Mercston - Tsunami & E Class

He’s featured on national radio stations such as Kiss FM, Choice FM and BBC 1xtra, collaborated with some of the hottest names in the industry including Ghetts, Chipmunk, Bashy and Wiley, released a highly anticipated 11 track mixtape entitled ‘Ventilation’ and is well known for tunes such as Summertime and Good Old Days.

Mercston is a musician from East London, who like many artists, has been pursuing a career in music since his teens. I caught up with him to find out about his latest release his Tsunami, taken from his fourth-coming mixtape E Class, his influences, as well as how and why he decided to return to the music industry after incarceration.

I’ve been heavily involved with music since I was 18. I started out listening to the Pay As You Go's, the Rolldeep’s the Nasty Crews, and Ruff Squads. Then I decided…Hold up, I can do this too, and I started to make music in 2005.

I've grown up listening to music my whole life. My dad’s a DJ so at home there was always a lot of rare grooves, funk, soul, reggae RnB and hip hop playing on the Technic decks. All of these genres play a part in the music I record today - I have an old soul, lol.

I'm a quarter of The Movement" so I've worked with Ghetts, Scorcher and Wretch 32, that's family right there! Ruff Squad, Wiley, Bigz, Donaeo, J2k and many many more musicians. To be honest, I usually keep it in house, but I've worked with some amazing singers.

My time away held me back from releasing music, I even stopped writing for a year.

Then a good friend of mine, that i met, named Ray, reminded me of the gift I've been given – It’s not a talent, this is a gift - so I have to utilise it.

I started listening to music again and began writing to the best of my ability which helped me along my journey.

I believe labels know what I'm capable of but are scared of taking the risk, but it's all down to timing. So when the time’s right, it's right. I’ll just keep recording and making great music.

Jay Z has been a big influence, he's still the best in my eyes up untill now. Mase was a big influence; I use to think I was that brudder there, lol.

In the UK, Wiley was a big influence. He helped me to believe in myself and told me if I press on people will have to take me in, a similar thing was said by Chunky B, a good friend and the first producer I ever worked with, I appreciate them both.

The whole Movement team have been there too, they’re all great artists and being around them gave me no choice but to up my levels and be the best I can be.

At the moment, music hasn’t taken me anywhere great, but I foresee the future, so in the next interview I’ll let you know, lol.

My alias is just a spin off from my surname "Marston" I generally beat up the riddim put before me so I was given the name Mercs and kept the "ton".

Sacrifices, I suppose going to university. I know my family would have loved me to go because music has its ups and downs, but they wish me the best in whatever I do.

Me going to uni would have led to a concrete career. No regrets, just lessons learnt, without them I wouldn't be me today.

The music industry seems to be getting a little more accepting in regards to the music and artists being let through to showcase their sounds of music on a bigger scale.

I still feel not enough risks are taken and that this country needs to let go of this "one at a time" attitude, other that that, it's progressing.

There are so many artist out there right now I couldn't tell you who's next to blow.

I've seen so many people have a good buzz and been sure they’re about to blow then for "one at a time reason" nothing comes of it.

What’ next? I’ve just dropped my new video on the May 21st entitled Tsunami ft Siah Spiderman and Jaze Aliga which is taken from my forthcoming mixtape E- Class, which is dropping very soon.

The tape consists of different genres of classy music. It's named E class because a lot of people refer to my music as a touch of class another words "he class" hence the E class like Merc E class "ya get me" lol - if your one of those I appreciate that.

With this tape, I think I"ll take my fans back to my first mixtape "The End of the Beginning" you’ll find some smooth tracks on there for the ladies Apart from that I'd like to end this interview by saying expect the unexpected!

Peace and love Mercs !

For more of Mercston, you can now log on to his Official Website.

Mr ShaoDow - Get Stronger

At the age of 18 he travelled alone to China to learn Shaolin Kung Fu and soon realised it was much more that defence mechanism, instead a way of life that has taught him to work hard in order to achieve his dreams. His recent single Get Stronger ft Ghetts is living proof of his tenacity and determination to succeed as the animated music video managed to achieve over 30,000 views in the first five days of its release and was the 3rd most watched music video in the UK charts.


Mr ShaoDow is a musician from London who made a conscious decision to make music his fulltime career two years ago.  I thought I’d catch up with him to find out more.

‘I’m ShaoDow, a multi-genre rapper, aside from making good music I also travel around the UK, from Bournemouth to Scotland promoting and selling my music directly to the people. I started taking my music seriously when I was studying at university. But after I graduated 2 years ago I decided to take the leap and become a full time musician.’

  

‘First and foremost my music represents me. There are still too many people out there that believe you have to talk and act in a certain way to be a rapper. I want to show an alternative to the status quo and make music appealing to more than just rap lovers.’

‘I listen to a wide range of music genres including heavy metal and that is represented in my music. I’d quickly get bored if I just stuck to one style so I’m constantly challenging myself to improve lyrically, not just for the listener, but for myself as well.’

  

‘My full alias is Mr ShaoDow. ShaoDow is essentially a name that I made up and incorporates the word Shaolin as in Shaolin Kung Fu.' 

'When I was 18 I travelled alone to China and studied Shaolin Kung Fu with the monks, it was a very important part of my life and it proved to me that you can achieve nearly anything if you’re willing to leave your house and go get it. Since then I travel the country, mainly alone and have managed to sell over 6,000 copies of my CD’s to date.’

‘Kung Fu is about more than just weird noises and death grips, there’s a mentality and tenacity of spirit that you can apply to nearly any life situation. If it hadn’t been for my training and travelling experience I don’t think I’d be doing what I do now. Besides, Kung Fu directly translates to ‘Hard Work’ and that’s definitely something I do day in, day out.’

  

‘I appeal to people who enjoy variety in their music I’ve also managed to gain support from listeners who dislike rap and hip hop. I’m trying to bring something a bit different to the table; I’m not attempting to be the next Jay Z so it’s difficult to say how well this will work out without an already established reference point.’

‘However, if you’re looking to listen to some good music with honest, well thought-out and skilful lyricism then I’m your rapper. Follow my journey and see how I’ve managed to build my career out of nothing through sheer determination and ambition. You won’t be disappointed.’

‘If all else fails, if you aren’t listening now, chances are I’ll approach you in your hometown and ask you to buy one of my CDs. One way or another, my music will find you’ he laughs.

He describes his journey so far as ‘proof of what you can achieve, if you believe’ and ‘epic’. 

When asked if he wasn’t a musician what would he be he says ‘I’d probably be a lawyer, need to do something with that law degree!’

  

He feels the industry has changed and recognises that it has become ‘a lot more internet based’, he continues ‘people want music now and are able to get it for free. 

I’d guarantee that a lot of record label execs are pulling their hair out trying to work out how to stay relevant. 

All I know is that I bring my music directly to the people, that is something nobody can take away from me. I bypass the industry, so it can change as much as I want, I’ll keep moving forward’

When asked what we can expect from in the future he says ‘good music and progress’, he continues ‘as my fans know, I released my newest single ‘Get Stronger ft. Ghetts’ to iTunes and it’s doing very well so far. The animated music video managed to achieve over 30,000 views in the first five days and was the 3rd most watched music video in the UK.

'Currently I’m working on my next official single, but in the mean time I will be releasing more tracks and music videos for people to listen, watch, share and enjoy, as my main focus has always been to consistently provide good music.

'On the live front I recently supported Giggs in Nottingham and I am planning a number of performances in venues across the country, so keep an eye on My Shows to keep updated. Thanks very much for the interview and the opportunity to speak to the people, nuff respect to all my fans, supporters and anyone that enjoys my music.'

For more of Mr ShaoDow visit his Official Site, Facebook, Youtube, follow him on Twitter and join his Mailing List.

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. 

Dirty Danger - The 'I Ainte Rich Yet' EP

He began making a name for himself at the tender age of 13, taking his music from local youth clubs to pirate radio stations. Now at the age of 24 he has released his début album entitled 'I Ainte Dead Yet'. Dirty Danger is a musician from East London who has worked with some of the industries bests musicians including Wiley, Sway, Chipmunk and Lethal B. Similar to many artists, he has made a number of sacrifices throughout his career, yet he has stood by his words of wisdom, contending, 'if you don't believe in yourself who will? I thought I'd catch up with him to find out his views on the current music industry as well as what his future music plans are.


What do you do and how did it start?

I’m a grime producer and mc from Bow - East London. An area notorious for UK grime music and its stars who include, Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Tinchy Stryder and many more. Since the age of 13 I've been making music with a group called Ruff Squad the same group as Tinchy Stryder. We started MC’ing at each others houses and youth clubs which quickly escalated into pirate radio and local raves. As our name grew bigger in the streets my passion for music became stronger and years later at the age of 24 music is my profession.

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

Within the music industry, from the start of going on pirate radios to making music videos I faced so many difficulties and still face them this very day. I would say communication, finance and exposure have been the hardest things to overcome and the only way I have learnt to deal with these difficulties have been my belief. I always say to myself if you don't believe in yourself who will? So with that thought in mind I managed to stay determined to make people believe in me no matter how many knock downs I come across.

Who are your current competition and what makes you different?

Every act in the UK is my competition. I’m different because I’m not trying do what the majority of the UK music scene are doing. My music is a new fresh sound, I’m trying to bring back the dance in Grime with tracks like 'Hardbody' but at the same time hit them with my knowledge and my experiences of life, which you can hear in my album.


What motivates you as a musician?

Just the simple case of loving music motivates me. I’m always up for hearing something new and different so I can feed off of the energy.

Which artists have you worked with and who would you like to work with?

I've worked with most of the grime scene from Wiley to Lethal B to Sway and Scorcher, Ghetto, Chipmunk etc. In the UK I would like to work with Giggs and a guy called 'BADNESS' I love the rasta style he’s got going on.

In your opinion. how has music industry changed in the last 5 years and how have you adapted to this change?

Well the scene has exploded for UK grime/hiphop within the mainstream; I don't think anyone believed that the music would have got this big that even the likes of P Diddy and Jay Z are showing an interest. I give props to Tinchy, Wiley, Skepta, Tinie Tempah, Chipmunk, Giggs and N Dubz for taking it there.


What's the concept behind your album 'I Aint Rich Yet'?

I would say that this album is not your typical Grime CD. Its my own take on grime, which is filled with a mixture of party anthems, emotions, hard life, street life, and love. I think it’s a good introduction for the world to hear who Dirty Danger is and what he’s about

What can we expect from you in 2011?

I dropped my album on April 4th nationwide so that's currently my main focus. Soon I'll be touring from the 14th of March with Skepta all over the UK and you’ll be hearing a bag full of music videos for TV and the Internet.

To listen to more of Dirty Danger, you can buy his debut album I Ainte Rich Yet via UK Record Shop or Digital-tunes, follow him via Twitter, or you can personally contact him via his Facebook.

Brutal - Hell Yeah I'm Here Vol.2

After releasing 7 mix-tapes including ‘School Days’ and ‘Welcome To The Strip’, collaborating with some of the industries biggest musicians such as Wiley, Mercston, Chipmunk, Ghetto, Griminal and Scorcher, in addition making over 200 tracks throughout his career, the only question left, is why hasn’t he blown?


Brutal is a talented musician from East London who has spent the better half of the last decade expanding and perfecting his skills as a Rapper, MC and Singer. At the tender age of 19 he has devoted his life to music, with the determination to bring something different to the UK music scene. Earlier this year Brutal released the single ‘Say Somethin’ which is now available via itunes and amazon. I though I’d catch up wit Brutal himself to find out just how he got into music.

You chcek out the interview via MTV The Wrap Up.

Industry Takeover - Do Politics Have A Place In Music?

For those of you who say or said 'Grime Has No Meaning', you really should have attended Urban Development's Industry Takeover - Talking The Hardest' which showcased at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green last night. Not just for the urban showcase of talented musicians, but most importantly the debate.


The night kicked off with an in depth discussion from a panel of prominent individual know to both media and politics. Chantelle Fiddy, (Contributing editor of RWD Magazine) chaired the discussion between the five other guests. Ghetts, (Musician), Jody McIntyre (Poet and Political Activist), Fusion (Journalist, Producer and Educator), Austin Daboh, (Music manager of BBC 1xtra) and Helen Bray (ONS Stakeholder for 2011 census). The panellist battled it out, each bringing controversial ideas to the table in an attempt to answer the question, 'Does politics have a place in music?'

Over the years we've seen significant transitions in music from blues to jazz, reggae to hip hop and now grime. Yes, the genres may be different, but what they all share are the hidden messages of struggles, both socially and politically. In the 21st it seems even harder to act against politics, whether it be through marches and strikes such as the mass demonstrations against financial cuts in the education system or vocally through music and music videos.


The genre Grime to outsiders is seen as the 'gunk' of the streets - inner-city kids rapping about guns, crime and violence, yet to a majority this is the reality of everyday life, they take what they've learned from the streets and relay their struggles via music. Kano, Skepta, Dizze Rascal and Wiley have come from these very foundations and where they stand today proves allot about Grime.


Ghetts recently released the track 'Invisible' which was written to engage young people in participating in the 2011 census Although, the debate brought along ideas of intrusion and opposition the fact is more than 60% of the British people will fill it in, will you be one of them?

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.

Does It Now - Ghetto

Ghetto’s Back On The Blocks With A New Hood Video!




Still Awaiting ‘Calm Before The Storm’ Mixtape!
Keep Your Eyes Peeled!