My Youtube Playlist

28 January 2011

Serocee - The Entrepreneur

Being a Businessman, DJ, Reggae and Hip Hop Artist, you would think, where does he find the time to do it all? Over the past decade he has built a strong standing legacy perfecting and experimenting with multiple music genres working with artists such as, Basement Jaxx, MJ Cole and Zed Bias, not forgetting Caribbean music veterans including Shaggy, General Levy , Brian Gold and Tony Gold. Serocee is a talented musician and entrepreneur from Jamaica, who has recently released his new track Bullring Riddim. During his career who has accumulated a wide audience spanning overseas to Adorra, Serbia, Scotland and England. He , I thought I'd catch up with Serocee himself to find out how he got in to music.


Where did your career start?

I started out singing in Church. Living in Jamaica you went to Church every Sunday.

Why music?

Music wasn't the only thing I was good at but it was the only thing loved. I could have spent my life in a 9-5 that I hated! but life is for living. I don't do music for money or fame. I am fortunate enough to be able to do what I enjoy so why not?

If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be?

Any country in Africa!

Who are your audience and how do you appeal to them ?

Anyone that likes good music that doesn't care about Genre created boundaries. Open minded music fans.


How often do you make music and what else do you do in your spare time?

I make music every day, its my job and as I said before I am fortunate enough to do what I love doing so it's my hobby and my dayjob! I do run a few other businesses, A car rental firm in the Caribbean, a music publishing company and some other bits and pieces so I am quite busy.

Who are your major influences and why?

Richard Branson because he has an idea, and runs with it, he works out the hows and whys en route!


If you could change one thing about the UK music industry what would it be?

Get rid of the cliques!I'm a big football fan and I love it when I hear a manager say all the team speaks one language (English for a premiership team) because it means, there's no room for little cliques in the team i.e. The Spanish speakers, the French speakers etc. I think the UK industry has too many Cliques that don't talk to each other - too many fractions - which you don't really see anywhere else.

What can we expect from you in the future?

EP, Album, Tour! I'm also doing live shows which includes me DJ'ing and rapping!
You should come and see it :-)

If you would like to hear more from Serocee, you can log on on to Soundcloud to listen to his latest tune Bullring Riddim, or you can contact him personally via his Facebook.

26 January 2011

Nixcy Topper - The Brains Behind Ms Curvaceous UK

Fashionista and Mr and Mrs Runway are only a few of the events she’s worked behind , but as we start 2011 she has situated her place as manager and lead coordinator of Ms Curvaceous UK, which showcases on Wednesday 9th February 2011. Nixcy Topper is an events coordinator from North-West London, who has been working hard and perfecting her craft for about 3 years who is aiming to branch out and become and internationally recognised and established. Despite her minor setbacks, which include people questioning her abilities, she has managed to overcome all negativity by sticking to her motto: "I'm here to make your event make sense!". I thought I’d catch up with Nixcy herself to found out where it all started as well as what we can expect fro her in the future.


What do you do and how did it start?

I am an Event coordinator and consultant, which means I can assist you on the best way to make the most out of your event, whether its for promotion, profit of just fun AND I can be hired to plan and execute the event. I do all types of events, from small conferences, birthday’s, launch parties or huge showcases.

I started off as a rave promoter, for event hosts such as Celebrity Supa (20/20)and Team Alliance Entertainment – Electric Opera. For the past year, I have been working with a company called Streamline Empire. I started off as a promoter there too, doing tickets sales and flyering for their events. The more events they put on, the more work i did, until I gained more experience in the field. I read books on event planning and logistics and got clued up on my career interest.

What is a typical day like for you?

A typical day for me is very random, as I don't work a 9-5. I work by bookings in my diary. As event days draw near, I'm usually rushed off my feet travelling for rehearsals, meetings etc but generally work from home, however I'm constantly on the go working via telephone or the internet/computer.


Which events have you taken part in?

I co-ordinated events such as Fashionista – fashion show – and Mr and Mrs Runway 2010 (modelling competition). I am also the manager and coordinator of an event called Ms Curvaceous UK, which is a beauty pageant for plus size models (12+ curvy ladies). The show will display fashion & music and other creative talents, as well as a medium for the models to get in contact with industry professionals. Ms Curvaceous UK showcase on Wednesday 09th February 2011 at Highlight, Lavender Gardens, Clapham Junction, SW11 1DJ. Doors open from 6:00pm and tickets are on sale from a member of the Streamline Empire team. You can get in contact via our Facebook and Twitter pages, which will have all info on ticket holders in different areas of London.

What qualities does a good organiser need to have?

Creativity, initiative, logic, flexibility, Methods to your madness, likeability and passion - whether its for planning and being creative, for holding events or even if its for money, passion is a must!


Who would you like to work with and why?

I don't have a specific person I could name to work with, - at the moment! But I would love to soon be part of the planning and organising of the MOBOs, give it a new edge. I have a passion for helping and promoting new companies or artists that are emerging. However, who wouldn't want to work with a celebrity? - Especially when you know you are good at what you do!) So, that means I would love to work with anyone, which believes in my talent and wants to work with me.

What difficulties have you faced and how have you overcome them ?

Difficulties I’ve had, include things like, getting established people or companies to recognise and support me and believe in my work and abilities. I have overcome this, by working hard, keeping on and learning from the knock backs. I believe in a saying, "Mind over matter," which suggests if I think positive, I will succeed.

When you aren’t organising an event what are your hobbies?

I am a very creative person and loves all type of artistic and creative past
times. Other interests of mine include writing and music. I would love to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. I am an aspiring author; I have a novel (NorthPole) and a semi Biography, which are in the making


Where would you like to do an event in the future, who would it feature and why?

I would love to do a Music event. I'd Mix genres, by teaming up different artists – established and up and coming –, to perform in a live concert or show.
Artists Such as J Cole teaming up with Ed Sheeran or Brandy building alliances with Gfrsh or Diddy and Skepta - oops that 1s already done, so anything is possible LOL. I would love it to be in a big city in a massive arena, – not necessarily in USA or UK. I would love to work abroad coordinating music events! My goal is to work internationally and be recognised as an established and successful event coordinator everywhere I go. In addition to eventually owning my own sports bar and club.

If your looking to organise a forthcoming event or would like to contact Nixcy persoanlly you can do this via her Facebook, Twitter, or personal Email Address.

19 January 2011

Protégé and Fev Clothing

Dj Abrantee, David Haye, Rio Ferdinand and Anton Ferdinand are only a few celebrities who have been seen wearing Protégé and Fev Clothing. The bespoke urban label has risen from strength to strength in the last 18 months attracting a large following, taking the label from humble beginnings to fashion shows across the country. The release of the label's varsity jackets was a huge success in 2010 and enabled Protégé and Fev to enter into the combative fashion market. I thought I'd catch up with Justin Fevrier from South London,- one of the geniuses behind the label - to find out where it all started. Not only is Justin a talented designer and business man, but also one of the #100 Black Inspirational Icons this decade, alongside Trevor McDonald and Kanya King (Mobo's founder MBE) and Rudolph Walker (Patrick from Eastenders).


Where did you get the idea for you clothing line from and when did it start?

We launched in back in October 2009. The concept for P&F came from a painful experience I encountered in early 2009 - without going into too much detail - I suffered frightening injuries which resulted in me being hospitalised, sadly reducing my chances of sustaining a fully fledged football career.

However, I spent some time up in Yorkshire which allowed me to clear my head, as well as create new ideas. This enabled me to find a way of expressing how I felt about my accident into body Art using the image of battling cartooned chess pieces. This tattoo sparked a huge reaction and grabbed a lot of peoples attention , often prompting the question 'what does it mean?' Well for those who are intrigued; "the king piece can be knocked out the game, but the smaller pieces would have to move strategically around the board to beat it" relating to everyday negativity. From this, I managed to extract the Kween, Durty Bishop and Knightsmare designs which are the foundations of the label. I played around with the idea producing multiple sketches which are now worn and recognised nationally.


Why should people buy your clothing?

P&F is an urban inspired 'London street wear' label. Our diverse concepts are designed to capture the imagination of the public. Those who are keen on keeping there wardrobes up to date should really be on our Online Store right now to pick up high end quality garments for there everyday lifestyles.

We predict the change in fashion trends and combat the seasonal changes without mentioning the celebrity support and endorsed personnel such as ; Dj Abrantee (choice Fm), Rio (England captain) and Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland defender) finally Heavyweight Champion Boxer David Haye all seen wearing Protege & Fev.

Drake, Neyo, Travis Mc'Coy and Kelly Rowland were also seen supporting the UK brand last year.


What makes you different from other designers or labels?

In a many ways, we are very similar to the high niche market brands out there. But, what makes us different to a lot of labels is; we cut and sew our garments, they are manufactured and shipped into the UK from Asia, which naturally provides us with better materials. We were also one of the first to drop Melton wool and leather combo varsity jackets in the UK last year!

Lastly we are not categorised as an URBAN label, Although our designs have been inspired by our social societies. Our inspirations are important in our quest to maintain the aim of becoming a mainstream brand with the Ralph's and Lyle and Scotts of this industry.


Who is your competition?

I don't agree with the term competition as we all have our own reason's for doing what we love, which is designing. I'd say, who do I aspire to emulate or surplus? - in terms of reaction and coverage from the independent and street niche markets - That would definitely be: BENJART, TRAPSTAR, PLAY DOT APPAREL and DOPECHEF they're all market leaders at the moment.

Who would be the ideal face for your brand and why?

Kayne West - Mega ego, the guys mental. He's music is creative and he's a global fashion iconic figure. He'd look great in a KWEEN t-shirt and CAESAR SKULL sweatshirt.

Nikki Minaj - Lady of hip hop at the moment. She’s has a very successful start to her music career and has a huge female following


Do you have a slogan?

Old Beginnings New Endings: We have means to always starting again with the aim of a better ending.

What labels are you inspired by?

Ralph Lauren! Most definitely a huge favourite of mine and Ed hardy, for the fearless design factor he has, I love that and G-star raw.


What have you got planned for the label for 2011?

Yes 2011, we have loads in store this year god willing. We are currently in negotiations with US Rappers over endorsements, launching of a full E-commerce web store and 5 pre contractual agreements with independent boutiques have already been signed! There's loads more Protege & Fev street wear for you all to wear.

Hopefully, by the end of the year, our companies profile would have increased and we will become one the most recognisable brands in the UK.

To get in touch with Protégé and Fev Clothing, or to follow there brand you can contact them via their Official Site, Twitter, Facebook and personal Blog.

13 January 2011

What Do You Know About Nayta?

Although he was laughed at by his brother's friends when he spat his first '11bar' at the age of 10, he didn't let that stop him. Since then he has worked well known industry professionals, featured on Tim Westwood's Radio 1Xtra Show and now has his own music video Friday on Channel AKA. Nayta is a recording artists from East London, who is determined to 'open up' the UK music scene. For Nayta, music is his 'diary, lover, friend, brother, sister and his everything'. I thought I'd catch up with Nayta to see where his career started, as well as what his forthcoming plans for 2011 are.


Where did your music career all start?

When I was 10 years old I used to watch the midnight sets my brother held on a saturday evening with his crew Kaotic Trench. I continued to watch them until someone bought me Dizzee Rascal first album "Boy In Da Corner" for my 11th birthday. From then on I started listening to Rolldeep & Nasty on De Ja Vu. I vividly remember writing my first lyrics after hearing Dizzee on radio getting crazy reloads and hearing the amount of hype in the background. I just wanted to be someone that everybody listened to aswell. I wrote my lyrics, but kept it to myself until that saturday evening came. I spat my first verse and got laughed at by all of my brothers mates for spitting an '11 bar', but I continued writing and kept improving. By the age of 13 I was known by many of my peers in every school in Newham. I started getting involved in MC clashes against the year 11 in the school playground, every time there was a huge audience. At 14 I was taken to a youth club called YAP where I went every friday and was introduced to Brutal, Griminal, and some other young Grime MC's at the time. By 17 I was on the Tim Westwood show.

What sacrifices have you made in your career?

As a student I was always sacrificing school time for music time. I'd be writing lyrics in Maths and Science, when I was meant to be doing Mock Exams. However I did leave school with A*'s, A's, & B's. My mum wanted me to go College and study Law, English Language, & History. I knew such intensive learning would distract me from my music, even though I left with the grades I did I still only just made it through school. Being an Actor aswell, I decided to study Acting at the Broadway Theatre instead. Since leaving the Broadway I've been in the studio nearly everyday since February 2010, no exaggeration, ask anybody who knows me. (PS: I do not encourage kids to skip school for studio at all, get those grades in!)


Describe your style in one sentence?

Music with rapport.

Name 3 artist you aspire to be like and why?

I don't aspire to 'be like' anybody as such. However 3 artists I am influenced by in terms of their achievements and/or music/lyrics would be Jay-Z & 50 Cent for their songs, lyrics and outstanding business minds, & Drake simply because of the way I always relate to the things he has to say, not to mention his natural talent.

What are your views on the current UK industry and what do you feel you can bring to the scene?

Well, the scene is what it is. I don't want to individually name artists I do or don't rate but some spots are well deserved, some spots are being filled by people who aint really got much to say in terms of substance. Only I can understand this answer fully, but I'm looking to open up the scene in terms of intercrossing genre's from Grime to Pop to Rap to Jazz and etc.


How has your life experiences influenced you as an artists and who are your perspective audience?

There are way too many life experiences to mention. From working for charity to losing 6 of my friends, every little thing that's happens to me I put into my music one way or another. Music is my diary, my lover, my friend, my brother, my sister, my everything. I wish people could understand what I mean when I say I've got this fire in me. As for perspective audience, I'd say I want to reach everybody from the ages of birth to death.

Where is the best place music has taken you to?

Mentally, the stars.

Physically, Factory East Music Group - that's my family, that's our base FEMG all day!


What have you got planned for 2011?

I don't want to blow my cover, but watch out for ALOT of videos from me this year, + shout out to all my Grime followers I will come back this year just bare with me please. Watch out for the 'Friday' video on Channel AKA with my boy/brother from another mother MiniSparks. FEMG all day you know what it is.

For more of Nayta, you can contact him via his Facebook, or you can watch his latest video Friday.

Fdot1 - Money MusicK

After opening for Omarion in Germany and opening for Mz Dynamite at the Brixton Academy, he has managed to create an eclectic fanbase spanning a multitude of continents including Europe, South and North America. Fdot1 - formerlyFloriginu1 and now known as Flo to many in the industry - is a producer originally born in Barbados, but raised in US, Canada and UK. Throughout his musical career, he has worked with a handful of familiar faces, as well as underground home-grown talents such as the pioneer graffiti artist 'Eros' whose artwork is featured in Flo's pictures. Flo's forthcoming 3 track EP is set for release March 2011, which will be followed by his album Money MusicK in 2011 which will feature artists such as Malarchi, Dray Delta, Stat-Us, 2-Amplified and neo-soul queen Kyra Simone. I thought I'd catch up with Flo himself to see where he gets all his inspiration from as well as where it all started.


When and where did your career start?
My career started back home in Barbados what seems like a million years ago.... back then I was making music with equipment last seen on Noah's Ark! My first gig in the UK was at Flava Of The Month, an event hosted & promoted by DJ 279 from Choice FM. Around the same time, I was a regular performer at Jonzi D (of Hip Hop Theatre fame) and TY's (UK hip hop legend) 'Apricot Jam'.

What is the best place music has taken to you to?

Wow, that's a tough one, but I'd have to say Munich, Germany opening for Omarion and Paris where I met and became friends with 'Eros' who is one of the pioneers of graffiti in France. Almost forgot, opening for Ms Dynamite at Brixton Academy... that was amazing!

In as much detail as possible, describe a typical day in the life of 'Flo' ?

My day starts usually around 8am (if I haven't been to bed late lol!), switching on my Power Mac & while it's loading I go get a cup of coffee, 4 sugars. I very rarely have breakfast so it's straight to work after saying goodbye to my kids or taking them to school.

I check my emails/Facebook/twitter etc whilst listening back to what I was working on the day/night before and making note of the things I need to change, vocally or musically. After that, I start editing like I work in CSI, picking apart the tracks keeping the good stuff and throwing out the rubbish, it's a non-stop quest for perfection.


I usually have several projects on the go at any one time. At the moment I'm working on a an album for UK rap legend Malarchi which involves recording and editing vocals then mixing the tracks. I'm also co-producing, editing & mixing an EP with Vivid Beatz who I do a lot of work with featuring up & coming London rapper Dray Delta.

Throughout the day I take breaks and check out videos/track on YouTube etc to check out the dare I say 'competition', see who's bringing that hot sh*t or on some bogus, weak, regurgitated nonsense because you have to remain aware of what's going on! I have to be honest, the industry does make me laugh at times.

After doing all that work during the day and sometimes most of the night, I usually crawl into bed between 1 and 3am. However, I have been known to be up for 3 days straight 'grinding' cause that's what needs to be done occasionally, if you want to be the best at what you do.

Now that's a typical day in the life of Flo, lol…..

Truthfully and as cliche as it sounds, I'm inspired by everything BUT if I have to name a few people musically, they'd be 2Pac, Bob Marley, The Roots, Mos Def, Dr Dre, Eminem, Durrty Goodz and Sizzla (both of whom I've produced for), DJ Premier, Anthony Hamilton, D'Angelo, James Poyser and Beethoven… Do you know what, there's simply too many to name, I just like artists that dare to be different.

What has been your best performance, and why?

It has to be a show I did in Brixton a couple years ago when the radio-mic stopped working & they couldn't find the battery or replacement mics so I stopped the music & finished my set acapella without a mic. That was the most appreciative crowd I've performed for cause they paid attention to the lyrics.


Do you think the music industry has change in comparison to 10years ago?

The industry has definitely changed, it's always been 'money motivated' but now the majority of music we hear sounds like it rolled off a factory production line. I think it's kinda sad really to see that most artists, singers, rappers and bands alike, are foregoing originality and creativity and simply 'following' trends and formulas. In short, almost every song is the same, lacking depth or substance and there's a lot of violent material… What ever happened to having a good time?
Instead of imitating what already exists, labels need to go back to finding the next UNIQUE artiste!

What advice would you give to up and coming musicians?

I'd advise any up and coming artists to work hard, persevere, focus and most importantly to be patient because it will be worth it in the end. Giving up is not an option, no matter how tough it appears to be to get YOUR music heard. Be prepared to compromise and experiment, but not to the point where you lose your creativity and 'sense of self' because more often than not, the reason people are attracted to you is because YOU ARE DIFFERENT…!!!

What can we expect from you in 2011?

Hell yeah! We got big plans for this year and beyond.

I finished editing, mixing and mastering my second studio album "Money MusicK" 2 days before Christmas at Abbot Street Studios (HUGE respect to the team there) and we're now in the process of doing the photo shoot, videos and artwork in preparation for it's release in April 2011. The album will be released on my own label fM Inc. featuring Malarchi, 2 Amplified, Stat-Us, Kyra Simone and Dray Delta. It also features production by Strat Carter (Barbados) & Vivid Beatz (London).

I'll be featuring on my homie Configa's next album "Inside The Echo Chamber", on a joint called "Pop Off" alongside Corporal Ass Kick out of Farrock, New Jersey and Serocee (UK/Jamaica) due for release early this year. Incidentally, I also appeared on Configa's last release "Configa Presents: Pac To The Essence Vol. 1" on "Dear Mama" Remix. The album was released on the anniversary of 2Pac's death last year and is available on iTunes. Almost forgot, the first collaboration Configa and I did together "Hot Off Da Press" (also available on iTunes) which was completed in less than 24hrs after we 'met' on Twitter, lol, that's a story in itself!


Also, keep a look out for Vivid Beatz collaboration with Dray Delta tentatively titled "Sonic Charged" which I am Executive Producer on. Not forgetting 2-Amplified's yet to be titled EP that I'm about to start mixing; Malarchi's album (me on Production again!) and also projects with Durrty Goodz plus two of the UK's hottest R'n'B vocalists, David Mensah & Kyra Simone.

There are a few more things I'm in the middle of negotiating but I'd rather not say until they're confirmed. So I guess you could say that 2011 is gonna be pretty busy for me and the fM Inc. team. Before I sign off I'd like to shout out my business partner Julez for all her hard work and support…, Julez you're the BEST..!!!

As you heard, Flo has a number of things in the pipeline for the forthcoming year, to keep up to date you can log on to his Official Site where you can also download his latest track Fyaaah. You can also contact him via his Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Youtube and you can also listen to all his latest tunes via Reverb Nation .

12 January 2011

Melinda Carla Burton - The Unveiling Of A True Emotion

Writing has and will always be her passion and mechanism of exploration. Whether it be love, trust, hurt or anger Melinda Carla Burton unwraps all in her collection of poems titled The Unveiling Of A True Emotion. Melinda is a 21 year old author from London. Her passion from writing stems from her life experiences which has effectively built her into the independent, pesive and artistic woman that she is. Through her writing she hopes to inspire people young and old, as well as offer an alternative perspective on life. Melinda also has another novel 'Street Conflict' in the pipeline which is due for realease later this year. I thought I'd catch up with Ms Burton herself to find out where her passion for writing came from, as well as how and where she see's herself in 2011.


What do you do and where did it all start?

I’m a 21 year old author. A lot of people always ask me where did it start and my response is: what exactly are you asking me? Where did what start? My dream, my passion, my understanding, my focus. There are so many elements and aspects to respond to, so I’m simply going to say writing is what I was born to do. I’ve gone through a lot of things and the only way I know how to express myself is to write, to take words and make them come alive, creating journeys by using mechanism that can explore ones mindset, it’s a powerful talent to have.

What book title's have inspired you to write your own?

When I think of titles I think of statements, powerful statements that make you stop and think and consider the possibilities of what if. One statement that comes to mind is by a man called William Jennings Bryan and he said “Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved” I couldn’t agree more. Being a writer you don’t see things the way everyone else does you take time to observe the flaws of your environment the passion of creativity and most importantly the understanding of life and what you have to do to make it to be classed as successful. But, how you get to that place is determined by the route you decide to take.

Aside from writing where do your other talents lie?

I’m a strong black independent woman that’s a talent within itself. Apart from writing, I have specific talents depending on my desire at that particular time. I tend to have a craft of all trades, my talent can and has opened up many doors of opportunity, so all I can do is continue with what I’m doing now, I have a very artistic vibe which allows me to design create and imagine, so I can do most things.

How do you motivate yourself to write?

I look at the struggles around me.I’m a realist all day every day and I wont curb what I have to say if it’s the truth. For example, I live in a society where young black females don’t consider themselves as having a chance to do well, you have young mothers- who are still babies themselves - having babies and there’s no man to support them, or you see men treating girls like there worthless it’s a laughable shame. The struggle I observe motivates me to write. Money is only one part of the armour that you need to win the war called life. There are so many different aspects to consider and to embrace. I’m a peaceful person who enjoys her own space when I’m in my zone I create magic.

What problems have you faced and how have you overcome them?

To list all the problems I have faced, I would be here all day, but the biggest issue that I’ve overcome is negative minded people. That includes ex partners, friends and even family members, you have to understand that not everyone you meet will have your best interest at heart and that’s the truth. Certain people will want you to stay on their ship of non-productivity and drown you in there unconstructiveness. It’s down to you to remove yourself from that. I find that if your around me and your draining my creative energy I have to remove you from my personal space I can’t afford to allow myself to suffer because someone doesn’t wish me well. As far as I’m concerned, you can hate me from a far what I’m not exposed to can't hurt me.

Who are your target audience and how do you appeal to them?

Once you can love, feel, understand and communicate then you are my target audience, there is no age limit. Depending on the topic I’m writing about you will gather who I’m trying to aim for. For example my novel Street Conflicts isn’t designed for someone over 45, but yet again might interest them because the mind of a young woman is a fascinating thing. On the other hand, my poetry selection can be read by anyone and every one. Sex and love are the easiest things to write about, but yet the hardest to explain, if you don’t understand what I mean by that, have a think about it. I want people my age to be aware of what is going on around them, and I appeal to that age group because I understand. I’m not going to act like I know everything but I know enough to make a statement that’s worth listening to.

What mediums do you use to promote yourself and your work and how successful has this been?

I’m very direct and I tend to approach people, if you can’t talk to people face to face then what’s the use of writing. Since my book has gone on sale, I've had people adding me on Facebook, Blackberry and even talking to me when they see me. On many occasions I've been asked, how does it feel to be an author at the age of 21? All I say is, it feels normal, because I knew that this is what I wanted to do. I’m proud of myself but I never once doubted that I wouldn’t become successful. I haven’t made it yet, I’ve only just started the journey I still have a long way to go, but every great journey starts off with a single step. I have to admit I haven’t really had to promote myself, everyone's done it for me. I had the guys on radio and had people mentioning me at performances, so really those people deserve a big thank you. A key thing about the human race is that people love to talk and that’s the best promotional tactic that can be used; once you have people talking about you the rest becomes easy.

Where do you see yourself this year?

I’m already a published author, that title will remain with me until the day I die. I plan to become a professor of wisdom, meaning I want to teach people and let others be embraced by what I have taught them. There’s a force within each and every one of us and it’s the thirst of wanting something. That something could be anything in this world, ranging from wanting a good man, to wanting to win the lottery or down to having a nice meal. If that force had a voice imagine what it would say, it’s like a little voice inside you and it splits your thoughts. It makes you look past the tiny beads of your perspectives to finally see yourself and everyone else as a design, a complicated, unpredictable subject to change, but nonetheless, beautiful because of it. Melinda Carla Burton is the next big thing, it’s neither a thought nor an idea it’s a true fact. And that’s my aim for 2011 and many more years to come

You can now purchase Melinda's book The Unveiling Of A True Emotion and if you wnat any more information onher, you can also contact her via Facebook page. Watch out for the release of her new book Street Conflicts later this year.

10 January 2011

Terra Artist

From youth clubs and pirate radio stations, to becoming the talk of the town in 2007 Terra Artist began to situate his place in the music industry with the release of 'Junior Spesh' - which featured additional members of Red Hot Entertainment. The song received huge airplay via Radio 1Xtra as well as Choice FM and has enabled 21 year old Terra to develop his solo career. Although he has been writing since 2003 and released his début vocal 'Who Is It' in 2005, Terra Artist has faced a number hiccups, including promoters and DJ'S blocking him out of the scene. Over the past two years he has been working hard to build up his fan-base, as well as prepare his forthcoming releases, one of which includes 'Ying Yang' which is due out in May.

I thought I'd catch with Terra himself to find out where it all started as well as how he managed to overcome the industries difficulties.


What is your profession and where did it start?

Im a recording artist in the UK, ive been writing and recording songs for about 3-4 years, but my passion for music begun when I was 15 years old.I started practising in my room, and following my older brother to radio sets which taught me how to mix and what's what.

What problems have you faced in the music industry and how have you managed to overcome them ?

Boy! Ive faced alot you know. It's like you take two steps forward and 1 step back so it's a struggle, but im down to fight for what I love doing. In this industry it's predominantly a 'dog eat dog world' alot of other artists, be it singers / producers / dj's etc are all fighting to get to the top and sometimes you have to just think about yourself in order to get there. I've had DJ's and promoters blocking me, not playing my music for reasons unknown to me, interferring with bookings or shows that I'm supposed to perform at, as well as beats being given to other artists and a bag of things. You just gotta keep your head up and maintain ambition.


Which artists do you aspire to and why?

Michael Jackson, legend! Despite all the slander and torture he received from the media he just kept level headed. I'n not saying im like him, but his quality of humbleness show through my music.

How are you different from other artists?

I think there's alot of different and unique artists out here, but it's the minority. A lot of artists just chase the women, cars and jewellery and rap about things with no substance. What I think makes me different is that I couldn't care less for what people think about ME, as a person. My music speaks volumes, I write about what I've been through, what I've experienced and what I wish for. A child of 10 years old can relate to some tracks, then you get an old lady who can also relate to my music. LOL, so its mad like that.

What was the last album your purchased and how important is it to you to do so as an artist?

Ermmm...i hardly buy albums which is bad. I normally buy singles, or download which is probably even worse in terms of supporting the scene LOL. But the last album I bought was Dizzee Rascal's first album "Boy In Da Corner". I felt him, I liked his flow, his song subjects, his approach to music was wreckless he didn't care. I just knew he was gonna blow up. Plus being from East London - Bow - i was around him as a youngster with my older brother, back in the day he really represented UK / London grime!


Who are your perspective audience and how do you appeal to them?

A lot of people tell me that my music appeal to people aged 16 to 19 year or mainly females. I think it's because most of my songs are love related, not all happy stories, some are sad. I've even made a couple get back together from a song of mine called "Angel's Message" which can be found on youtube. I took that as a compliment, ive been hurt before in the past and love does mess you up so i put all my thoughts and feelings on paper with that song.

Where is the best place music has taken you ?

A song i was featured in called Junior Spesh definitely opened doors for me, Being played day in day out on big stations like 1xtra and Choice Fm was a shock. Also being invited for a Channel 4 interview and a couple shows and tour dates. It made me think on a whole new level.


What advice would you give to someone entering the music industry?

I know people hear this all the time, but its probably the best peice of advice if you want to chase a dream, not just music but anything. Be yourself...don't let anyone tell you otherwise, dont try to fit into any sort of crowd because then you'll just blend in and be the same. Especially in the music industry, labels want a fresh beginning because soon, the cars, money, diamonds and sexy women will die out.
Just be you!

What can we expect from you in 2011?

Videos,videos,videos, albums! I'll be doing my own songs and projects with some good features so stay tuned. I done alot of ground work in 2009 and 2010 so now im ready to launch properly. Make sure you buy my single "Ying Yang" on iTunes its out in May!

For more of Terra Artist you can contact him via his Facebook