Ayo - Boom Ayo

Ayo is a musician from East London who started his music career at the tender age of 12. After experimenting with music with a childhood friend they then formed a duo ‘Illstarz’ in which Ayo became the lyricist and his friend made the beats.

Ironically Illstarz, is now the title of the label he co-owns. He then spent some time in the US during his teens where became heavily influenced by the Hip Hop Culture that gave rise to artist such as Jay Z, Nas, LL Cool J and Mobb Deep.

Ayo has recently release his latest single ‘Boom AYO’ featuring the likes of Princess Nyah, J2K and Frisco. I caught up with him to find out his sacrifices, future collaborations and his views on the current music industry.

I was influenced a lot by Hip Hop and staying with my cousin at the time it encouraged us to form a rap group, we recorded a few demos over known instrumentals, but were lacking original material.

So using tips and tricks learned from an old friend who used to make beats with, I began the production side of my career. Now years down the line I’ve managed to marry the two skills, rapping and producing, and add a little singing. Now my mission is to share it with the world.

I decided to turn my hobby into a career ‘when I was around 19, when I finished college and began working at a bar.

I was still doing music although it wasn’t something I did to support myself financially, but it would find a way of taking up all my time because I was so passionate about it.

Eventually, it started effecting my job at the bar in a bad way and i was called into my manager’s office. She sat me down and said "i can see you are not putting 100 percent into this job" I agreed and then explained to her why, she then said "either you put full focus on this job or you might as well resign because you will end up getting the sack" and that was my last day at the bar.

Two weeks later I sold my first production, a track called 'Married' which I did for 'Dj Ironik' 'warner music' - his record label at the time - paid me £2000 for it. From that point on I knew this was my new career and I never looked back.

I think my audience spans from the inner city to suburban youths and from the young to mature. I don't try to appeal to anyone I just do music I like but because my taste varies, I think it’s easy for someone to find at least one song of mine they like.

I don’t have any regrets, I think with anything I do, I go into it knowing there is no choice but to make it work.

Even if it’s harder than not doing it in the first place, so I never wish that didn't do things.

I love the music scene right now; I think the hunger that was prevalent in the 90's by artists is coming back! People are trying different things and working hard which inspires good music. My message is don't feel like you have to put yourself in a box to be cool, you can be respected for doing what you want to do.

Social networking really helps because you can reach people and know that your reaching them, whereas back in the day you wouldn't be able to see who your fans were or how many fans you actually have. Now you can communicate with them, you can also show them new music without having to do the full on promote via TV, radio concerts.

I’ve worked with quite a lot of artists, just to name a few, Labrinth, Dionne Broomfield, Jason Derulo, Rebecca Furguson, Roll Deep, Wretch32, Jessica Lowndes from 90210, Natt Weller, Paul Weller's son, the list goes on.

I really want to work with some more afro beat artists and maybe some rappers from the states such as Jay Z

Check out my new single 'Boom Ayo' it’s got a heavy urban remix ft J2K from Roll Deep, Princess Nyah & Frisco from Boy Better Know.

For more of Ayo, you can follow him via his Official Site, Facebook, and Twitter.

Bianca Simmone - Super Human

‘Only the hungriest and hard working will survive, sometimes it isn't always even about the talent’, says the West London model, turned songstress Bianca Simmone who is now in the process of releasing her third single Super Human. Her last single Pressure ft Baby Blue received immense support accumulating over 25,000 Youtube hits, she has also had the pleasure of working with individuals such as Eric B and H Money and plans to collaborate with Wretch 32, Neyo, Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne in the future.

I thought I’d catch up with her to find out where it all started, who her inspirations are and what sacrifices she has made during her journey.

‘I’ve always loved music ever since the day I could walk and talk’ says Bianca when asked how she initially got into music, she continues ‘It’s in my blood’ She laughs ‘without music I wouldn’t be unhappy, its like love, without it where would we be? My mum loves music and is a great dancer, my brother can sing and used to DJ and play instruments so it’s in my family’.

‘No day is ever the same really’, she says as she explains a typical day in her life. ‘One day I could be working a 9-5, next minute I’m handling calls and bookings and exchanging ideas in-between working, then head home to go studio on the other side of London and don't get home till 4am and knowing my alarm clock is going to go off and drive me crazy in 3 hrs. Then working all day again to jump in the car and have to drive out of London to do a show’.

‘My audience are 14 - 25, females who are trying to find their feet in life and boys who are turning into men but need a little direction as to how to deal with females as lets face it, they have no clue any more’ says sarcastically. ‘Sometimes they just need it said in black and white and ladies just need to be more real and not beat around the bush about things and also know to put themselves first as we know many fail to do so due to fear of loosing or never finding their love. I’ve lived and travelled down this road so I totally understand and can share my experiences with them all’.

‘I’ve had the honour of working with H-Money and the BOE team. They are special and talented people who I have much love for on a professional and friendship level. I have also worked with Eric B who is a writer and singer - who has worked with Chipmunk on Champion and In The Air -  and wrote for other artists in the US and UK’.

‘I would like to do a track with Wretch. He’s a talented artist with great energy and we get on really well so I'm sure we would make great music together. I would also like to work with Neyo as I think vocally he is great and his writing ability is just spot on. I would love to do a song with Busta & Lil Wayne as their creativity on a track and energy is out of this world, they kill every beat they jump on and I know working with both of them we could make killer hits’.

When asked when is the right time for artists to take their music to a professional level in comparison to it just being a hobby she replies ‘I think the right time depends on each individual, never wait on someone to tell you now is the right time’. She explains ‘You will feel it, you will breathe it and it will present itself to you in a way that will tell you, you need to take it to the next level. The only thing I suggest is to study and graft at your art first before taking a leap, believe in what you are doing and make sure you are ready and determined as the industry isn't as easy as people portray it to be. Only the hungriest and hard working will survive, sometimes it isn't always even about the talent’.

Her music has taken her to a variety of places but she feels the best is when she can sit in a studio and have no idea of what song is going to be made next’. She continues ‘with no writing team or someone directing me and with just me and the producer sitting there creating a vibe with each other to the point we both bring something so magical and full of life to the table that others walk in and listen and are blown away’.

‘I never regret, everything happens for a reason and its all apart of the journey. I have sacrificed financially and definitely sleep time. Emotionally you sacrifice too but you have to as nothing, is just handed to you without hard work'.

‘I’m inspired by many different people and artists, my mum inspires me with her hard work and determination to succeed and provide and always fill those around her with her love. I was brought up on hip hop like Run DMC, Jay Z, Nas, soul artist like total, soul to soul, SWV, I love today's artists like Ciara, Keri Hilson, especially Beyonce, her ability to always achieve more and her hard work, the creative artists who push their bounds and sustain. I guess I look at anyone positive, who isn't afraid to step out the box and be themselves at the same time’.

‘I’m putting out my third 3rd Super Human produced by Truth (BOE) and co-written by myself and Jermaine Riley - former singer of the group Fundamental.  ‘Im also working towards putting together an album hopefully to come out next year. With a few collaborations over here in the UK and in the US too’.

She is also working on building a Company/Academy for young females who are getting into the industry called The BTA Academy which will all be revealed soon stay tuned and follow Bianca via Twitter and Facebook.   

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 .