Fatal Hitchkoch - BreddWinnaz

‘I view my lyrics as a movie script; I always try to give that cinematic feel to my records, my listeners can actually picture scenes of what I'm saying in their head’ said Richard Anaman, also know as Fatal Hitchkock CEO of the urban music label BreddWinnaz. In 2010 his remix to 'Hello Good Morning' featuring Tinchy Stryder was spotted and promoted by P Diddy, since then he has made appearances on DJ Mixtapes including the likes of DJ Woogie , DJ AME and DJ Drama as well as featuring on BBC 1xtra Home Grown Selection.   

I thought I’d catch up with him to find out his ambitions, sacrifices and influences.

‘I'm a Jack of All Trade, Master of All’. He confidently replies when asked how and where it all started. He laughs and confesses ‘I had to change the ending of that expression. I'm a business-man, rapper, producer, manager – big up Maveriq - label owner, video and photo editor, web designer, should I go on? I'm 360 degrees. I do a lot of everything, if that makes sense’.

‘I know this is going to sound real cliché, but I just knew. It’s always been music. Ask all my Ex girlfriends. It’s always been MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC! I studied it in University; I spent all of my student loans and grants on recording equipment. Plus I knew I was too good to just let this gift go to the scrap. I mean P.Diddy thought I was good enough to promote my remix to 'Hello Good Morning' on twitter twice, so u know. If I got Diddy's attention off just a short 16 bar, imagine the effect im'ma have when I really go H.A.M.’

‘I started rapping when I was about 8 or 9 after I heard my brother playing 2pac's "Hit 'Em Up" I was hooked. I was one gangster 10 year old talking about a whole lot of sh*t I knew nothing about. I thought I was the Sh*t I had the American accent locked, bandana's I went the whole 9 Yards with it. I remember recording my 1st real structured track when I was about 14, at my secondary school friend J-Flowz house – who now produces for Wretch32. He put me straight about the US accent. I got a Cubase 5VST that’s real old school, a piece of wood from my bunk bed ladder, a karaoke mic, a chair and some duck tape and from then it was on’.

‘Richard handles the Business side of things, and is the brains behind the Brand BreddWinnaz and Fatal Hitchkoch is the brain that lays the music’, he replies when asked how he differs from his alias. ‘The Fatal part of my name actually stands for ‘F*ck All Traitors And Liars’ and well the Hitchkoch part came Alfred Hitchcock as he is like the originator of the thriller and horror genre. He put his personal stamp on all his projects, which have influence so many films to date. I see myself like that. I view my lyrics as a movie script; you know I always try to give that cinematic feel to my records, so you can actually picture scenes of what I am saying in your head’.

  

‘My music is for anyone that appreciates my music. I don't want to close bracket and exclude anyone. I mean I make music for myself; I’m just fortunate enough to have people that appreciate and support it. I have a wide audience from the ages of 13 - 60. The music I make is aimed to inspire, entertain, inform and educate. I remember some one telling me once. "Yo forget the man'dem. Make music women love, because the man'dem will want what ever women are on" Which to me makes too much sense, so I always have women in the studio with me when I’m crafting, asking what do you think of this lyric? Should I say this? What do you think of this song?’  

In the past he has had the pleasure of collaborating with other UK acts including Roll Deep, Baby Blue, Donaeo, Selah, Davinche, Maveriq, PW, Base N Rebulz Entertainments and many more. He says ‘I always try to ‘Keep it Real’ in the respects I don't try to sugar coat the truth. There is a problem, just come to inner city London, or any low income area across the country people are getting their heads blown off; people are hook on dangerous drugs, child molestation, and underage pregnancy. Real issues. But you know it's like out of sight out of mind. I'm not with that. So I act as the voice for the unheard. My lyrics are real life stories, somewhere I’m the main character, and sometimes I’m just the observer, the narrator.’

If he wasn’t a musician he’d probably be ‘Manager of WIMPY burgers, what else?’ he laughs and continues ‘only playing it would have to be something based around music or the film world like a Manager, video collaborating and photo digital editor, actually a pilot. I love planes. I'm actually in the process of completing my Private Pilots License; I'm at different altitude. I love it. It’s a weird feeling. Because you’re just orbiting in the air, there's not left, no right, no top, no bottom. You’re just orbiting. Once you try it. You’ll know exactly what I mean’. 

‘If I am not in the studio, I’m performing, or I’m out on location doing some filming, or editing, or putting in work behind the scenes for other artists, I’m always on the move. I don't see it as a sacrifice more of an investment. My whole life is music. The only regrets I have are, umm well, they’re a few situations which I didn't handle right at the time. I don't really want to go in to specifics but I could have handled a lot of opportunities and situations a lot better. But life is for learning and I won't be making those mistakes again. Trust me!’ 

Hitctkoch would love to rock the Stage with Jay-Z, he explains, ‘like him or hate him, you can not deny his abilities, dude makes me appreciate music as an art, and show's me it isn’t just about pairing words together, it's a lot more. Look at all the best rappers these are all intelligent guys regardless of the persona they put out in the public eye. Just look at Eminem, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, all smart dudes! His ideal place to perform would be in ‘Africa’ specifically in ‘Ghana’.  
 

He is inspired by 2Pac who he says ‘definitely inspired me’, Jay-z for the flow, business sense, lyrics, style. ‘Hustlers inspire me, anyone that is not willing to just settle for the cards life has dealt them, and take a hold of the wheel and steer in their own direction are my inspiration. I'm inspired by creative people and like-minded people. I love to be around creative people, because they give me that spark I need’. 

In 5years time you’ll see him ‘back here with me doing another interview’, he continues ‘I aim to be in a much better place than I am in now, I want to take this as far as my God will let me go. I've got my company BreddWinnaz which is a management, production and record company. The aim is to build on that brand and acquire global recognition; I'm shipping out to the states next year for a few months to hook up with a lot of the links I’ve made. So I’m taking the brand out there with me’.

‘We set up BreddWinnaz Africa, which is a promotion company hosting events and promoting West African Artist. That is still in its baby stages so we aiming to get that running properly. We Taking BreddWinnaz global! I'm also managing the future of the R n B world. Maveriq in 5 years I want to see him touring the world, I want to see people that don't speak English singing the lyrics to his words!’

He is currently working on his debut EP entitled the ‘Kraft’ which is due for release 11/11/11 whilst managing and producing fellow label mate Maveriq’s EP entitled ‘5Star’.

For more of him you can check his material out via his Official Website, Youtube and Soundcloud, as well as contact him personally via Facebook and Twitter. 

Also Check out : 


HOLD ME BACK – FATAL HITCHKOCH ft Bee (BreddWinnaz)

LET’S MAKE MUSIC – FATAL HITCHKOCH ft MAVERIQ

Dirty Danger - The 'I Ainte Rich Yet' EP

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


What do you do and how did it start?

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

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

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

Who are your current competition and what makes you different?

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


What motivates you as a musician?

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

What can we expect from you in 2011?

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

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

Nixcy Topper - The Brains Behind Ms Curvaceous UK

Fashionista and Mr and Mrs Runway are only a few of the events she’s worked behind , but as we start 2011 she has situated her place as manager and lead coordinator of Ms Curvaceous UK, which showcases on Wednesday 9th February 2011. Nixcy Topper is an events coordinator from North-West London, who has been working hard and perfecting her craft for about 3 years who is aiming to branch out and become and internationally recognised and established. Despite her minor setbacks, which include people questioning her abilities, she has managed to overcome all negativity by sticking to her motto: "I'm here to make your event make sense!". I thought I’d catch up with Nixcy herself to found out where it all started as well as what we can expect fro her in the future.


What do you do and how did it start?

I am an Event coordinator and consultant, which means I can assist you on the best way to make the most out of your event, whether its for promotion, profit of just fun AND I can be hired to plan and execute the event. I do all types of events, from small conferences, birthday’s, launch parties or huge showcases.

I started off as a rave promoter, for event hosts such as Celebrity Supa (20/20)and Team Alliance Entertainment – Electric Opera. For the past year, I have been working with a company called Streamline Empire. I started off as a promoter there too, doing tickets sales and flyering for their events. The more events they put on, the more work i did, until I gained more experience in the field. I read books on event planning and logistics and got clued up on my career interest.

What is a typical day like for you?

A typical day for me is very random, as I don't work a 9-5. I work by bookings in my diary. As event days draw near, I'm usually rushed off my feet travelling for rehearsals, meetings etc but generally work from home, however I'm constantly on the go working via telephone or the internet/computer.


Which events have you taken part in?

I co-ordinated events such as Fashionista – fashion show – and Mr and Mrs Runway 2010 (modelling competition). I am also the manager and coordinator of an event called Ms Curvaceous UK, which is a beauty pageant for plus size models (12+ curvy ladies). The show will display fashion & music and other creative talents, as well as a medium for the models to get in contact with industry professionals. Ms Curvaceous UK showcase on Wednesday 09th February 2011 at Highlight, Lavender Gardens, Clapham Junction, SW11 1DJ. Doors open from 6:00pm and tickets are on sale from a member of the Streamline Empire team. You can get in contact via our Facebook and Twitter pages, which will have all info on ticket holders in different areas of London.

What qualities does a good organiser need to have?

Creativity, initiative, logic, flexibility, Methods to your madness, likeability and passion - whether its for planning and being creative, for holding events or even if its for money, passion is a must!


Who would you like to work with and why?

I don't have a specific person I could name to work with, - at the moment! But I would love to soon be part of the planning and organising of the MOBOs, give it a new edge. I have a passion for helping and promoting new companies or artists that are emerging. However, who wouldn't want to work with a celebrity? - Especially when you know you are good at what you do!) So, that means I would love to work with anyone, which believes in my talent and wants to work with me.

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

Difficulties I’ve had, include things like, getting established people or companies to recognise and support me and believe in my work and abilities. I have overcome this, by working hard, keeping on and learning from the knock backs. I believe in a saying, "Mind over matter," which suggests if I think positive, I will succeed.

When you aren’t organising an event what are your hobbies?

I am a very creative person and loves all type of artistic and creative past
times. Other interests of mine include writing and music. I would love to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. I am an aspiring author; I have a novel (NorthPole) and a semi Biography, which are in the making


Where would you like to do an event in the future, who would it feature and why?

I would love to do a Music event. I'd Mix genres, by teaming up different artists – established and up and coming –, to perform in a live concert or show.
Artists Such as J Cole teaming up with Ed Sheeran or Brandy building alliances with Gfrsh or Diddy and Skepta - oops that 1s already done, so anything is possible LOL. I would love it to be in a big city in a massive arena, – not necessarily in USA or UK. I would love to work abroad coordinating music events! My goal is to work internationally and be recognised as an established and successful event coordinator everywhere I go. In addition to eventually owning my own sports bar and club.

If your looking to organise a forthcoming event or would like to contact Nixcy persoanlly you can do this via her Facebook, Twitter, or personal Email Address.

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.