D Dark - The Quest

He began his music career during the early days of the Grime era where he made music alongside veterans such as Wretch 32, Chipmunk and Tinie Tempah. He is known for his comical approach to music that aims to entertain as well as relay real life issues which he considers as ‘expression in an artful way.’ D Dark is a musician from London who has been developing his craft since the age of 17, he has just released his video The Quest via Youtube which has accumulated over 20,000 to date, he is also set to release his début EP later this month.

The Quest is a brief synopsis of D Dark's music career to date illustrating the reality of musicians giving up along the way but asserts that he is in the scene for the long-haul to a point where he's not evening resting on a Sunday. 

He recalls listening to Nasty sets on pirate radio and then perfecting his craft to a point where he performed in local raves, pirate radio stations and then Channel U and BBC 1xtra where he became a part of the collective U Entertainers which featured artists such as Triple Threat, Bruza, Royal and Krucial. Soon the collective soon fell apart as  they all had their own ideas of making success, some are still doing music and some have ventured off in other directions.   

I thought I’d catch up with D Dark himself to find out more.

‘I've been doing music since I was 12. I always took it seriously but it wasn’t until I was about 17 that I really started seeing things moving which made me take it up as a career’ explained D Dark, when asked how he made the transition between music as a hobby and now a career. He continues ‘I've always loved music and I don't see the point in working your ass off in a job you don't even like.’

I’ve made many sacrifices for my career; I hardly ever go out clubbing, hardly take holidays and have lost contact with quite a lot of people because I’m in studio making my dreams come true. I don't really have any regrets because being successful in life is where true happiness really lies for me and I believe hard work does pay off as all the greats would say.

’My audience are people all over the world who are into all types of music as I fuse many genres together. I appeal to people who like something that sounds original and like to dabble in all types of music. He mentions ‘hip hop, pop, grime, house, RnB and dub-step’ as some the genres he plays with.

’My alias represents me as a person; I use my personality to get my stories and ideas across in songs.  My humorous side comes out a lot in my lyrics, and so does my serious and focused side. I don't turn into another person, I’d say it’s still me but I’m just singing and rapping lyrics of what I see around me and express it in an artful way.
   

 ’I’ve worked with artists such as Tinie Tempah, Wretch 32 and Chipmunk when they were coming up and I’ve also worked with Xploder who is my brother and is doing big things at the moment.’

I think the industry is always changing especially with all the technology we have today. I think it’s a good time for artists in the industry because many are being signed.  We can use the internet, especially Youtube to build a fan base and get our music out there, so it’s easier to do things in today’s music industry. It maybe be harder to get noticed because there are so many people doing it, but not many people have the passion or last long, so it’s all good. If you believe in yourself you can make it happen.

’I have so many inspirations I’m inspired everyday by artists’, he names Lil Wayne, Michael Jackson, Wretch 32, Eminem, Drake and Chimpmunk as a few who have inspired him. He confesses ‘if I name all of them it would be to much, but he continues ‘Nero, Chase and Status, Frank Ocean, Wiz Khalifa, Tinie Tempah, Snoop Dog, Ludacris, Biggie, Cory Guns, Timberland, Dr Dre, Labyrinth, Taylor swift, Red One, Pharell, Ray charles, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Ryan Leslie, you get the gist, I could be here for days naming artist who inspire me.

D Dark is yet drop his EP at the end of the month which he says will have ‘a lot of great music to come.’ He continues ‘my fan base will naturally expand as i keep doing what i love and continue to create great music for the human ear’

You can now follow D Dark via Facebook , Youtube and Twitter. 

Razor - Reinventing

Razor is a musician from North West London who has been pursuing a career in music since he was in school. Artists such as Wretch 32, Chipmunk and Tinie Tempah have shown him that working hard and preserving with what he believes will one day gain him success in the music industry. He’s performed at I Luv Live and Camden Unplugged, has current single Sci Fi, is listed on rotation on the Channel AKA playlist and has his début mixtape Reinventing out on all mixtape outlets including Mixtape Madness and UK Rap City.

I thought I’d catch up with Razor himself to find out more about his journey, sacrifices and aspirations for the future.

‘I've been writing lyrics since high-school, but only since the start of last year I decided to make mixtapes and do shows to promote myself. I would say my career started last April after doing a show in Camden called 'Camden Unplugged'. I’ve done a few open mics and shows before, but this event had artists such as Gfrsh, Dotstar, Jazzie and many more. Although I was nervous, the event gave me the confidence and enthusiasm to believe in myself a lot more. To perform at a show with these people was a good experience.

‘The best place music has taken me is on TV, because it's the best exposure where loads of people around the country can see me. My song 'Sci Fi' is currently on Channel AKA, its playlisted to 'hoodtube' which comes on everyday from 12-1am, its actually a regular song on that playlist. When it first came out I promoted it with my life, I originally filmed the video for rap city so for it to get onto Channel AKA was very good for me. It’s been up for about 3 months now, and I have had a few people text or come up to me and say 'I saw your video on TV’, I couldn't believe it! To request the video text 5421 to 71000 it's only £1 pound, thanks!’

‘I’ve worked on quite a lot of projects, I release a mixtape last year called 'Venting’, which was just about me being away from music and coming back with a lot to say. That mixtape had on 7 times jump off champion Sam Khan on it who is also my childhood friend. This year I made a mixtape called 'Reinventing' which was the follow up to 'venting'. The mixtape just shows that I've grown up a lot, and I am more focused. I had a lot of people in my past who hated on me for the wrong reasons.’ Reinventing' just shows that I am over that nonsense and I’ve moved on and it has made me a better and stronger person’.

‘The only sacrifices I’ve made have been in my social life, and to be honest that's not really a sacrifice. I do a lot of shows so it can mess up my sleeping pattern at times but that's part of the cycle. Obviously, going up and down London to perform can be tiring but that's my only sacrifice at the moment. Hopefully it will all pay of because I am not getting paid from shows yet, right now its just for the love I have for the music. I know if I keep pushing I will get to where I want to be. When I'm not writing lyrics or tunes, I’m watching my favourite programmes such as Family Guy, Simpson’s, Two and a Half Men and Everybody Hates Chris. I also play football every Saturday, when I’m not at a show or in the studio recording’.

He thinks ‘the industry is doing very well', he continues'. 'It's shown me to believe in myself and I work hard so I can get to where I want. The fact that Tinie, Chippy, Wretch and a lot of artist are putting out music that they actually like, shows that the scene is getting better and they are opening doors for other artists to go through it.

‘My inspirations are J Cole, Drake, Skepta, Wiley, Wretch 32, the list could go on, I would be here all day telling you who it is and why. The one that sticks in my mind the most is Wretch 32, I've been listening to wretch ever since his mixtape 'Learn From My Mixtape', since then I’ve followed and bought all his music. The reason why he inspires me is because I actually had the chance to meet him before he got signed. We met him on New Years Eve 2009 in a club in Tottenham called 'The Black Grape', my sister’s husband and comedian Eddie Kadi ran it. Richard Blackwood was there as well, that night I was thinking about taking music seriously’,

‘It was New Years Eve so I was kind of drunk, when I walked in I saw Wretch just on the dance floor with his friend Calibar. I remember kind of being star struck even though he was still an underground artist at the time, we had both been drinking. If I was sober I probably would have been too scared to approach him, but I just went up to him and said 'You’re wretch init?’ he smiled and said 'Yea'. We had a chat and I said to him 'if you clashed Jay Z you would win', he just laughed but he didn't deny it’.

‘I was amazed at how down to earth he was, I told him to not stop music because he will blow. When I said that it’s like he froze as if he couldn't believe what I just said. It’s like he was trying to take it in but he couldn’t. I could tell it meant a lot to him. It made me think 'wow, this guy is one of the most talented rappers in the UK and he's so cool'. A lot of people would have been big headed, but he just took it on the chin’.

‘After that night I saw him a few more times and he'd be the one to say hi to me before I did. Even when his track 'Traktor' made it to number 5, that same week he performed at 'I Luv Live'. I jumped on the open mic but didn't win; when he saw me come up the stairs he had a big smile on his face and said 'Wa gwan blood?' in a jokey way. He was standing with Eurogang and all them big artist, I just said 'I'm cool' smiled and walked away. I kind of felt out of place an awkward but its shows that he respects me and because he is so talented and down to earth I respect him a lot more because of this he inspires me the most, almost as much as Wiley’.

Although Razor uses online mediums such as Twitter, Youtube, Facebook and his Blackberry, but he would say that Facebook is the most successful, he explains ‘I have a lot more people on there and when I post one of my new videos up, Facebook usually gets the views up for me.

In the future you can expect to see a lot more videos and mixtapes from him. He continues. Hopefully I will be performing at the next Bigga Fish event which is on the 27th of October but I will find out by this weekend. I am just working really, if I not at studio, I'm doing videos, if not videos then ill be doing shows. If you want to check out any of my videos go on Youtube and type in 'Razor Rap City' or 'Razor Link Up Tv'.

Mixtape Madenss, UK Rap Music and Free Mixtape are some of the places you can get his mixtapes. Look out for his official website coming soon, until then; keep your eyes and ears peeled.

Showerz Spaceboy - Young & Restless

Showerz also know as Spaceboy is an up and coming musician from Walthamstow, East London. At the tender age of 16 he is eager to establish his place in the music industry by making his music appealing to a variety of tastes and genres. He hopes to transform his hobby that started in his bedroom into a career, inspired by the likes of Jay Z, Wretch 32 and Tinie Tempah. Earlier this month he release his mixtape The Method To Madness which and he is now in the process of releasing his pre album Young & Restless which débuts later this year.

I thought I’d catch up with him to find out more...

'I’m Showerz but I’ve also recently adopted the name Spaceboy, so some call me Spaceboy Showerz. I’m, 16 from Walthamstow in East London which is the place that has really helped shape me, both musically and in general life'.

'When I’m not in the studio or performing I’m usually in school or catching up with coursework I like to keep busy and work as hard as possible. I rap and song write and it all started in a bedroom in East London'.

'I enjoy making music and I always want to push it as far as I can and break barriers; I think that’s my main motivation. I’ve had to grow up a lot sooner than most people my age, I’ve never really had much time to party or have fun outside of music but that’s not something I regret that’s just the way it has to be'.

'I think I’m very fortunate in terms of my audience, it’s so varied. From my old-school friends who all grew up on my local estate to young girls who come from complete opposite backgrounds. I’m just grateful I can make music which appeals to such a wide range of people'.

'I would definitely say the UK industry is at its best right now. I’m glad to see rappers and musicians in general breaking such massive barriers and opening doors. I think the internet has helped a lot of new artists build their buzzes, if you can use it right it’s your best friend. It’s definitely changed me, as the industry is evolving so am I'.

When asked to name three artists that he admires he says ‘I wouldn't say I admire them but I am inspired by Wretch and Tinie for all they’ve done for the UK’s industry over these past couple years. Seeing those two hitting number ones and breaking the states is inspiring. Overall, I think Jay-Z is definitely a big inspiration. Watching him over the past 10 years really shows how far this can be taken'.

'I’d say now the internet is the biggest and most powerful platform as far as promoting yourself with out a major budget and building a fan base goes. There’s really no limit in how far you can take it using the internet'.

'Right now I’m working on my Pre-Album ‘Young & Restless’ which is really shaping up nicely, plus we start filming the video for my first single this week so that’s also something to look out for also every Sunday I do something called #ShowerzSunday where I release a new free promotional track or video for the people so make sure you check them out! Finally I would like to take some time to thank my Tru Starz Entertainment team for being behind me and pushing me'.

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube and download the new mixtape The Method To Madness. 

Mr C'mon - Alpha

Previously, he used music to embrace and glamorise inner-city gang culture and violence under the alias Lox. But, he soon saw sense and reformed his entire, character, attitude and beliefs system and now uses his music to uplift and inspire those around him, in addition to working with youths in his local community to combat gang culture. Mr Cmon is a musician from South London who has been pursuing a career in music since the age of 16. Now 22, he is in the process of releasing his debut mixtape Alpha which can be purchased via iTunes on the 24^th September.

I thought I’d catch up with Mr Cmon himself, to find out more,

'I’m an artist, I prefer to be called an artist rather than a rapper because rapper sounds proper cliché and what I intend to put out there - music wise – will be everything but cliché! I started of rhyming during the early days of the garage era. I wrote lyrics with friends in school and around my estate'.

'My first actual proper bars were 70% written by my older brother’ he laughs, ‘but with a few tweaks and enthusiasm, I was able to run with it’. He begins to describe the music scene during the mid 90’s ‘the garage influence soon faded and rap became much more popular on my side of the bridge - South London – which is when I began to embrace rap a lot more, at that time my music would have been classed as gangster rap, it gave me a chance to have more of a passionate platform to express my views and values'.  

'I did this sort of music for about 4 years and due to my talents and influences of my circle of friends, it generated quite a large buzz. I originally went by the name Lox, both in the streets and on the beats; I referred to myself more as Loxamillion. I changed my name from Lox to Mr Cmon many because I changed as a person'.

'Lox represented the dark side of the streets, glamorising the gangster life and its effects. It soon became a ghost, haunting me, one that I just wanted to stay dead! Lox influenced thousands of youth the wrong way and I wanted nothing to do with that anymore. I also wanted to prove a point that I wouldn’t have to succeed off the back of my former alias Lox but with faith and hard work I could become much more than Lox could ever have and impact the world in a much greater way and most importantly a positive light!'

‘People should listen to me because I’ve been blessed with a real gift when it comes to rapping, I see myself as a motivator, an entertainer, basically an all round positive pass time. I don’t need to rap about girls thongs to entertain a male audience, neither do I need to rap vulgarly about sex to engage a female audience, you can play me on the radio without the radio edit’ he laughs ‘ I don’t swear, I don’t believe its necessary, I’m getting my point across to you right now without f-ing n blinding. My music represents the struggle, represents the youth, most of all I aim for my music to represent hope'.

'As Lox, I only made songs with people in my circle such as Serious Sykes, Political Peak, Drowsy, K.B, Komoshen and many others, I did a one off collaboration with Krept, some tracks with an artist called Chase, he was talented and I used his studio to record and occasionally he was one of my suppliers that was also be an aspiring artist. Back then, I didn’t collab so much mainly because of a sense of patriotism to my former gang'.

'As Mr C’mon I haven’t collaborated with anyone yet, simply because, I’m still in the process of finding myself as an artist. I’ve got songs in the pipeline with Ja Ja Soze, Asteroid boys, Young Teflon, Youngsta, Boost, Guvnor B, A Money, Lola Godheld, A-star and others. In the future I would like to make songs with Bob Marley and yes I know he’s dead, but he’s still a legend, Wretch 32, Dappy, Adele, Sway, Coldplay and Mali music'.

'I love music but I hate it’s industry. I think it’s all politics! A lot of artists are being fabricated and there’s no real essence in a lot of stuff being put out there. But on a brighter note I believe the next to blow other than myself is Young Teflon because he’s consistent, talented, and can make actual music'.

'I’m inspired by Nelson Mandela and after reading his book I see a lot of similarities with young Mandela and myself, both very adornment and courageous. Tinnie Tempah is an inspiration as he’s successfully crossover to the mainstream U.K and crossed over to the U.S. Also my pastor is a big inspiration; she reached out to stiff necked gang members and helped reform them through determination and love'.

'I intend on expanding my fan-base by consistent work rate, songs, collabs, performances and securing airplay. Basically, just working hard, real hard and real passionately. You can expect to see me on your T.V screens in the future’ he laughs but restates ‘even though I ain’t joking!' 

In the very near future he’ll be realising his mixtape ‘Alpha’ on the 24th September, followed by the EP entitled Limitlesss which will debut in late December or early January.

You can now follow him via Twitter and Facebook .  

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. 

Platinum - K Sounds

‘Our music has always been about channelling energy through whichever instrument or source is put in front of us’ says Planitum the CEO of  the collective K-Sounds.



The collective broke into the music scene back in 2007 with their first underground release ‘Next Up' which was a huge success. It held them as number 1# in the charts on Channel AKA for several weeks as well as receiving immense airplay on Choice FM, Kiss FM and other local radio stations.

I thought I’d catch up with Platinum the CEO and Founder of the collective to find out where it all started.  

                                        

K-Sounds originally began in 2000, with members Platinum and Dmac from South London. What started for them as a hobby soon became a potential career path that they began to take more seriously. So they decided to expand their collective and recruited two new members which where Drastick, and Chaser.

They began distributing music locally and hosting at house parties, youth clubs and any other social event possible. As their fan base grew, so did the will to maximise their potential as artists, provoking them to take their music to an even bigger and better professional plateau.

They group began to release their music officially, starting with their underground hit single 'Next up' which sold over 500 copies on white label vinyl. They also shot a video with Mastermind productions which held number 1# spot on Channel AKA for numerous weeks, in addition to them receiving immense radio play via Choice FM, Kiss Fm and other local station. This exposure they received enabled them to perform both nationally and internationally in countries such as Cyprus and Germany.  

'In a small group it's hard to imagine people being so similar but also individual in different aspects' Says Platinum. Me and Drastick provide the energy and love for music, while Chaser possesses the business skills. He has a more structured approach to music. His willingness to push things forward, as well as mine, Drasktick's and Chaser's musical passion fuels the group and our success.’

‘Our music has always been about channelling energy through whichever instrument or source is put in front of us. As kids from an urban background our lyrics are always sourced from experience and life’s challenges. Every year since we were young we've been faced with different situations but we always manage to portray that in our music.’

  

Platinum speaks on behalf of his gang when he says ' K-Sounds are entertainment. Some artists forge a career from acting in front of the camera and creating tracks that over hype their career. K-Sounds give you the truth in music, but with careful thought and precise beats to accompany our stories. Everything from the thought to the final project comes from us, our ideas and our lives so if people still have an appreciation for real music then they should be following us.'

  

Showing love to other artist's is a must for Platinum, he says 'If I see something I like in an artist I make sure I listen to them however big or small they are. During my years in music I’ve showed interest in a lot of artists and tried to help them further their career, most notably Smart kid aka Smartz and Tinie Tempah.  The last single I purchased was by Twissman ft Dotstar. I got in contact with Twissman via Twitter and saw a couple of his tweets. I decided to purchase a song or two and I enjoyed it. Dotstar is an amazing artist as well and after listening to two tracks I knew I had to purchase his songs.'

Four qualities he thinks a good musician should attain are ambition, determination, honesty and diversity. 'The 1st two qualities are self explanatory, without those you'll never succeed in anything. Honesty is important for an artist as I believe that it separates you from others and your honesty will be picked up on. Artists such as Eminem and Nas have used their life experiences in their music and have gained a strong fan base purely on the back of their honesty. The last quality for me is diversity. When I first entered the music scene I didn't want to do anything but grime but over time I realised I had to adapt my style to suit people's musical tastes in order to increase my fan base. Some people may call this selling out, but the more people you appeal to the more successful you are. The main reason for people doing music is to reach people emotionally so I see no problem with it.

Their alias K-Sounds, actual stand for Charismatic sounds; it represents them collectively making good music with a positive influence. They've been fortunate enough to work with the likes of  Splurge , Lioness, Kadey James, Ghetto, Tinie Tempah, Messy, Raharma, Nico Mills (F.A.T) and Erico (Sony) just to name a few. Plantinum says ‘In the future, we would like to work with more singers and artists similar to us. We’re interested in artists such as Davinche, Cleo Sol and Loick Essien because of their love for their craft and beauty in music.’

‘This year is a make or break for us. We’ve already completed a mix tape which is currently in its mastering process and we'll be releasing 5 or 6 videos for our mix tape tracks. We’ve also recorded a track with Splurge entitled Drunk remix which is due to be released before the summer. People can expect to see us doing freestyles for Grime Daily and SBTV and many other media sources. In a nutshell, we aim to do as best as we humanly can. We’ve been in touch with many labels and management companies and if putting pen to paper is what finally pushes us to where we wish to be then that’s the next step we’ll be taking.'.

"South Circular”, “The Freestyles" and "All or nothing" are their earliest material. Ontogenesis E.P is their latest release which is now available on ITunes and various outlets now aswell as their newest videos Guns & roses and Wave control . So keep your eyes peeled for what they have yet to come. You can now contact via Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Youtube. 

El Khaled - Leicester Choir Boy Aims For The Mainstream

'We’re bridging the gap between the US and the UK ' El Khaled replied when I asked his views on the current music industry, the same industry he's been hoping to break into since he could talk. At the age of 14 he played the lead role in the BBC2 documentary The Choir - Boy's Don't Sing which has now accumulated well over 3.5million Youtube views. Now at the age of 18 he's been inspired by the likes of Drake, Jay Z and Lupe Fiasco to further his music career. I thought I'd catch up with him to find out more.


When did your career start and how?

A few months back, I started up a little youtube channel of me recording other artists freestyles and such, and I knew I could rap and sing but I wasn’t really feeling to be the one in front of the camera until one day I just decided it was time to chase my dream 100% no holding back.

Considering the influx of up and coming recording artists, how do you keep on top of your game?

Work rate is the most important thing to me, you can be really really good at what you do, but if you’re not putting in the work then what does it count for? I try to work as hard as I can possibly push myself because as they say, there’s always someone working, while your in your bed sleeping!

If you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your career what would be?

Nothing, everything that has happened to me, good and bad, has made me who I am today and I wouldn’t change my position or who I am right now for anything.


What was the last album you bought and how important is it for you to buy music?

Wiz Khalifa’s “Rolling Papers”. I think it’s really important to buy music because you’re showing your support to the artist and you’re keeping the music alive as well as supporting, which everybody who listens to music needs to do I think.

What are your views on the UK music scene and what do you feel you can bring to it?

It’s a good point at the moment I think, I mean we’re bridging the gap between the US and the UK quite nicely with Tinie Tempah and Chipmunk collaborating with US artists so I think the UK scene is getting the recognition it deserves at the moment.

I think I could bring a fresh new type of artist to the scene, an artist who is simply not confined to one skill - rapping or singing - but brings to the table both skills with equal talents in both areas, rather than simply being a rapper who can sing or a singer who can rap, but an artist who is working on perfecting both crafts..


If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Most likely Jay-Z because he’s been my music Idol for so long now and is such an inspirational person aswell, so being honoured to share the stage with him would just be amazing!

What can we expect from you in the future?

My mixtape is set to come out July 1st but things are moving quite fast so could be sooner! I’m going to flood youtube with more and more videos and just generate a buzz around my name so the question on everyones mouths across the UK and eventually the US will be “Who the f*ck is El Khaled?”

For more of El Khaled you can find him via Youtube or contact him personally via Facebook.

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.

Bamboss - The Revolution EP

After opening for the likes of Tinie Tempah, Kyla, Ms Dynamite as well performing at The Bigchill, Hackney Carnival and Lovebox he has continued to excel along his musical journey which he hopes will take him 'All Around The World'. Bamboss is a 21 year-old musician from East London who has recently released his second music video 'Wagwan' from his debut EP 'The Revolution'.

I thought i'd catch up with him to find out how he got into music, as well as what he has in store for us this year.




What is your stage name and what does it mean?

My stage name is Bamboss which is basically my nickname. Everyone’s called me that since secondary school. I didn't like it at first, but then it just stuck. There's no particular meaning. My real name is Adebambo which is a bit of a mouthful LOL. People would call me Bambo for short but in school the two s's were added. My teacher back then went on holiday to Greece and he said everyone down there had a name ending with 'Oss' so every time he called my name - which was at the top of the register - he would say 'Bumbus Arelius Abumbus' LOL. That's me trying to spell it, but yeah, that's what he would say. Then from that Bamboss came about.

How and why did you get into music?

In school I had a friend who was sick at MCing so as a joke I clashed him and he demolished me so I thought I should write a couple 16's and done his dance. From there I was writing 16's and partly participating in showcasing bars to the mandem in school. When I got to year 11 I made a ‘Diss Track’ about some guys I had a problem with, this eventually circulated around schools in Hackney which allowed me to made a name for myself and just took it from there. Since then, I’ve been banging out studio learning how to do songs. There was a period I stopped making music, but then found my way to ‘Rising Tide’ where I progressed more. From there I learnt to master my style and learnt to produce.


What music labels you would like to sign to and why?

So far the only label that looks interesting to me is ‘All Around The World’ label which N-Dubz and Skepta are signed to, they are doing things. Creative control is giving to the artists, videos are not cheap looking. Overall it’s a good look. I would sign to them any day.

Could you briefly describe your music-making process?

If it's me producing it, I would make a template beat, write a verse, keep repeating that verse then finish the song. The beat will remain the same until I finish recording the song. After it is recorded I export an acapella then edit the beat around the song to make it special and unique. If it is by another producer and the beat is already made I'll keep playing the beat then chat a whole load of nonsense until something makes sense then I go with it. If I'm with the producer making the track - which is how it’s been I have been lately - we would start everything from scratch. I'd hum out a melody think of a drum pattern then while the producer is messing around with sounds I would just write whatever comes to mind even if it's stupid then go along with it. That way it's more enjoyable and real instead of having rules, pausing and all that malarkey. After all that is done it always surprises me every time I hear the tune because it's not remembered until I play the tune back to myself.


Where is the best place your music has taken you?

It has taken me to underground radio stations such as Deja Vu, Flames Radio. I’ve done opening performances for Tinie Tempah, Kyla, Ms Dynamite, Scorcher, Akala, DJ Ironik, Bashy and Kele Le Roc. I’ve performed alongside Mz Bratt, Griminal, Fundamental, Aggro Santos, R.D etc. I’ve also Performed at LoveBox, Big Chill, Hackney Carnival, Waltham Forest Carnival, Barbican and so forth. I've made a lot of connections just through these performances alone and this was all just in one year. Imagine the other years down the line.

What sacrifices have you made to pursue your career?

I've cut a lot of unserious people out of my circle. I’ve only made time only for important people and important things in my life.

What mediums to you used to promote yourself as an artists and how effective have they been for you?

I've been using Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Radio, Shows, Word of Mouth, Blog/websites as well as using my songs as ring tones on my phone, so far it's been alright. Now the next step is television and daytime radio. I've got the music to achieve that. I’ve got a plan., it’s just putting it all go into motion now. Giggidy LOL


How important is it for you as an artist to buy music and what was the last album you bought?

I generally think if the music is good then buy it. No harm in it. I bought Skepta's album because I like his music. I hope if people like my music they would buy it as well.

What can we expect from you in 2011?

I’ve just opened up a new Youtube account which is strictly music videos from me. I’ve also recently dropped my second video called 'Wagwan' coming off 'The Revolution EP' produced by me. I’m going to be banging out more video's and I’ll definitely be on TV music channels. Bigger and better shows then hopefully an official single by the end of this year or next but we'll see how things go this year.

For more of Bamboss, you can check out his music videos such as Introduction (Let's Jive) and Wagwan via Youtube, or you can download his debut EP, The Revolution. Furthermore you can also contact him personally via his Facebook and Twitter pages.

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.