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.

Jazzmine - North London's Rising Star

Like many musicians, 17 year old Jazzmine, grew up listening to the likes of Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Coldplay, but after watching Leona Lewis win the X Factor in 2006, the North London songstress decided to turn her hobby in a profession and hopefully make her dreams a reality.

I caught up with Jazzmine to find out what she focuses on when making music, any sacrifices her plans for the future.

My mum always told me, you’ve gotta be happy in your job, so I thought if music was my career, nothing would make me happier. God gives people talent for a reason and if you love something you should pursue it, so I decided to take the first steps.

At college people were studying for careers they love and could get a job in. But, studying music and getting a job in the industry, seemed so far away, so I studied hairdressing and worked part time as a hair stylist.

Where it started…

But after being made redundant, I thought it was a now or never so I began to take my singing more seriously. In late 2011 my best friend suggested I start doing covers on Youtube just to get my voice heard, it was always was something I’d considered but didn't know how to go about it - I didn't even have an account.

I had to start somewhere, so I jumped straight in, made a quick video and shared it online and as a result I got a lot of positive support and good feedback.

I remember watching Leona Lewis on X factor back in 2006 and when she won I realised that dreams really can come true. Singing always helped me concentrate I used to hum a tune to myself and then words from whatever I was thinking about just followed, so I started to write them down.

They started out on paper as notes which turned to poetry and then eventually song lyrics. I've always sung around the house, school, on the bus whenever I had a song in my head I would have to sing it out loud.

Her musical message…

Music has to mean something so it connects with listeners. I tend to focus on whatever's in my head and then let it flow, everything has a deeper meaning.
I focus on breaking the mould and making a better life for myself and my family. I don't want to just wake up to fortune I want to make it through something and that is music.

She recalls ‘one day I was looking out my window, thinking there's so much outside, so much more than what I had inside, it wasn't fulfilling.

Sacrifices…

Time is my only sacrifice, I have put a lot into my music which could have gone towards college work, but the way I see it is there's got to be sacrifices if you really want something and I anticipate a lot more in future. No pain no gain!

Hobbies…

Irish dancing, it’s a a great way of keeping in shape. I competed professionally when I was 7 and travelled a lot to different countries through such as Spain, New York and Ireland of course!

Her audience…

I'd like to think my voice appeals to a wide audience and I have a range of listeners. I think my audience will develop more over time.

A variety of ages can identify with me musically because as I interact a lot with different genres and styles which have a lot of similarities and musical interests.

The music industry…

Being a new artist in the UK when there's so much talent out there I'm bound to face comparisons. It’s hard to come out as something no one's seen and will accept. Even if you’re genuinely just being yourself people might say you're trying to be like so and so or you're similar to this person.

I think every artist should be known in their own right instead of being ranked against everyone else out there. There’re a lot of female artists doing big things at the moment and they’re all individual and bring something different to the industry, especially with a lot of British ladies coming through so quickly.

She adds ‘in a male dominated industry people think girls should be a certain way. The raunchy thing is in right now, so there's pressure on females to be sexualised and as a young female artist there's pressure to be a certain way, but I don’t have Nicki Minaj's body or Rihanna's raunchiness.

I'm just Jazzmine, so all I can hope is that people are able to appreciate that.

Her inspirations…

‘Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Rihanna, Adele, Jesse J and Leona Lewis’ – she explains ‘they had a dream from a young age and not only made it a reality but pursued it relentlessly.

Alicia Keys, I've loved her ever since I heard Fallin. Rihanna, she made it big in such a short time and wasn't afraid to reinvent herself, Adele her voice and her level of achievement is inspiring. Jessie J, her song writing ability is amazing and she writes in a way that a lot of young people relate to. Leona Lewis, she's so humble, I don't think she knows how great she is!

I'm generally a fan of strong female vocalists but I also love Snow Patrol, Coldplay, The Script and growing up I was a big fan of Avril Lavigne!

Future plans…

I don’t just want to be a Youtube cover girl; I'm working on my original material. My 1st track should be out this year and I am also working on a demo/EP.

I'm really working hard so you can expect a lot from me. I don't wanna say too much, everything is a working progress so catch up with me in the near future to see where I'm at

You can now catch follow Jazzmine via Twitter and Youtube. :)

Kozy - Ali Kosé

After covering tracks from the likes of Lil Wayne, Maroon 5, Jessie J, John Legend and more he’s managed to accumulate more than 50,000 YouTube views. Not only is this South London male a songwriter, but a producer, singer and composer that uses his craft to work with disaffected young people in his local community, where they've worked together to set up an independent radio station.

Kozy formally known as Ali is a musician who started MC'ing at the age of 16, where he made the commitment to write songs to reflect the social times in which he lived.

Since then he has grown from strength the strength expanding his craft. I thought I’d catch up with him to find out more.

‘I sing, song write, play multiple instruments, produce and compose music from different genres. Says Kozy, he continues, ‘when I was 12 I started playing guitar’ from there on he began to develop his love for music. He continues, ‘when I was around 21 years old, I started singing and i found my passion for music grew stronger and before I knew it was taking vocal lessons to develop my unique voice.

For Kozy, Music is ‘self-fulfilment and spiritual healing’; he explains ‘when I sing I feel happy, I feel complete and pure in my soul.

‘My audience are people who enjoy genuine vocal gymnastics and the appreciation of a well-trained voice. Usually, people who feel music from the heart and soul can relate to my raw approach.’

‘My natural focus, versatile vocal range as well as my ability to sing in a pop genre, sweeps across the board and finds its charm into fusing with any given genre of music. I think appeal to people through adapting my lyrics to all age groups and writing songs everyone can relate to.‘

‘I am inspired by Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Motown, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Queen, Frank Sinatra, Baby Face, Boys 2 Men, Fugees, Wyclef, Dru Hill, Musiq Soul Child, Glen Lewis, Pharell Williams, Ginuwine,  Donell Jones, Jon B, 2 Pac, Bob Marley, Damien Marley, Joe, Miguel, Sade, Dr Dre, Dark Child, Destinys Child, Turkish artists, Latin music, film music.’

‘Pretty much anything I can enjoy listening to and take an influence from to help my creativity. The reason why I love music in general is because of Michael Jackson.'

'His tape was bought for me when I was 5 years old in the 80's and from there I fell in love. I’m passionate about all genres of music but, I especially appreciate production from the likes of Quincy Jones for his versatility across the board, especially in film and music production.’

He would say that 3 crucial qualities of a musician are ‘feeling, uniqueness and ability to convey a message’. He explains, ‘A musician should be almost like an actor who can make you feel the theme of the story he or she is narrating through the flow of a unique expression and role play.'

When asked what we can expect from him in the future he says. ‘I’m at the stage of recording my professional original material. So you can expect to hear some unique sounds that I’ve composed wrote & produced myself, with some spectacular music video concepts to go with that. Once that’s done I’ll be touring all around the world making my merchandise available.'

For more of Kozy you can log on to his Official Site as well as follow him via Twitter and Youtube.

Triple Threat - D.W.A.I.N

He attended stage school from a young age, which gave him the opportunity to appear in American commercials as well as Eastenders. Later he became a member of the collective Chaos managed by Simon Cowell where he performed on Blue Peter alongside Sonita and appeared in her videos. He is now in the process of releasing his self entitled audio biography ‘D.W.A.I.N’. Triple Threat is a rapper, singer, producer and an inspirational speaker from London. 

I thought I’d catch up with him to find out where his career began, his views on the current industry as well as what we can expect from him in the future.

‘It all started when I was 8. My mum decided to teach me to sing, as both my parents sung in church. My mum sent me to stage school when I was young and managed to get myself into commercials for America and even popped up in Eastenders as an extra. Later, I managed to get into a group managed by Simon Cowell and at that time the group was named Choas’.

‘We performed with Sonita on Blue Peter and made a cameo appearance in one of her video’s. My first rapping experience was in school, I performed at an event and everyone in the hall went crazy. Since then I’ve continued rapping. In school I was into poetry and very intrigued about writing.

‘Over the years my music and my mindset has changed, as a result of particular life experiences. Life itself tends to teach us many things, which can influence one’s way of thinking. So I would say now my music represents hope, encouragement, enlightenment and struggle. My music represents my life and how I feel about particular subjects.

When asked what he is motivated by he says ‘life itself’. He explains ‘my life and significant others within it. I only talk about what I see or feel I use my music as a form of therapy, a therapeutic healing method, which allows me to express my concerns or even highlight my achievements. My songs are significant chapters and stories of my life’.

‘Triple Threat basically means three talents in one, rapping, singing and producing. I think it signifies how versatile I am as a person. I’m always keen to learn new things and always take a lot on’.

When asked who his target audience, he says ‘anyone who would listen to my music.  He continues ‘I’ve met and spoken to many different people who have taken an interest in my music and they all come from different walks of life.  So, I guess anyone who can relate to where I’m coming from’.

He feels people should listen to him because he has something relevant to say which some may feel as refreshing. He explains ‘I am only being myself, and try to be as honest as I can with my music. Each song is more or less like a chapter in my life, hence the reason why I have called my next project an Audio Biography which is entitled D.W.A.I.N - Determination With Attitude Intelligence and Navigation - Dwain is actually my real name I thought to myself what title would represent me? And I thought nothing better than my own name.

‘The best place music has taken me in my eyes would be when I performed on stage with a live band and my uncle Junior Marvin it was truly a defining moment for me. It was a wonderful experience. one I will cherish for ever to be honest’.

‘The industry has changed in recent years as more and more UK acts or artists are getting more recognition for the work. The UK scene has blossomed well with many acts making it through and making quality music. It is good to see people like Tinie Tempah who I know from the past doing well and Adele who’s album I love listening to again and again, as well as Jessie J, Chipmunk, Tinchy Stryder.’

‘The UK has definitely grown in terms of worldwide recognition. It is a positive step and I feel there are many more quality artists out there waiting to be heard, to me it means that the door has been open for other quality acts to rise and provide the world with quality music.

‘There are a lot of artist’s out there working hard at their craft so it is a bit difficult to say who would blow next, but people like Mz Bratt, Blue Robinson, Leon Jean-Marie, Raphaella, Ebru plus many more are doing their thing and could all be the next big thing to come out of the UK’.

When asked what we can expect from him in the future he says ‘I have the Audio Biography on its way soon, just currently working on some material so more music really. I currently have a video rotation at the moment entitled Drive Your Car, which has more of a deeper meaning than what the title indicates. They’ll be more videos to come, more projects in the near future; you can download some of my current material via Reverbnation for free, follow me on Twitter and add me on Facebook.

Triple Threats Audio Biography will be out soon stay tuned. 

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.

Clarity Defined - The Songwriter Herself

She started writing songs at the tender age of 11 and is now on her way to become a huge success. Clarity is a 23 year old musician from Liverpool who grew up listening Blues, Motown and Michael Jackson which influenced her to create her own style. Although she has been blessed with the talent of of singing, her passion lies in song writing. Her future aspirations include developing and expanding her skills as a musician alongside studying for her degree in Creative and Professional Writing at The University of East London. I thought i'd catch up with Clarity to find out more about her progress as an artist as well as he views on the current UK music industry.


What do you do and when did it start?

I am a songwriter/singer. I like to put the songwriter first because that is my ultimate aspiration. I started writing songs when I was 11 years old and I haven’t stopped since. I enjoy singing very much and feel blessed that I’m able to both. Although I intend to try to pursue a career in this too, I feel my truest talent lies in writing and I would be ecstatic for a career in just that. I take the singing aspect of things very seriously, but just don’t feel a lot of opportunity for personal growth currently exists in this. I mean, I can write as much and as many songs as I like, but having never had professional singing lessons, I’m not going to wake up tomorrow and have a better voice. I’m hoping the one day, It will be enough to take me to where I want to go and from there, I can progress.

When you where younger who where your music idols and have they influenced your style in any way?

I was brought up listening to a lot of different styles of music. I am very eclectic, just like my Dad. I loved Michael Jackson when I was younger, and so did my family. But my Dad listened to a lot Blues and Motown and I feel this very much influences my style and possibly even topic of writing. It wasn’t until I was a little bit older that I started taking the singing aspects of things more seriously so I would say more contemporary artists influences my style. This excludes most chart music. I struggle to find inspiring contemporary ‘popular’ music. It’s a shame because a lot of talent lies within ‘products of the industry.’


What would you say is different about the British Music scene?

I think the British music scene is brilliant because it’s not afraid to explore different kinds of music, fusing genres of music together to make brand new ones. I think the British music scene, given the chance, could set worldwide music trends. I think we’re slowly but surely putting our mark on the industry and gaining support from overseas. For example, the linkup between Skepta and Diddy, I mean, come on, that was something, right?

What was the hardest decision you've made in your career?
The hardest decision I have made in my career has been my decision to go to University. I could have very well continued to network and gain experience within music, but I decided that I had to have a plan B. I have no problem with ever needing to use my degree to get a 9-5 job, but it’s there just in case. It had nothing to do with a lack of faith or a pessimist view on my future; the music industry is just so fickle and even the greatest of talent gets overlooked. I finish University in May 2011. I do what I can in music in the mean time but being a student has ultimately had to come first. Once it’s over though, watch this space!

How often do you make music and who are your audience?

I write songs all the time. I have a tendency to just walk around making up new lyrics. The people I live with have got used to it, although it doesn’t go down too well when they’re watching their favourite TV programmes. You know when I’m in the house because you hear me before you see me. I don’t record songs that much anymore because, well, to be honest, producers don’t seem to be cutting it for me these days. I’m trying not to fall into a specific genre/scene, I want to branch out and start exploring who I am as an artist, making the kind of music I want to make, not the kind of music I’m making because I have no choice given the beats I’m being sent. A band would be ideal for me. I would say my audience in anyone enjoys good music, lol. Possibly more specifically women, solely for the fact that with me being a woman (incase you hadn’t noticed), I tend to write about relationships what I have been in with guys and obviously that is going to be more relatable to women.


Which female musician do you aspire to be like (if any) and who are your main influences?

I wouldn’t say that I aspire to be like any other female artist. I like to think that I’m just me, and that I aspire to stay true to whoever I am as artist throughout my career. I do adore and am heavily influenced by artists such as Jazmine Sullivan, Christette Michelle, Melanie Fiona, John Legend, Adele, Jessie J, ahh the list goes on. I pretty much appreciate any artists with any sort of uniqueness and those who write their own songs too.


Which artists have you collaborated with and who do you plan to in the future?

I have done the odd collaboration for underground MCs and what not, but to be honest, I’m not very big on collaborations at the moment. I think I need to spend time exploring my style of music, making it clear to the rest of the music world what kind of songs that I want to be writing and singing so they understand what kind of artists would match well with me and vice versa. I get a lot of people hollering to work together and although I appreciate all talent, I don’t intent to waste any time recording music that will portray me as being someone that I’m not.

Where do you see yourself in 2011?

I see myself continuing to invest as much time as I can in music in the first part of 2011, maybe do a bit more in regards to showing what I’m all about on YouTube and my social networking sites, and then once I’m finished at University to delve right in. I may possibly shoot a video at the beginning of 2011 too, providing I can decide on a good choice of song. The links are all there, I’m just waiting for the right moment to utilize them. And once I do, it’s onnnnn :-D

To get more from Clarity herself you can log onto her Facebook.