Adele, Lily Allen, Nas, etc

What Advice Would You Give To Someone Entering The Music Industry?

My advice is to work hard at what you do always be busy, knock on doors and let people be aware of you, be prepared for disappointment sometimes, have a open mind and portray a image that is true to you.


For more of Avalanch add him to the facebook Avalanch North , you can also purchase his debut album No Invitation .

4 September 2010

The Next Big Thing - Rio Jermaine

Rio Jermaine is a self taught musician from London, after expanding his craft musically to instruments and song writing he’s managed to produce two of his very own mixtapes including his first demo self titled ‘Rio’. I thought I’d catch up with him to see what he’s been working on, as well as how he got into music.


So Ro, Tell Us A Bit About Yourself. . .

My name is Rio Jermaine, the Neo Soul-Grime-Rapper from London. “Neon Dash ” is the sound , a hyper-active rush of Technicolor, retro R’n’B/Computer game synths, held together with Hip-Hop and Grime. Rhythmically, a dedicated drummer for over 15 years, whilst I use various instruments and sound effects paint the musical colours.

How Did You Get Into Music And Why?


I’ve always been influenced by every aspect of music and sound, including music that doesn’t even have names or a particular style / by unknown artists.

At the age of 9 I had a compulsion to play the guitar. Had a few lessons and began writing and recording poems/songs on a tape recorder influenced by the 90’s metal scene - signed and unsigned bands like KoRn, Deftones Machine Head, Kilkus, Hybrid UK, Scrap Iron Scientists, Pist.On, Coal Chamber and Snot.
I still continue to write metal songs and plan to release them in the future as part of the progression of the “Neon Dash” sound.

In my first music lesson at secondary school, aged 11, the teacher mentioned to the class about the instruments taught there… In the list she mentioned drums… Since then, I have never put the sticks down. I then joined a band aged 12 which I’m still drumming in: a live HipHop band called MORDe with Shinga Mashambadope on the microphone, Ian Richardson on guitar, Sean Giles on bass and Ofei Sakyi on Keyboards.


I played the keyboard throughout secondary school and college, at the age of 16 I began composing Pop, HipHop, Rap, RnB, New Jack Swing, Garage, Electro/Dance, World Music on computer. An eclectic mix, influenced by Aphex Twin, Wamdue Project, Timbaland, Teddy Riley, Quincy Jones, Stock Aitken & Waterman and The Neptunes. This was back in 1999 when I bought a game called ‘Music’ on the PlayStation and was infatuated.

Having made songs at school on Cubase and Notator for my GCSE qualifications, ‘Music’ was like my own little studio. Of course there were limitations and it sounded like a game but that’s why I was hooked. It allowed the user to learn a lot, the basic elements of composition. To be honest, I don’t see it as a game at all, it’s so much more. I still use it for sounds and samples.The series has since evolved and is available on different consoles.I now use Cubase to for my compositions.

At the age of 18 I started rapping/Mc’ing. Neutrino from the So Solid Crew inspired me to pick up the microphone and I’ve been vocally expressing myself through spoken word / Rap ever since. Influences: Neutrino, Jehst, Busta Rhymes & The Flipmode Squad, Joe Budden, Big Pun, Wiley, Eminem, Redman , D Double E, to name but a few..

In 2003, I put out my first demo tape “Rio” followed by my 2nd demo Cd “Engine No.#2” in 2007.
Both of which were composed on “Music”.
(“Engine No.#2” will be re-released for download in the near future).


Due To The New Culture Of Funky And Electro Music, Do You Feel That Music Has Lost It True Value, If So Why?

I’m a fan and don’t think that it has devalued anything, music evolves. Good music is good music.
Most genres have endured the same argument over the years, it’s just personal preference.

Who Would You Most Like To Work With and Why?

Capcom! This is the computer game company that make my favourite game: Street Fighter.
I would like to be on their music production team or be a voice actor for them as I‘m also a big fan of Amime movies and art.

My top SF soundtracks:

Street Fighter 2 Turbo (SNES)
Street Fighter Ex Plus Alpha (Playstaion)
Street Fighter - Pocket Fighter (Playstaion)

My Top SF games:

Street Fighter 2 Turbo (SNES)
Street Fighter Alpha 3 (Playstaion, PSP, GameBoy Advance)

Computer game music in general inspires me and “Neon Dash” is the direct result of it.
The simplicity of 8 - 32 bit music amazes me, so much expression, musicianship and creativity:

Sonic 2 (Aquatic Ruin, Chemical Plant, Casino), Mario World/s, Mario Paint, Aladdin, QuackShot (South Pole, Transylvania, Viking Ship, Mine Carts - Zipline), TMNT: Turtles in Time 4 (Neon Night Riders), Tetris, Super Metroid.
The list is endless…


What Advice Would You Give To Up And Coming Musicians?

Be open to learn.
Depending on what the artist/musician wants to do, remember that it’s not simply just about 'getting signed', it's what you sign - it's a business. Find out the how mechanics of the industry work - who does what, why and how. There isn't a specific way to get signed/onto a label as it can happen in various ways. Nowadays, people are now doing it all themselves via the internet and street teams, etc. In theory, once an artist has 'X' amount of people listening, coming to the shows and buying music and merchandise direct, the artist may find that they don't need a label at all...

Either way, just put in the hard work and develop your craft!

What Are Your Future Plans As An Artist?


Live shows! “Busta Microphone” is a monthly open mic event at Nazar Bar, Lewisham.
Organised by Triple Triangle Events UK who are Big Man D, Amanda McIntosh and myselfI.
It showcases numerous up and coming artists.

There will be more new music from me throughout 2010. A lot of material is ready, album / mixtape plans are under construction, stay tuned….

A special thanks to Rianna Raymond-Williams for the interview :-)


To get more from Rio you can contact him via:
Myspace : Myspace.com/RioJermaine
Facebook: Rio Jermaine
Webste: ReverbNation.com/RioJermaine –
Facebook: Triple Triangle Events UK