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.

Ethan Breakaway - Some Stories Are True That Never Happened

What started out as a 4 man band, soon reduced to him and his music, which are one of the many lessons he’s learnt about the music industry and how quickly things can change. Since 2007, he’s been playing around with production software such as Fruity Loops, which has successfully given him songs and beats to upload to Myspace, where he's met and collaborated with up and coming artist such as Enrico Delves and Duane Lamonte.  Ethan Breakaway is an 18 year old musician from West London, who loves to make music when he’s not ‘meeting new people or staying up late looking at the moon’.

I thought I’d catch up with Ethan himself, to find out more.

’Four years ago I started producing, playing about with the good old Fruity Loops uploading to Myspace just like everyone really at the time', he says when asked how he initially got into music. He continues ‘I was in a three man group, which then dropped to two which was a very R n B harmony wise and then turned to more indie type music. From the split of that group, I joined a four person production team which included two writers, producer - me - and a robot  - writer/producer . Now I’m in a one man band, artist. Hoping it doesn't turn to zero, I produce and write all of my music'.

’My music represents my life in a way it’s all based on true stories with the main word being "based", so all my inspiration for my music are stories, which reflects the tattoo across my chest which says; "Some stories are true that never happened".

'As of appealing to my listeners, I feel they appeal to me in the sense that they make me want to make more music’.

‘If you call not really having a social life a sacrifice then that would be it’. He says when asked about the sacrifices he's made in order to pursue his career, he continues,  ‘I’m not someone who regrets things, I believe everything happens for a reason, especially if you're positively focused on something you really want to do’.

'I've worked with Enrico Delves and Duane Lamonte. In future i'd love to work on a record with Alex Da Kid, Labrinth, Angel, Dappy, Wretch 32, Chipmunk and loads more UK wise. US wise the list is endless’.

He identifies that a lot of his inspiration comes from industry veterans such as ‘Michael Jackson’ ‘Usher’. Four qualities he believes a great musician or artist should possess are’Talent which is the best head start. Dedication, positivists and love for whatever you’re doing’.

When asked about the future he says ‘the near future for Ethan Breakaway is even unknown to me, but you can definitely expect more and more original music as always.

'As for the future ahead of the near future, A Number 1 single? Sold out tour? Brit, Grammy award? The Jonathan Ross show?

I mean who knows?’

For more of Ethan you can add him via Facebook and follow him on Twitter. 

Mikel Ameen - Backside

It’s not often you hear musicians comment positively the human derrière, especially in the case of females, but after hearing his latest release ‘Backside’, I was compelled to get in touch with the musician himself to find out more. Mikel Ameen is musician and social entrepreneur from North West London who began pursuing his music 4 years ago, since then he has gone from strength to strength accumulating over 900 follower on twitter and multiple video hits via Youtube.

I thought I’d catch up with Mikel to find out his motivations, inspiration and where it all started.

‘I got into music naturally when I baby. It has always played a big part in family life. Music got my dad to this country so it was kind of inevitable that his children would be into Entertainment’.

He would say the best place music has taken him is to ‘a higher level of consciousness’. He explains ‘I can’t describe how much listening to the right music has taken my mind to a better place of thinking’

When Mikel’s not making music or reading he’s involved in social events, such as Dance 4 Life UK, a nationwide initiative that uses media, music and dance to educate, empower and unite young people in taking a stand against HIV and AIDS.

In the same vein he is also involved in the youth organisation Get Familyar which is a branch of his father’s charity ACDF – African Carribean Development Foundation – that specialises in entertainment and arts, that aims to develop social, personal and communication skills for young people, as well as provide them with productive training via workshops.  

Music for him is literally therapy; he says ‘reciting my pains and loves to a rhythm is refreshing. If something is on my mind for a while then usually, I’m compelled to right about it.  My song backside is a question to men and women about the obsession with the females BUM, is it natural or is it perverted. Like most of my songs I’m trying to get people thinking.’

His inspirations include Bob Marley, he likes the way ‘he delivered his music, his love and his mission to the people’ and he feels ‘he did so much through his music for the lives of others’, he wants to do the same in the future. 'Michael Jackson', he says ‘he is the LORD of music entertainment what cant you take from him’ and lastly ‘Hon. Min. Louis Farrakhan’ he says ‘as a man I look up to him. He is the greatest example of how to conduct yourself with morals, strength & discipline. He has spent over 50 years dedicated to the uplifting of black people and is still going strong. I follow him on twitter.’

He would say the right time for a musician to take the transition from music to a profession in comparison to it being a hobby is ‘when you’ve whole-heartedly decided that, that’s what you’re going to do, but he still understands that ‘it’s different for everyone, he explains 'I know more doors are opening for me. I just got to continue doing the best for me and my time will come’. He would advise up and coming musicians to ‘go in’, with their music and ‘don’t look back’.

He thinks ‘the industry right now is the best it’s been, especially for UK artist', he says 'we are hitting the top of every chart’ so he’s happy.

For more of Mikel you can now contact him personally via his Facebook, Twitter and Myspace  as well as check out the GetFamilyar Official Site. 

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.

Terra Artist

From youth clubs and pirate radio stations, to becoming the talk of the town in 2007 Terra Artist began to situate his place in the music industry with the release of 'Junior Spesh' - which featured additional members of Red Hot Entertainment. The song received huge airplay via Radio 1Xtra as well as Choice FM and has enabled 21 year old Terra to develop his solo career. Although he has been writing since 2003 and released his début vocal 'Who Is It' in 2005, Terra Artist has faced a number hiccups, including promoters and DJ'S blocking him out of the scene. Over the past two years he has been working hard to build up his fan-base, as well as prepare his forthcoming releases, one of which includes 'Ying Yang' which is due out in May.

I thought I'd catch with Terra himself to find out where it all started as well as how he managed to overcome the industries difficulties.


What is your profession and where did it start?

Im a recording artist in the UK, ive been writing and recording songs for about 3-4 years, but my passion for music begun when I was 15 years old.I started practising in my room, and following my older brother to radio sets which taught me how to mix and what's what.

What problems have you faced in the music industry and how have you managed to overcome them ?

Boy! Ive faced alot you know. It's like you take two steps forward and 1 step back so it's a struggle, but im down to fight for what I love doing. In this industry it's predominantly a 'dog eat dog world' alot of other artists, be it singers / producers / dj's etc are all fighting to get to the top and sometimes you have to just think about yourself in order to get there. I've had DJ's and promoters blocking me, not playing my music for reasons unknown to me, interferring with bookings or shows that I'm supposed to perform at, as well as beats being given to other artists and a bag of things. You just gotta keep your head up and maintain ambition.


Which artists do you aspire to and why?

Michael Jackson, legend! Despite all the slander and torture he received from the media he just kept level headed. I'n not saying im like him, but his quality of humbleness show through my music.

How are you different from other artists?

I think there's alot of different and unique artists out here, but it's the minority. A lot of artists just chase the women, cars and jewellery and rap about things with no substance. What I think makes me different is that I couldn't care less for what people think about ME, as a person. My music speaks volumes, I write about what I've been through, what I've experienced and what I wish for. A child of 10 years old can relate to some tracks, then you get an old lady who can also relate to my music. LOL, so its mad like that.

What was the last album your purchased and how important is it to you to do so as an artist?

Ermmm...i hardly buy albums which is bad. I normally buy singles, or download which is probably even worse in terms of supporting the scene LOL. But the last album I bought was Dizzee Rascal's first album "Boy In Da Corner". I felt him, I liked his flow, his song subjects, his approach to music was wreckless he didn't care. I just knew he was gonna blow up. Plus being from East London - Bow - i was around him as a youngster with my older brother, back in the day he really represented UK / London grime!


Who are your perspective audience and how do you appeal to them?

A lot of people tell me that my music appeal to people aged 16 to 19 year or mainly females. I think it's because most of my songs are love related, not all happy stories, some are sad. I've even made a couple get back together from a song of mine called "Angel's Message" which can be found on youtube. I took that as a compliment, ive been hurt before in the past and love does mess you up so i put all my thoughts and feelings on paper with that song.

Where is the best place music has taken you ?

A song i was featured in called Junior Spesh definitely opened doors for me, Being played day in day out on big stations like 1xtra and Choice Fm was a shock. Also being invited for a Channel 4 interview and a couple shows and tour dates. It made me think on a whole new level.


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

I know people hear this all the time, but its probably the best peice of advice if you want to chase a dream, not just music but anything. Be yourself...don't let anyone tell you otherwise, dont try to fit into any sort of crowd because then you'll just blend in and be the same. Especially in the music industry, labels want a fresh beginning because soon, the cars, money, diamonds and sexy women will die out.
Just be you!

What can we expect from you in 2011?

Videos,videos,videos, albums! I'll be doing my own songs and projects with some good features so stay tuned. I done alot of ground work in 2009 and 2010 so now im ready to launch properly. Make sure you buy my single "Ying Yang" on iTunes its out in May!

For more of Terra Artist you can contact him via his Facebook

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.

Who Is Lady Shivz?

Shivon Da’nette is an up and coming singer, songwriter from East London, formally known to the underground Grime scene as Lady Shivz. Despite her miner ‘war’ in the scene with South London musician Dot Rotten, she has continued her music journey aiming to enter the mainstream. With over 3000 youtube hits during the he first week of her new single, ‘Priority’, we can only suspect that she’s well on the right track to stardom. I thought I’d catch up with Lady Shivz to find out how she got in to music as well as what we can expect from her in the future.



When did you realise music was for you?

Probably just before I hit my teen years. I was always listening to Mariah Carey in her prime and the way she used her voice, as well as many other singers and I grabbed on to how they expressed their emotions through music.

What has been your worst experience and how did you overcome it?

My worst experience in music was when the wrong person found me attractive and didn't like the fact that I was ignorant to care about it. They made up a 'diss track' aimed at me and it was a big stepping stone for me because I was still finding my way in the up n coming area. I suppose I could of handled it much better but at the time I wasn't as known in the music scene as I am now and hadn't experienced any form of lies, hatred or controversy to that extent.


Which artist/s would you say have impacted or influenced you musically and why?

Keisha Cole, she has hard times in life but she always expresses herself through music, I love that. Michael Jackson R.I.P has influenced the way I express my emotion through music, he never held back the way he felt and also this is why I write my own lyrics because it gives me much more adrenaline in studio to sing something coming from me.

How would you describe your style?

Pretty much versatile, when I started singing people would either say I have an 'angelic voice' or a 'powerful voice' which is down to me having so much style.

As a musician what are your views on of the innovation of social networking sites such as twitter, facebook and myspace?

Social networking sites are the best things you can use to build your fanbase, promote your music and build your contacts. You can find almost everyone from directors, to producers, to record label A n Rs on facebook, twitter etc. I started from myspace to promote my music, jumped on facebook to network with people within the music scene besides artists, and twitter is just the easiest way to get '@' anyone you feel is important to what your doing 24/7.


What artists would you like to work with and what can we expect from you in the future?
Hmm thats a tricky one, I am more focused on putting my music out there so people would want to work with me rather than me wishing to work with somebody else lol. I'm currently wrapping up my mixtape Frozen Hype which is grime music and at the same time working on a few projects for release and collaborations with other grime artists. I've just put out my new video 'Priority' the feedback and support is incredible and amazing I am really appreciating everyone supporting UK talent and telling me how much they are waiting to hear more, I love the fact that no one knows what to expect as I’ve been quiet working on a lot of music. I'm shooting another video abroad next month, the location hasn't been confirmed yet and I've got a few more hot trick up my sleeve.

What advice would you give to up and coming musicians?

Be prepared to put in the work. You have to want it so much that you’re going out your way to network and contact people, search in google about labels find out who is who, it’s a lot of work. The main thing is to work on your talent and build up your FANBASE. Even if you feel that other artists or important people in the scene are not trying to help or open doors for you, as long as you have your fanbase focus on them and your music. There are a few musicians who are only heard of when they receive help from others but their fanbase isn't strong. Also the internet has helped a lot, its free promotion basically. Promote your stuff, do everything at a good quality and you will be noticed. Go to networking events and let people know who you are just by word of mouth; your name will eventually ring bells. Just put your heart into music if you really are passionate about it and remember it’s more than a 9 to 5 job, music is my life and you won't see me give up.

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