Shivz Dot - Refuge

With 10 mix-tapes, 2 albums and a nationwide tour under his belt in addition to featuring on the MOBO’s Awards and BBC1Xtra Home-grown segment, and signing a management deal with The Rising Tide, we can only anticipate what’s next for East London musician, Shivz Dot.

I caught up with him to find out where it all started, who he’s collaborated with and his plans for the future.

‘When I was 14, I had airtime over both Urban Tings FM & Axe Fm in North London which were both huge internet Grime radio platforms back in 2005 and 2006‘, explained Shivz, when asked where his career began.’

This exposure enabled him to attract an audience, allowing him to rub shoulders with Grime Pioneers and most importantly get airplay across various London radio stations. He Recalls ’me and my friends started going to every radio set from Angel Whitelion to Dagenham, Redbridge and barking.’

At the age of 19, he  signed to a music management deal with Hackney’s , Rising Tide which specialises in training courses, creative apprenticeships, master-classes, and artist development , all of which provided Shivz with the skills and network base to pursue his music.

‘In 2008, I was selected as one of the final 10 to open at the MOBO awards, which was a great experience that I’ve used to better my craft.

During that time I did have to drop management due to a few shady movements, but I’ve learnt to NEVER mix family and businesses. ‘


‘I haven’t looked back since. They’re ‘no regrets’ - like Dappy says. But I’ve definitely sacrificed my social life, but it’s not really a sacrifice when I totally enjoy what I'm doing full time. I've been dominating the mix-tape scene with 10 releases, 11 on the way.

‘I’m sitting on 2 albums worth of material and I toured nationwide in 2010’ where he performed at the Big Chill, Lovebox, Indigo2, Hackney Empire and Bigga Fish. He recalls ‘It was a good feeling to see the crowd show mad appreciation for London talent.’ His 2nd tour is set to take place this summer.

‘At the end of 2011 I had my first national airplay on BBC1xtra on Target’s Home-grown show. In January I released my ground-breaking Refuge video which went viral and now has over 20,000 views to date.’

‘On my mix-tapes I say what I like and no one can tell me anything, but with the album stuff I tend to use my intelligence more than my ignorance,’ he laughs. ‘I appeal to all ages, all ages, but prominently 13 – 25.

'My influences are the old skool and just ground breaking moments in general in all types of music I tend to watch a lot of documentaries and archive footage of all the greats in music industry.'

‘I don't try and appeal to any audience I do the damn job and people just love what I do from all walks of life I don't go in the studio trying to get a certain sound anything you hear is just natural progression an I guess I’ve just proven I can do grime but easily switch up an go commercial & still sound damn good.

When asked about current and future collaborations he says ‘Let’s just say I've worked with some R & B Royalty within the UK when the album drops everyone will know.’

When asked who he’s inspired by he replies ‘me myself & I’ He continued ‘I have to aspire to better myself and that’s inspiration within itself.

I've turned down management deals from Crown Music who manages Jessie J not to mention a deal with Virgin so I’m not jumping into any contracts just yet, but expect an album sooner or later, more videos and just raising the bar worldwide.’

Shivz Dot's latest mix-tape Authentic is out now.

Also, you can follow him via Twitter and Youtube, as well as contact him personally viaFacebook.

D Dark - The Quest

He began his music career during the early days of the Grime era where he made music alongside veterans such as Wretch 32, Chipmunk and Tinie Tempah. He is known for his comical approach to music that aims to entertain as well as relay real life issues which he considers as ‘expression in an artful way.’ D Dark is a musician from London who has been developing his craft since the age of 17, he has just released his video The Quest via Youtube which has accumulated over 20,000 to date, he is also set to release his début EP later this month.

The Quest is a brief synopsis of D Dark's music career to date illustrating the reality of musicians giving up along the way but asserts that he is in the scene for the long-haul to a point where he's not evening resting on a Sunday. 

He recalls listening to Nasty sets on pirate radio and then perfecting his craft to a point where he performed in local raves, pirate radio stations and then Channel U and BBC 1xtra where he became a part of the collective U Entertainers which featured artists such as Triple Threat, Bruza, Royal and Krucial. Soon the collective soon fell apart as  they all had their own ideas of making success, some are still doing music and some have ventured off in other directions.   

I thought I’d catch up with D Dark himself to find out more.

‘I've been doing music since I was 12. I always took it seriously but it wasn’t until I was about 17 that I really started seeing things moving which made me take it up as a career’ explained D Dark, when asked how he made the transition between music as a hobby and now a career. He continues ‘I've always loved music and I don't see the point in working your ass off in a job you don't even like.’

I’ve made many sacrifices for my career; I hardly ever go out clubbing, hardly take holidays and have lost contact with quite a lot of people because I’m in studio making my dreams come true. I don't really have any regrets because being successful in life is where true happiness really lies for me and I believe hard work does pay off as all the greats would say.

’My audience are people all over the world who are into all types of music as I fuse many genres together. I appeal to people who like something that sounds original and like to dabble in all types of music. He mentions ‘hip hop, pop, grime, house, RnB and dub-step’ as some the genres he plays with.

’My alias represents me as a person; I use my personality to get my stories and ideas across in songs.  My humorous side comes out a lot in my lyrics, and so does my serious and focused side. I don't turn into another person, I’d say it’s still me but I’m just singing and rapping lyrics of what I see around me and express it in an artful way.
   

 ’I’ve worked with artists such as Tinie Tempah, Wretch 32 and Chipmunk when they were coming up and I’ve also worked with Xploder who is my brother and is doing big things at the moment.’

I think the industry is always changing especially with all the technology we have today. I think it’s a good time for artists in the industry because many are being signed.  We can use the internet, especially Youtube to build a fan base and get our music out there, so it’s easier to do things in today’s music industry. It maybe be harder to get noticed because there are so many people doing it, but not many people have the passion or last long, so it’s all good. If you believe in yourself you can make it happen.

’I have so many inspirations I’m inspired everyday by artists’, he names Lil Wayne, Michael Jackson, Wretch 32, Eminem, Drake and Chimpmunk as a few who have inspired him. He confesses ‘if I name all of them it would be to much, but he continues ‘Nero, Chase and Status, Frank Ocean, Wiz Khalifa, Tinie Tempah, Snoop Dog, Ludacris, Biggie, Cory Guns, Timberland, Dr Dre, Labyrinth, Taylor swift, Red One, Pharell, Ray charles, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Ryan Leslie, you get the gist, I could be here for days naming artist who inspire me.

D Dark is yet drop his EP at the end of the month which he says will have ‘a lot of great music to come.’ He continues ‘my fan base will naturally expand as i keep doing what i love and continue to create great music for the human ear’

You can now follow D Dark via Facebook , Youtube and Twitter. 

MC Tigz - The Coundown EP

After hearing him on SBTV’s Warm Up Session I was blown away by his lyrical ability. To date, the same video has received over 30,000 views and he is continuing to accumulate a large following on and offline. MC Tigz is a 19 year old musician from London who has been pursuing his music career since school. He is now in the process of realeasing his EP ‘The Countdown’ which will début later this month.

I thought I’d catch up with MC Tigz himself to find out what his music represents as well as why people should listen to him.

‘Predominantly I’m a grime MC but I do dither about with rap occasionally. It all started in the playground; people would gather in circles and spray the SAME lyrics for  30 minutes on the SAME beat’, this is where his music career stemmed from.

‘My music represents me, my experiences, my life and just my ideas but in audio form. I’m a simple guy.  A normal day for me consists of studio, Xbox, chillin with my music brothers because they’re my actual friends outside of music. I’m always on the look out for new music, from Drake, Lil wayne, Rick Ross and J Cole’.

When asked why people should listen to him he says ‘I feel as if I’m one of the few MC’s that actually care about being witty with words, having good metaphors and not just blurting out the 1st thing that comes to mind. I never tell lies in my lyric, no guns, and no murders. It’s all me, I’m versatile and make sure there’s definitely quality control with whatever I release’.

‘I don’t really tend to work with MC's a lot simply because I keep the majority of what I do within the circle I’m in. So the collaborations you will see will be with either my circle OR singers!’

Alike many artists he uses social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and Youtube to promote and publicise his work, which include his two previous mixtapes 'About Time' and 'Hard Way', he describes this as his ‘main avenues’ for promotion. He continues ‘the most successful video I’ve released is probably my SBTV warm up session video which got just under 30,000 views. It was successful because I released it under a good friend of mine Jamal Edwards. I used his Youtube account which is a good platform for up and coming artists!'

'In the future you can expect my music video ‘Superstar' produced by a close friend of mine L.Momrelle and my new CD called ' The Countdown EP' which will be out in September‘.  

Michael Leon Carr - Hennessy

Michael Leon Carr formally known as MenaCe is a 20 year old musician from Manchester. Like many others he has gained motivation and influence from up and coming artists like himself he says ‘Manchester is a small place and the music seems to unite us all.’ Although he has been writing for the past 6 years and has featured on radio stations such as BBC 1xtra, Unity and WFM he feels he has only recently found his place in music during the release of his debut single ‘Hennessy’ taken from his forthcoming album entitled 'Sagittarius'

I thought I’d catch up with him to find out about his journey, influences and what we can expect in the future. 

Ree: So where would you say it all started?

MenaCe: I started my career in music when I was around 15 but it didn't really kick off until a few years ago,’ says Michael. Growing up made me take myself and my music a little bit more seriously. Grime and UKG however was my entrance to actually writing and making music I'd say, the buzz that came from London blew up in Manchester and everybody was doing it. I suppose it was just a trend. I got involved in live sets at youth clubs, entering talent competitions, recording at home and then eventually doing a weekly radio show on Unity Radio FM. My interest and excitement for writing music grew over the years, I mean, I'd always loved music, it’s always had a strong hold on my heart, but after actually getting involved I just thought to my self 'I'm actually good at this, I can do this, I used to look up to a lot of the older MC’s from Manchester in the grime scene, like Shifty, Hypes and O.G and now a lot of these people are my friends.  

Ree: What would you say makes you different from other musicians?

MenaCe: Personally I don't like to compare myself to other musicians. I like to be seen and heard for who I am and let my music and persona do the talking. I could say I was creative, motivated, born for this but so were a lot of the talented individuals today. I hope my music speaks for itself and shows off my originality. I can just sit in an environment or a room and if there is a vibe there I can just draw it in and express what i feel. I rely a lot on personal space and surroundings.

Ree: What are you trying to communicate through your debut single Hennessy?

MenaCe: My song 'Hennessy' is split into two sections,  The first half I am portraying the good sensation and feeling you receive from having a glass or two. I’m metaphorically speaking as if I’m talking to a lady and go on to explain how inspired and uplifted I feel, whilst alone with this so called ‘woman’. Without sounding like an alcoholic. We've all had that moment in our life where we've resorted to having a little drink, either to escape reality or to take our minds of things.

The song originally came about when I was experiencing a very difficult period in my life, so I started to write what I was going through with a little influence from a bit of Hennessy.  I switch up the vibe in the second half of the song, now explaining how 'Hennessy' or alcohol in general can make you loose control a little after large amounts.

I go into depth, talking about how I'm now reminiscing all the bad times in my life, hard times, emotional times, people I’ve lost and so on, all these feelings of anger, regret and sorrow, are all connected and unleashed in consequence creating the massive build up at the end of the song. I don't feel like I'm influencing anybody to turn to drink or act in anyway, I'm just simply sharing my experience and expressing what I was feeling at that difficult time.

Ree: In your opinion, what form of performance has the biggest impact, live shows, videos or radio?

MenaCe: Definitely, Live music. Watching artists tear up the stage and give it their all, being there, witnessing it, there’s no better feeling than the sound of a live band and a live voice, it just touches you. It intrigues me that everything runs so smoothly, the interludes, build ups, encores, improvisation, solos and more importantly the crowd interaction i'm definitely addicted to live shows!

Ree: Who and what would you say are your influences. 

MenaCe: Everybody knows me for being a HUGE fan of Alicia Keys, she just touches me like no other artist is able to. But I’m also influenced by most of the Motown era, Sade, Bob Marley, Damien Marley, Erykah Badu, Nas, Common, Novel, Nina Simone, John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae and Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi there really is too many for me to mention, you should see my itunes library! I definitely receive inspiration from everyday living, seeing people happy, seeing people sad, personal ups and downs, the weather, the scenery, friends and family. It's important to me.

Ree: Where would you ideally like to perform in the future and who with?

MenaCe: I’d definitely choose an intimate old fashioned place, maybe the Manchester O2 Apollo or The Royal Albert Hall ? If I could put a live show together and sell out a venue like that and really rock it, I think that right there would be my dream show. Intimacy is highly important in my eyes, the people always seem much more involved and the acoustics are usually better at such venues. If I had the chance to support any of my idolised musicians that would be crazy, obviously just getting the chance to meet them and sharing their vibe, grace and presence would just be amazing. Performing with a talented live band and backing singers is definitely one of my biggest aspirations.

Ree: What advice would you give to up and coming musicians?

MenaCe: Don't be afraid to take different approaches, if you've got money, spend it, if not earn it then spend it wisely! If music is what your serious about then you can't expect to get where you wanna be for free, definitely if your not signed, invest a bit of money and you'll see a big difference. Follow your heart, but don't forget to use you head, don't wait around for people, if there holding you back DIY. Remember everything is achievable. If you fall at the first hurdle, get up and prepare yourself to fall again. We learn from our mistakes, hard times are put ahead to test us it’s all a learning curve. Another bit of advice would be stick to those people who you know, who are helping you, never let them go, your blessed to have such people around you and you should respect and cherish them, after all you are where you are for a reason.

Ree: What can we expect from you in 2011?

MenaCe: I am very excited about this project and what lies ahead, my mind is always in overtime, flipping around ideas and planning, I can hardly sleep any more. I'm definitely planning more videos and a lot of promotion, without giving too much away, I will be releasing at least another 3 videos and you will more than likely be able to get my fourth coming album entitled Sagittarius by the end of this year. All I can say is watch this space, I make things happen, and I aim to please, so don't sleep on me! 

I would just like to say a special thanks to my producers on the album, Jasper Dent and Kyle Lawton, my engineer at Blueprint studios Dave Woodhead, my video director and editor Ben Duff and everybody who has featured on my album, I couldn't do this without you. Much love.

You can now watch Hennessy via Youtube as well as contact Michael personally via Twitter and Facebook 

Jimmy Snookz and Skipper - The Regime

Jimmy Snookz and Skipper formally know as Jahmal Tchikaya and Simon Suckram from North London are the duo behind the UK Rap collective The Regime. They are determined to produce and broadcast their new sound to the nation' as well as  'bring 'a new exciting look and feel to the UK hip hip scene'. Although they originally started off as Grime MC's back on 2004 where they recorded dub-plates and attended pirate radio stations, they have now decided to elevate and change their sound which has landed them the opportunity to complete a 25 city UK tour later this year.

I thought I'd catch up with Jimmy Snookz himself to find out how and where it started. 

'My first ever memory was going in the studio and doing a few remixes. We started making music together and formed Regime in 2008' explained Jimmy. They saw music as a way of expressing themselves and sharing beliefs with others. 'We hadn't seen each other since school, but decided to meet up one day as we were both serious about pursuing a career in music. We went to the studio and recorded a remix of Kanye West's  'Can't tell me nothing' which received a lot of support and ratings from the underground'.

They then met up with producers Boe and Simon who go by the name of Last Dynasty who they have been working with for the last two years to make tracks such as 'Judge Me' , 'Soul Survivor' and 'My Shine' Ft Mk. They are fuelled by the need to communicate with the youths of today, which is why the continue to make music.We each have our own story to tell growing up in London which many can relate in terms of the emotions, the struggle, the system and creating a better life in general. But our make target is deliver good music that anyone can follow.

'We listen to a wide range of musician such as reggae, urban, grime and hip hop. Mainly these genres because we can relate to the music as well as connect with the artists who originate from the UK and the Caribbean'. Through their music they 'hope and try to appeal to everyone. Jimmy says, 'If not now then we are working on it for the future, but we see and hear the feedback of the youths aged 16 to 25 in the country.

They are now in the process of completing a 25 City tour around the UK with Skinny Man, called the 'Smoking Ban Tour', which will be followed by 20 university stage shows around the country. In the past they have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with major artists such as Dead Prez, Devlin, Legendary Curtis Blow, Jadakiss, VV Brown and more. They agree that the tour was a great experience and allowed them to elevate their confidence as artists, as well as give them the exposure they needed. 

According to Jimmy, a good musician should 'have their own style', 'stay grounded' and most importantly be 'talented'. He says, 'originality goes a long way and if you have the patience and stay dedicated you can better your self professionally as an artist and personally as an individual.' He feel that up and coming musicians should 'Be open minded and be able to come to terms with their own originality' and 'be able to take criticism and learn in the process'  

As a collective they intend to 'Bring a unique style of music to the industry' and 'make a stamp on the scene that all the up and coming talent can follow' you can expect more expect more music, video's with good visuals but mainly expect to catch them in a town near you performing.

You can now check out they Official Site as well ad follow them on Twitter via Jimmy Snookz and Skipper. 

Sir Spikes - Cast the First Stone

‘I’ve always been into music from a young age, I used to turn all the pots upside down and beat them with sticks' says 21 year old Samuel Jimmah formally known as Sir Spikes from East London, who is a musician, poet and aspiring actor. After migrating to the UK, just over 10 years ago he found his love for music. Samuel is currently working on his forthcoming mixtape 'Cast the First Stone' which débuts July 2011.

I thought I'd catch up with him to find out where it all started. 

'I'm a poet, rapper and an aspiring actor' I have always been into music from a young age. When I moved to the UK ,I fell in love with Grime’. This is where it all started for Sir Spikes, who originally claimed the alias 'Spikes' due to his love of knives. ‘I used to listen to and record sets on my mums old tapes, which she wasn't too happy about.' What he loved about Grime, was the rawness of the scene, the ability to say anything. Sir Spikes found himself writing lyrics which he then recited over the beats recorded making him feel as though he was really there on the radio himself, but it wasn't until year 8 where he decided to write more. 

'I was way too shy to let anyone hear, but as I got older my confidence grew. I was a very angry and violent growing up which influenced a lot of my early material. I felt like an outcast the only tune I felt that people listened to was when I rhymed so to me that was my voice.' As he got older 
he started to realise that he could do more with his gifts, but it only really hit him after loosing two of his close friends and coming close to loosing his own life. From his experience he started writing poetry, as he found it easy to put his words on paper. For him 'poetry quickly became a release rather than waiting for a beat' to record music. 'My music has grown and matured a lot and have finally found my self through music. '

'No other musician is like me', he says when I ask how he differs from other artists. 'I'm far from big headed, but I feel that the scene hasn't experienced a mind like mine. I bring soul to a track which enables the listener to fall in a trance and be taken on a journey. I appeal to a lot of people from males to females and to a general age simply because I am very versatile. I don't tie my self down to one thing, like to explore to create new things'.

It's obvious to see that the UK music industry has opened up and allowed a variety of artists to take the mainstream by storm, but for Samuel all he can see in the current industry 'is people who really don't have a passion for music'. He says 'most people go into the industry simply for the money so the messages they reveal are shallow. I would like to bring back heart and soul to music. I am inspired by singers such as Adele because she is real. Nowadays when you switch on the TV all you see are recycled versions on a few people. No one is original any more.'

Michael Jackson, Alicia keys, Jessie J, Adele, Eva Cassidy and Tracy Chapman are just a few of his many inspirations he feels 'they are true to themselves and they truly care about the influence of their music.' In the same vein he admires artists from the rap scene such as ‘Kanye West, Dizzie Rascal, Wretch 32, Tu-pac, and Gigs’. He feels inspired by them as they prove that it is possible to make it in the music industry, despite all the negativity around. He says 'if you work hard and push for it then nothing is impossible’. He is also inspired by a lot of Nigerian artists such as Debanj, 2face Idibia and Ice Prince, he says ‘I am a proud Nigerian so I support the music’.

'Open your eyes and go for it' is the advice he gives to up and coming musicians 'you only loose when you stop trying. Hard work plus determination gives birth to success. Clear your minds and vision how your life will be when you make it'. In the future, Sir Spikes hopes to have a successful career in music and give back to others by 'helping the less fortunate'.

His mixtape ‘Cast the First Stone’ is due to be released July 2011 so be sure to support him. For more of his music check out his Soundcloud, Youtube and follow him via Twitter.

Teeza - The Bounce EP

Whoever said playing games was a waste of time was definitely wrong. For this budding musician his big break came whilst playing around on Playstation at the age of 14. Teeza is a 23 year old musician from West London who has been working hard experimenting and expanding his craft as a DJ and Producer 'purely for people to hear and love music'. I thought I'd catch up with him to find out what he has planned for 2011.


How and when did you get in to music?

I got into music randomly to be honest, I was about 14 at the time. My older brother had music on PS1, so I just fiddled about with it out of interest. Before I knew it, I was making music every other day. It's pretty much the best things that[s happened to me.

How has your style changed since?

When I think back, I wouldn't say my style has change too much. It's developed more. I went through stages, experimenting and what not, but I always revert back to the old style of beats I've always made.

What is the The Bounce EP?
It's a 4 track grime instrumental EP made by me. Bounce is currently one of the biggest grime beats around. The beat has also been used as Firecamps new single 'Move' featuring Scrufizzer & Lady Leshurr. It will be available on all digital outlets such as itunes, zavvi, amazon etc, as well as various shops on purple vinyl.


What has been your best performance?

Well, as a DJ I've performed at a club in South London called Citizens and I had the crowd going crazy! That was a lot of fun. As a Producer, I can't really say I've performed anywhere so to speak.

What would you say are 5 necessary qualities of a musician?

Patience - LOL that is KEY.

Consistency - never think you've done enough or even too much, music is for life! It doesn't stop.

Originality - It's not always easy to be completely original, but for me following your heart is where the originality lies. You don't have to do things a certain way, do it in a way that suits you best or do it to the best of your ability.

Understanding - A lot of people just make music, but don't really know how to go about things. You've really got to analyse music in depth. Not necessarily the technical side, but more sonically.

Creativity - That's pretty simple, be creative. Explore, expand, express in order to excite - that's kinda cheasy but it is what it is LOL.

What are your views on the current UK music industry and is there anything you should change ?

I'm happy about the whole Urban side of things, I think it's been accepted more in the UK. There's a lot of good things happening and doors opening, so I'm pretty happy with the whole UK situations. I think people - both listeners and musicians - should start to appreciate what people are doing. I think most of the listeners should stop being ignorant and love music for what it is.


What are your hobbies?

Aside from music I'm into graphic design, a bit of photography and I enjoy playing football from time to time. I used to be a hard raver, but i've calmed down a lot since then. I'm currently looking for bookings. I'm involved in so many different aspects of music I don't really get time to anything else.

Are you looking for fame or fortune?

I'm looking for love LOL. I'm here purely for people to hear and love my music. To inspire people and put smiles on their faces. Try to uplift the youth, because they're the most important to reach out to. As for fortune, DEFINITELY! I want to look after my family, send my mum away on holidays and all that good stuff! Shouts to mumzillr ;)

Describe your journey in one sentence...

A challenging journey that has opened my eyes and ears - I tried to think of something nang to say, but hey I tried LOL



What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Familiarize yourself with the industry and take in as much as possible. Work hard and the results will manifest with time. The phrase "when the time is right" is very real, you'll never know when it's your time to blow. You've just got to keep it moving and most importantly enjoy making music. Also, never say to yourself "I cant". Take the T off - word to Chipmunk

Where do you see yourself musically in 2011?

Hopefully somewhere special, somewhere exciting. I'm all about progress and that's my word yo!

You can listen to more of Teeza via Mixcloud and Soundcloud, or you can contact him personally via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Myspace.

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

Down With Esstar

Esstar is an up and coming musician from East London, who is signed to the record label PDB Productions & Entice Records. He has been pursuing a music career since the tender age of 16 performing and perfecting his craft as well as experimenting with a multiple genres such as Grime, Dub-Step and Hip Hop. Esstar has shared the stage with artists such as Cypriot Vibez and Static and Smooth and is continuing to push his music career towards success. I thought I'd catch up with him to find out how he got into music as well as his views on the current industry as it stands.


When did you realise you wanted to be a musician?

Well I started making music when I was 14, but I didn't take it seriously. It wasn't until I left school and had to decide what I really wanted to do. I realised music was what I was interested in, so it was probably at around the age of 16.

What is the best memory of yourself in music?

I have a few good memories, mostly from performances, coming off stage to meet people who enjoyed the performance. Also numerous studio sessions when I've finished the song and know it's a hit.

Who are you main influences and why?

My influences change all the time, I'll go a week listening to a certain artist, and the next it will be a completely different genre of music, so I can't really name a certain artist as a main influence, I like all music.


How important is radio play for underground talents such as yourself and what stations do you listen to if any?

I think the game has changed and the best way to get yourself out there is through social networking sites and Youtube, so radio is not as important as it once was. But when your putting a single out you do need it on radio, it's what gets people familiar with your lyrics, thats where the songs come from that everyone knows the lyrics without even knowing what the song is! If you have a lot of radio play on one song everyone ends up subconciously knowing your song!

Can you remember your first ever lyrics, what where they?

I can't remember to be honest, but a friend of mine dug out a song of mine from 2005 the other day but I refused to listen to it, I remember how bad it was back then LOL. I had a lot of lyrics about nonsence as you do when your young.

Which artists do you currently like and why?

I like Ghetts, because of his lyrical skill and energy. Theres a singer called Ed Sheeran who I've been listening to a bit lately I think he's good, and I listen to a lot of different dubstep producers aswell.


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

Please don't get involved if your not 100% serious, if your not willing to put time, effort, and even your own money into your music, then you might aswell stop now and go job centre. But, if you ARE serious, don't try and run before you can walk, start off small, build up an awareness and following in your local area first, and when you feel you have done what you can to achieve that then move on to bigger things.

Who have you previously performed with and who would you like to perform with in the future?

I've performed with Cypriot Vibez thats a guy I work with, I done a show the other night on the same stage as an act called 'Static and Smooth', few other names. I'd like to perform with anyone who's got a genuine talent, or anyone who's out there at the moment.

For more on Esstar you can contact via his Facebook , Twitter , Myspace or Youtube.

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.

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

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 .