Infecta - The Bridge

He has had the pleasure of working with the BBC, Channel 4 and RWD Magazine and has also been described as ‘a young, talented, upcoming musician, an artist’ by Kiss 100’s DJ Logan Sama. You could even say he’s a media mogul considering his track list of achievements, which include designing, event organising, performing, recording and more. Infecta is a musician from South London who is set to release his debut single ‘Sometimes’ from his long awaited album ‘The Bridge’ featuring Oronde Bennett later this summer.

I thought I’d catch up with Infecta himself to find out where it all started his views on the current industry and more. 

Infecta initially got into music as he ‘just wanted to communicate’ with others, He explained ‘after arriving in London around the birth of the grime music scene I gained a lot more influence from everyone in the scene’ especially from artists such as ‘Dizzee Rascal, Kano, and Wiley. This  gave him the initial kick-start to 'actually spitting lyrics and joining in the playground cyphers' which where he says 'it all started’.

His alias 'Infecta' stands for: 'lyrically sick and influence others to spit' which was given to him by a close friend who passed away, yet he decided to keep the name in his honour. Sadly, he experienced prejudice in the form of bullying so music quickly became ‘a form of art therapy’ for him. He says, ‘I wanted to find a way to overcome my language barrier as I was a young black boy fresh from home so I couldn't speak properly’, in terms of homes he means Nigeria, where he lived for 10 years before coming to London.  

As a child he was ‘influenced by all forms of music’ and spent hours sat in front of the radio, he would say his three major influences were Madonna, Michael Jackson and Missy Elliot. He focuses mainly on vocals, so whether it be gospel, poetry, grime, spoken word, rap, singing or song writing he would say ‘he’s about it' he says, 'what I make is good music that has a positive theme to it. It carries meaningful messages most of the times, plus I try to keep it clean rather than dirty. I’m not here to take your money or win souls or do something that is silly, twisted or corrupt because I believe that music was made for expression and once you start using it for other singled out self gaining goals you add to the corruption which we all know exist within the scene today.’

‘My music represents myself firstly as I know I can't speak for others. It represents positivity, morals, originality. The things that play a part in my life like my surroundings. I convey this through my lyrics and reflect on them through what I record. My motivations are my dreams and my ambition is to make them a reality, by sharing my gift and not saving it to myself so that way hopefully I can influence others’.

When asked if he would choose fame or fortune he says, ‘If you mean fortune as in wealth then I choose fame because there’s a lot more with the favour you will gain from fame, than just having the money. I chase the rank not the bank so I’d rather leave my mark. Everything I do, I do it properly, or at least try to and I always say I only wanted fortune then, as far as music is concerned I would’ve been a songwriter or ghost-writer’.

‘Aside from music my talents lie in acting and directing. I’ve featured in films and helped with some which have been on BBC and Channel 4. I design for my clothing label called 'i&i' which is in sync with HustleBucks which was recently featured in RWD Magazine recently. I also model, I’ve worked for Nike, Addidas, IFeelExperience, Urban Development, Box Frsh, Forreduci, and other fashion and runway Shows. I’ve recently started an Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship because I’ve always loved technology from a young age, I remember the day we were making my alias I wanted to be called 'Gearz' because I was interested in Electrics and Mechanics. I also do a lot of youth work with a number of companies such as; Prince's Trust, Black Police Association, Safer Southwark Partnership, Kickstart, and Foundation 4 Life'. 

‘I promote myself through any means necessary literally. Anything I can get involved, from flyers to posters. I’m always building contacts and networks when I go to music events, talent shows, music competitions, and other online opportunities. I also promote through all my social mediums and outlets which are on on my official site’.  

‘An example of promoting myself successfully was when I emailed Whtvr.org for around 2 years asking for support as a Southwark resident, so I thought that it made sense for them to support me. They just launched and showcased someone close to me so I though I’d have a chance instead of gazing at the stars go out and introduce yourself as one, so I did, but they never replied, but I never lost hope’.

'They eventually replied and contacted me through my boss Chloe Newman and the interview was done at last. At the time they were also a bigger magazine company so they gave me a two page spread and a front cover which was sent through the whole of Southwark and opened the doors to two more front cover opportunities and got me as one of the headlining acts alongside; Scorcher, Princess Nyah, Egypt, Akala, RD and many more.’

‘This all happened through persistence, it taught me something serious in music, that people only care when there is a buzz. When they where ready, they contacted me but only because I was still working hard in the background and pestering them. Then one thing or another came under their radar and they remembered me and the bookings and magazines opportunities followed. I learnt to be persistent not just on waiting for a bring in from someone else but on making the next big thing for yourself, which was kind of what I was already doing but it only came to my realization at that time’.

He would say that the current music industry ‘is very pretentious and corrupt, but music itself is evolving and growing, making new marks and breaking boundaries. He adds ’I love it, it's inspiring to see so many artist building empires with their supporters not just a fan base and seeing the way technology is adding to the evolution of music, it scares me a bit but also excites me. I have now learnt to support an artist based on the ethics, work rate and music not just music and this is due to the current climate’.

‘My future is bright, but not necessarily is it orange and that I can assure you! I do have an album called ‘The Bridge’ featuring Oronde Bennett aka The Bridge who is a producer and Singer so he produces the melodies and I lace them with words and together we grace them with wisdom mixing down then WALA, a finished product.‘

‘The first single 'Sometimes' from the album will be making it's début on television before August, also an EP with an established producer that does music for commercials by the name Yung Sir. I’m also working with one of the highest ranking female DJ - DJ Nikki From Beatnik on a project and also a whole heap of videos working with YouTube channels so you can enjoy audio visuals as I give freestyles here and there.’

‘Also the clothing will be available online soon for supporters. I wouldn't give it all away or there would be no show so follow on twitter to see what's in store, but know this when one starts it would not stop, the way I have projects lined up is to start and then keep going.’

For more of Infecta you can now checkout his Official Site as well as contact him on Facebook and Twitter. 

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?

The Big Man Zest - Who I Am

Big Man Zest is a 23 year old musician from South London. In January 2009 he released the funky anthem 'Jump in The Middle and Skank' which was a huge success for the UK music scene similar to Migraine Skank by Gracious K and Head Shoulders Knees and Toes by K.I.G. Since Zest departed from the Play Entertainment camp, he has been working hard on his current single titled 'Who I Am' which will be released 31st January 2011 . I thought I'd catch up with the Big Man Zest himself to find out where it all started.


When did your musical career start and why?
I broke into the music scene in January 2009 with a funky track entitled “Jump In The Middle & Skank”. We were in the studio one day having fun and the result was a UK funky underground smash.

How often do you make music and what messages to you aim to convey?

I like to create music in the studio as much as possible, any time that I get. The messages I like to convey in my music is just about people enjoying themselves and having fun.


Which artists do you currently like and why?

I currently like Tinie Tempah because his live performances are outstanding , he always puts in 100%. Skepta as he’s breaking down so many barriers for the UK music scene – ie Hello Good Morning remix. Kano because to me he will always be one or if
not the number one grime lyricist there is to date.

How far do you agree with artists commercialising their music and lyrics in order to make money?

I don’t necessarily think its just to make money I believe one thing about being an artist is about growth. One way of showing growth is by making music that appeals to everybody, therefore I only respect artists that cross over.


What would you say are the top three rules to making it in the industry and why?

Hard work, Determination and Patience! I believe you need these 3 key elements to make it in this industry as it builds your character to stand the test of time and helps you to stay focussed during the struggle to reach the top.

How has the music you've grown up with influenced your style as an artist?

The music I have grown up with has defiantely influenced me as it means im not fearful of tackling different genres.


Where would you like to see yourself perform and who with?

I would like to perform at ‘Sting’ a Christmas reggae dancehall show in Jamaica with Busy Signal .

What is your main aspiration for your career?

To cement myself as a worldwide representative of UK music and break into acting.

For more of Zest, you contact via his Myspace, Twitter or Official Website.

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.

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 .

Dazzle - The Road To Stardom

Dazzle Is An Up And Coming Musician From Hackney, North London Who Has Been Working On The Backdrop Of The Underground Music Scene For A Number Of Years. He Has Previously Released Two Promotional CD’S Under The Titles Of ‘The Prodigy’ And ‘Stardust’ And He Is Currently In The Process Of Forming His Forthcoming Mixtape ‘Road To Stardom’. Here Is A Brief Interview With Dazzle, I Thought I’d Catch Up With Him To See What He’s Got In Store For Us Listeners.


So Dazzle, What Does Music Mean To You?

Music, Well there isn't one exact definition of music. However to me music is communication and a form of art. Music is a creative method by which one can get his/her voice heard, and spread an opinion through to thousands. I personally believe that music is an expression of feelings were lyrics are recorded over a beat.

How Much Of An Impact Has The Music You Grew Up With Had On Your Own Style As A Musician?

I personally grew up around a lot of gospel music. My mum, being a very religious woman, used to enjoy blasting her gospel CDs throughout the house on Sunday afternoons. LOL. Gospel tends to be quite a reflective type of genre, it tends to be quite considerate and reflects meaning. My music, therefore, represents ME. I make music that I myself and other people can relate to.


What Do You Focus On When Making Music?

When I record my music, I focus mainly on how I come across to listeners. I like my music to feel realistic therefore I attempt to put myself in the situation I'm MC'ing about every time I hit the booth. I also always attempt to make my music either meaningful or relatable.

What Artists Do You Looking Up To and Why?

I wouldn't say that there are specific artists I look up to, I just prefer GOOD artists, as I feel that you can't have a particular artists who is the 'best', all that really matters is how much you appeal to people. You can have the best rhymes in the hood, but if you don't have any commercial appeal…well you ain't going no where. LOL.
However if you asked me who my favourite artist was… I would have to say… Kano. His unique style and humility was mainly what got me into music in the 1st place.


Other Than Music, Can You Think Of Another Way Of Communicating Your Experiences or Ideas?

Other than music...Hmmmm Well...
Other ways I can think of communicating my experiences/ideas would be through…well...words. This is because…music… when you think about it, is nothing more than poetry on a beat, with a little bit of flow added to the mixture. If not through music, I like to express myself through writing... English has always been one of my favourite and preferred subjects at school, up to this day.

What Can We Expect From You As An Artist?

To be true… A LOT.
However, I've felt the need to say this for quite a while now. There are FAR too many artists who when interviewed always claim to have 'a lot in the pipeline' but nothing ever actually comes out of the other end. All I'm going to say for now is… a LOT. I personally feel with whatever you do in life there is a necessity to put in a 100% and to also do it to the best of your ability. Otherwise you might as well not have attempted it in the 1st place. I'm a very motivated individual and do what I do for the genuine love of it.

Lock On To www.myspace.com/dazzlemc For More Of Dazzle!