Dzham - I Like It

Dzham is recording artist from Smolensk in the Russian Federation who has been pursing a music career for as long as he can remember. He has been described as ‘one of the biggest Hip Hop stars of the Eastern Bloc’. Although he has release 4 albums in his native tongue, he is looking to develop his style and craft by taking his music to international level performing in UK, Europe and the rest of the world. In the past he has collaborated with the UK’s Sway and Ironik as well as the US’s Jim Beanz, Onyx and DJ Whoo Kid.

Earlier this month he released his debut single ‘I Like It’ ft David Todua which has received over 10,000 views. I thought I’d catch up with Dzham himself to find out the concept behind his début single as well as what he has planned for the future.

‘About 8 years I started organising Hip Hop parties which allowed me to get more involved in music. The UK music scene had a major influence on me as an artist as it pretty much shaped what type of music I make right now. My latest single ‘I Like It’ aims to take my listeners thoughts away form everyday problems and make them remember what they like to do in their life and provide them with a positive attitude’.

A typical day in the life of Dzham starts off like this, he wakes up pretty late, more or less lunch time which he says ’is so typical for artists, because we spend nights in recording studios’. If he’s not recording himself,  he spends his day attending and scheduling meetings. He syas ‘I like being me I travel a lot, and perform in different cities. Everyday brings something new and different’.

He explains how his collaboration with Sway on the track 'Redhanded' came about, he says ‘I met him in UK studio and we decided to make a song together the same day. It was so great to work with Sway, I enjoyed every minute of our work. He is very easy going and professional.’ Aside from Sway he has had the pleasure of working with artists such as UK’s Ironik, American producer Jim Beanz, who works with Timbaland, G Unit member DJ Whoo Kid, Hip Hop legends like Onyx, and their front man Fredro Starr. Although it was his first experience collaborating with American artists, he described it as being very ‘epic’.

On the UK music front, he would say ‘right now the musicians in the industry are here at the right tine. You can see a lot of artists growing and bringing their own thing today, because of the social media boom, listeners now have the ability to choose and support artists that they like and make them bigger and greater. But he feels an artist should ‘stay true to their music and style’. He continues ‘some people take life too serious I want to bring positive vibes to people. I want to make the type of music that will let them forget about their domestic problems and concentrate on fun stuff’.

All in all,  Dzham would say that his music ‘tends to reflect both the good and bad sides of the Russian way of life such as the dark suburbs, luxury clubs, family problems and criminal atmosphere all of which are vacant in his hometown. Every experience has influenced him to become a better artist as his bases his poetry is on the things that surround him every day, thereby reciting the struggles of life he knows. 

His ambition for the future is to ‘become an internationally renowned Hip Hop artist’ touring and performing his music overseas and most importantly releasing new videos and music. He says ‘I want to be able to share my thoughts and music with the rest of the world. I plan to release my new album in the end of 2011’.

For more of Dzham, you can now watch is latest release 'I Like It' via Youtube as well as contact him personally on his Official Site and Facebook

Writeway - One Way

Writeway are a gospel music collective from East London that consists of singers, rappers producers and songwriters. As a collective they are determined ‘Lead the world to live the right way!’ by making music with a positive influence entwined with their beliefs in the Christian faith. They have had the pleasure of working with commendable gospel artist such as Victizzle, Guvna B and Dwayne Tryumf in addition to performing at events in the UK and overseas.

I thought I’d catch up with Tunday, one of the four members of the group to find out where it all started.

‘My Names Tunday, I’m a gospel rapper, songwriter, and sports fanatic, I love gym and football. I released my 1st album ‘Identity’ on 13th June 2009 at an album launch with the MOBO Award winning Victizzle who won the Best Gospel Act 2009 which attracted 2000 people the event. I also won an award in 2009 from the Christian Broadcast Council which gave me the chance to tour the UK and abroad sharing my life experiences at youth seminars in countries such as New York, Florida, St Lucia and India. I have also worked with men from prisons and Youth institutions. My style is a blend of Hip Hop, Indie Rock and R&B.’

‘I wanted to use music to influence the people around me to live a life that was in direct contrast to the negative lifestyle celebrated by so many. I understood the impact that music had on the growth of a person and felt there was a gap in society that an organisation with the right manifesto could fill. Luckily, I came across individuals who felt the same way and liked this concept. So we all started this Journey together.’

‘The name Writeway is taken from Proverbs 3:5-6 meaning for God to direct our steps and lead us in the right direction. The names spelt that way because we want to lead the world the right way through our writing’

He feels that it’s very important to buy as an artist as ‘It’s a symbol of empathy and support. With the amount you invest as an artist, you wouldn’t want to see it go down the drain when someone could have easily bought your material. We all bought Triple O's album, a UK gospel artist who released his small project called ‘Come Home’ in December 2010.’

‘As a group we'd love to collaborate with Mali Music. His qualities are so diverse, a producer, a rapper a singer. He'd compliment our sound on a track because he sounds like 3 different people in one! Our music is aimed at young teenagers aged 13 and upwards. Our siblings are those ages, and even though we are in our early 20's, we haven’t forgotten what its like to be in our teens and we obviously know what its like to be a young adult in this world. We appeal to this age group because we relate to them.

                    

He’d describe the journey so far as ‘a roller coaster ride in the dark. Thrilling, fun but a scary ride because you just don’t know what’s going to happen next. I’ve got a sophomore album out soon, but I’m not going to reveal when it will be out just yet’.

The collective consists of three other members who go by the name of Presha J, Leke and Rhema, this is what they had to say.

‘I'm Presha J, im a 22 year old is a rapper. I released a single in 2008 called “No More” featuring Tunday which pushed me to start my first project which was my EP named “Changes” in 12th December 2008. I also released a music video named “Whose Side Are You On” that has gained over 31,000 views so far and was also featured on Channel AKA playlist. On the 10th December 2010, I released another video called “Changes” which was taken from my EP, which has prepared me for my release of my 1st album in 2011. My style is a mix of Indie Grime, Hip Hop and RnB.  

Aside from music he ‘goes to the gym’ and ‘writes a lot’. When asked about his journey so far he says ‘This for me has been exciting, I can’t complain, I love music so I'd say it’s a privilege! Im currently finishing up on a few singles planned for the year and my 1st album.’

‘My names Leke Akinyemi I’m a 20-year-old worship leader, singer and songwriter, I’m also an official worship leader in my church. I’m currently working on my EP and a music video for 2011. I have collaborated with the likes of Dwayne Tryumf who is an International Gospel Artist, Victizzle who won a MOBO Award for the Best Gospel Act in 2009 and Guvna B who aslso won a MOBO Award for Best Gospel Act in 2010. My style is R & B, Acoustic, Indie Rock and Worship.

When he’s not making music Basketball is his hobby. He would describe his journey so far he says as ‘a motorway journey, some what of a tour of Life, making many stops and progression along the way. I’m working on various things but focused on my E.P. and a single! The Writeway Short-film is also due to be released soon!

‘Yo my names Rhema and I'm a 21 year old rapper and youth leader in development,

I've always desired to use music to spread my testimony. I am a newly recruited artist on this firm. I released my first music video & Downloadable track with Writeway on 31st January 2011, which received 5,000 views nationwide & over 1,000, downloads within the first week. My mixtape is set to be released in later this year.

Aside from music he also I loves basketball and writing! He says that his experience so far has been ‘Awesome’ he explains ‘I've met a lot of people, this time last year I’d never think I’d be doing what I’m doing now, I’m just very grateful, a very awesome journey. I have a free mixtape coming up this year, please look out for that! I'm working on it as you read this lol!

According to the collective  the ‘Impact is more important than music but music will be the foundation for WriteWay to expand and create an open door for the youngsters of this generation to use their gifts whether it is singing, acting, photography or to represent the youth in politics to continue in the “right way’

For more of Writeway, you can now contact them via  their Official Site or Facebook.

Platinum - K Sounds

‘Our music has always been about channelling energy through whichever instrument or source is put in front of us’ says Planitum the CEO of  the collective K-Sounds.



The collective broke into the music scene back in 2007 with their first underground release ‘Next Up' which was a huge success. It held them as number 1# in the charts on Channel AKA for several weeks as well as receiving immense airplay on Choice FM, Kiss FM and other local radio stations.

I thought I’d catch up with Platinum the CEO and Founder of the collective to find out where it all started.  

                                        

K-Sounds originally began in 2000, with members Platinum and Dmac from South London. What started for them as a hobby soon became a potential career path that they began to take more seriously. So they decided to expand their collective and recruited two new members which where Drastick, and Chaser.

They began distributing music locally and hosting at house parties, youth clubs and any other social event possible. As their fan base grew, so did the will to maximise their potential as artists, provoking them to take their music to an even bigger and better professional plateau.

They group began to release their music officially, starting with their underground hit single 'Next up' which sold over 500 copies on white label vinyl. They also shot a video with Mastermind productions which held number 1# spot on Channel AKA for numerous weeks, in addition to them receiving immense radio play via Choice FM, Kiss Fm and other local station. This exposure they received enabled them to perform both nationally and internationally in countries such as Cyprus and Germany.  

'In a small group it's hard to imagine people being so similar but also individual in different aspects' Says Platinum. Me and Drastick provide the energy and love for music, while Chaser possesses the business skills. He has a more structured approach to music. His willingness to push things forward, as well as mine, Drasktick's and Chaser's musical passion fuels the group and our success.’

‘Our music has always been about channelling energy through whichever instrument or source is put in front of us. As kids from an urban background our lyrics are always sourced from experience and life’s challenges. Every year since we were young we've been faced with different situations but we always manage to portray that in our music.’

  

Platinum speaks on behalf of his gang when he says ' K-Sounds are entertainment. Some artists forge a career from acting in front of the camera and creating tracks that over hype their career. K-Sounds give you the truth in music, but with careful thought and precise beats to accompany our stories. Everything from the thought to the final project comes from us, our ideas and our lives so if people still have an appreciation for real music then they should be following us.'

  

Showing love to other artist's is a must for Platinum, he says 'If I see something I like in an artist I make sure I listen to them however big or small they are. During my years in music I’ve showed interest in a lot of artists and tried to help them further their career, most notably Smart kid aka Smartz and Tinie Tempah.  The last single I purchased was by Twissman ft Dotstar. I got in contact with Twissman via Twitter and saw a couple of his tweets. I decided to purchase a song or two and I enjoyed it. Dotstar is an amazing artist as well and after listening to two tracks I knew I had to purchase his songs.'

Four qualities he thinks a good musician should attain are ambition, determination, honesty and diversity. 'The 1st two qualities are self explanatory, without those you'll never succeed in anything. Honesty is important for an artist as I believe that it separates you from others and your honesty will be picked up on. Artists such as Eminem and Nas have used their life experiences in their music and have gained a strong fan base purely on the back of their honesty. The last quality for me is diversity. When I first entered the music scene I didn't want to do anything but grime but over time I realised I had to adapt my style to suit people's musical tastes in order to increase my fan base. Some people may call this selling out, but the more people you appeal to the more successful you are. The main reason for people doing music is to reach people emotionally so I see no problem with it.

Their alias K-Sounds, actual stand for Charismatic sounds; it represents them collectively making good music with a positive influence. They've been fortunate enough to work with the likes of  Splurge , Lioness, Kadey James, Ghetto, Tinie Tempah, Messy, Raharma, Nico Mills (F.A.T) and Erico (Sony) just to name a few. Plantinum says ‘In the future, we would like to work with more singers and artists similar to us. We’re interested in artists such as Davinche, Cleo Sol and Loick Essien because of their love for their craft and beauty in music.’

‘This year is a make or break for us. We’ve already completed a mix tape which is currently in its mastering process and we'll be releasing 5 or 6 videos for our mix tape tracks. We’ve also recorded a track with Splurge entitled Drunk remix which is due to be released before the summer. People can expect to see us doing freestyles for Grime Daily and SBTV and many other media sources. In a nutshell, we aim to do as best as we humanly can. We’ve been in touch with many labels and management companies and if putting pen to paper is what finally pushes us to where we wish to be then that’s the next step we’ll be taking.'.

"South Circular”, “The Freestyles" and "All or nothing" are their earliest material. Ontogenesis E.P is their latest release which is now available on ITunes and various outlets now aswell as their newest videos Guns & roses and Wave control . So keep your eyes peeled for what they have yet to come. You can now contact via Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Youtube. 

SoulBruva - The Musician, Presenter and Comedian

After opening for musicians such as Kelly Price, Calvin Richardson and Glen Jones, featuring on MTV Base, Channel AKA and Ben TV, as well as winning an award for the UK's Best Unsigned Act of Lightning FM in 2007, it's obvious that SoulBruva is well on his way to becoming a star. SoulBruva is a Hip Hop musician from East London who has been experimenting with music, and establishing himself as an artist for the last 5 years. I thought I'd catch up with him to find out where it all started, as well as what he has planned for 2011.

When did you realise your passion for music?

As a kid I would sing, rap and dance all around the house when the radio was on, but it was only in my late teens that I started to really listen to music and think about creating my own. I officially started recording in 2004, then in 2005 and 2006 I started gigging.

What does your alias SB stand for?

Being called 'SoulBruva' most people would think I'm a 'Soul Singer' which I can understand - but that's not the case. My name is a presentation of my passion for music and the fact I make music with my heart and soul.

How do you differ from other musicians?

I am myself! I don't follow the crowd. I always do me and what is true to me and I'm not scared to be different.

What would you say are three qualities a musician should have and why?

I would say, Talent, Passion and Confidence. Talent because it make's you stand out from the rest. Passion because you have to love what your doing as well as have the confidence, to perform in front of people.


Where is the best place music has taken you?

I was given the chance to open for Kelly Price, Calvin Richardson and Glen Jones at a concert, after winning the award for Best Unsigned Artist of ‘Lightning FM’ Chart in the UK Unsigned Festival in March 2007. My music video "4Real "4Real" has also appeared on MTV Base, Channel U, Ben TV & OBE TV.

Who would you like to collaborate with and why?

Eminem because he's not afraid to be different. His talent, flow, lyrics and heart felt, soulful music is just amazing. He's someone I really look up to and admire.

What are your interests aside from music?

Spending time will my loved one, family, chilling out, goings to shows and
watching movies.



What are your views on the current UK music industry?

I'm loving it. It's finally at a point where UK music is taken more seriously and is up there with music from the US.

What can we expect from you in 2011?

Well I'm focusing on my music a lot more and putting myself out there as an artist, so more tracks and performance are in the pipeline.

For more SB' you can catch him via his Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube pages

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.

Sk-D Photography

Sk-D Is An Up An Coming Photographer From Northwest London, He Has Been In The Media Industry, Specifically Photography Scene For Just Over Three Years, His Expanding Clientelle Consists Of Familar Names Such As Gracious K, Adam Deacon and Dotstar.

Read On Whilst I Catch Up With Sk-D To See What He’s Been Working On And How He Got Involved...




So, What Do You Do And How Did You Initially Get Involved?

I'm a graphic designer/airbrush artist + a photographer. I started years ago I’ve always been a fan of the arts, always drawing or scribbling. I started photography when I chose it as a random subject it was all to do with creativeness and I had Four A Level options, so, it was one of the subjects I picked along side media and art.

How Would You Say You Where Different From Other Photographers?

I try to see what I want before I even obtained it and that will go through my mind until I’ve got a clear picture in my head. I’m always changing until I’ve grasp what I’m trying to achieve. I'm a very precise person so it its not good to me (even though others are jumping up and down because it looks good) I will still scrap it and start again!




Apart From Photographer Where Do You Other Interest Lie In Terms Of Media?

Graphics, art and airbrushing garments/canvases.....more the graphics though these thing are what got me my reputation way before I started photography




If There Was No Internet, How Would You Promote Your Talent?

You will probably find me in Oxford Circus with a big poster of my best piece of work on a wooden board shouting out:



'SK-D PHOTOGRAPHY, come get your pictures done'!



Straight. I’m sure there's no law against that.

With The Evolution Of Technology, Do You Think It’s Harder For You To Be Original, And Why?

Yeah definitely. I cant be a pioneer at my own styles AS MUCH before these softwares give everyone the same power to create almost the same thing, plus its a thing where because everything is much quicker and easier these days in terms of technology you have to keep your game up always creating something or producing new work because if you don't some else will and take your shine!




Which Clients Have You Worked With And Who Have You Got In Mind For The Future?

I've worked with quite a few more in the ‘Urban Scene’ though.....I’ve worked for couple of premiership footballer (which went on sky sports news), Gracious nappaman K - Migraine skank, Tribal Man, Jazzie from the Jazzie show (channel aka), Adam deacon – Kidulthood, Adulthood and E4's 'Dead Set', Dotstar - Stick Up Skank, Femi McCool - Wag1 t.v and a few others.




If I really had to say who wanted to work with we will be here all day but it most probably would be mostly everyone doing something big in U.K first, then a few U.S stars

If You Would Like To Contact SK-D For Further Information Log On To His Virtual Site : www.skdphotos.com

Send An Email Via : sketchyd2@hotmail.co.uk
Or Even Add Him To Your Myspace : ‘Damilola Sk-d Fotografía’

Watch Out For Sk-D!

It's All Kosha

Kosha is an up and coming Musician from the East London, Considering he's been in the business for a number of years recording, producing and vocaling tracks I though i'd catch up with him to see his views on the ever-expanding music scence.





So Exactly How Long Have You Been In The Music Industry For And As An Artist What Would You Say Is the Best Part Of Your Job?

The best part of my job is the feeling of putting something out there and getting a good reaction. It’s like an accomplishment in itself and performing live is a good feeling. I’ve only been "in the industry" for a short while as a singer song writer, but, I’ve always done music from a young age. I learnt to play different instruments, anything that made a loud noise really. [lool] Drums, Trumpet, Guitar even a Violin once, but I gave them all up after I learnt a little (huh hmm), anyway I got into a lot of different music then. I started writing lyrics to Jungle and doing house parties (those were the days) then Garage took me away from the Jungle it was Soulful, proper girls liked it too!! Which is always good. I started hosting, MC’ing and Singing up n down the UK with a crew called the "A team" we were on DejaVu 92.3, Flava fm 87.6, Rinse fm 100.3. We won a place in the final of Kiss fm, but after that, I knew I didn’t want to play and sing on other people’s music because I can make my own so I did. I’ve been recording now for three or four years.

The First Track On Your Album Is ‘I Need You’ Which Features Wiley, What Other Collaboration Can We Expect In The Future And What Was It Like Working With One Of The Legendary Faces Of Grime?

Yeah, First of Big Up ‘DJ SLIMZEE’ he's the one that hooked Me and Wiley up I always used to tape ‘Pay As You Go’ back in the day. Slimzee heard my music and was feeling what I was doing so he introduced me to ‘Danny Weed’ he gave me a load of beats but that one track was the one that stood out to me "I Need You". It was good to work with someone who is well respected in the industry as people want to listen more then, if you got the talent.

Also look out for a new music video Kosha Ft Lexus and Forte "Another Way" filmed by Future Productions which is currently being played on 1xtra, Choice Fm and few others on screens E.G Channel U / MTV Base very soon that’ll be a good look.





When Making Music Do You Tend To Tailor Your Material To A Specific Audience E.G. Sex or Age Group Because I Noticed That The First Three Tracks Have A Sort Of Lovey / Girly Feel For The Ladies?

Yeah I make music on how I feel really that’s why I do it it’s my way of releasing my thoughts and stuff without saying it ... but I make music not specifically for girls or guy's i not looking to shut any one out if you like it you like i think but girls like it cause its different its UK RnB and its fresh they understand what I’m saying so boi.. LOL it’s all good but i hope my music is universal.

What Makes You Different From Other Musicians And Why?

Well for one I’m the most cockney musician in the "scene" that’s different LOL, umm all my music is different because its a part of me its not written by anyone apart from me so i hope that when people hear my music some one would have been in the same situation will feel better for that 4 minutes the track is playing my music is like therapy I suppose that’s different





How Do You Plan To Elevate As An Artist And What Have You Got In Store For Forthcoming Listeners?

I just plan to carry on recording music getting it out there by any means necessary) even if I’m on road selling CDs for another 2 years it nothing!) And hopefully good opportunities will come my way. as for the future i just finished my new music video with two of my friends a rapper called "lexus" [WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DUTTYMOUTH] & composer and pianist forte myspace.com/forte called "another way" very conscience positive track about how u can get stuck in the cycle of the streets but there’s always another way should be on screens in a few weeks look out for that and two more EP's one for the roads called Ebenezer street and its all Kosha VOL2 should be good to go soon too, also got a part in a film called the crew that’s all I know on that at the moment so you see me about in a few thing soon





In One Sentence Why Should People Cop The Album ?

Because it’s all Kosha baby! cmon....LOL

Keep your ears and eyes peeled for Kosha, he may just be the next big thing!