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. :)

Gems - Road To Damascus

Gems is an music artists from South East London who released his debut album 'Road To Damascus’ last year, which has accumulated immense support on and off line. Overall, he uses his craft to illustrate his life and the things he’s been through, which initially started as a hobby when he was in prison in 1999.

Outside of music Gems works as an outreach & development worker for the Princes Trust, where he works with 16-25 year old helping them into employment and education. He has worked with young people for 6 years were he has acted as a holistic mentor, facilitating music workshops and life skills sessions.

I thought I’d catch up with him to find out more about his audience, sacrifices, collaborations and more.

What do you do and where did it start?

That’s a great question. To be honest it is really hard to pinpoint and single out one specific thing but if we are talking in regards to what I do musically, I would say I am a rapper and a song writer. I initially started rapping or free-styling in 1999 as a hobby and just to pass time whilst incarcerated in prison.

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

I have never been one to pigeon hole myself so I would say my music has and does currently appeal to individuals that possess a diverse musical taste.   In addition to that the audiences that I have performed to and that have given me feedback have all hailed from different walks of life and different countries with rap not necessarily being there first love. But ultimately one thing that they do all have in common is that they share a genuine appreciation for music that is honest, transparent and depicts real life.

How has the scene changed and what impact has this had on you as artists?

The scene has changed immensely from when I first started out in a number of ways.  Not to sound too much like an old man (laughs) back then when I started rapping there was no Youtube, Twitter, Facebook or any of the other social networking tools to help you promote your gifting’s. So the power of the internet has given the music industry a massive facelift.  At present from one click of a button the whole world can be exposed to your music in the matter of seconds as before it was a much more hands on practical approach which involved more leg work.

Back then you also relied more on the radio stations, DJs and video channels to help promote you – though those components of the game have not lost their value they are no longer the only ways to market yourself as the mediums and outlets for music have grown.  Also there were only a handful of artists doing rap music in comparison to now were we have seen a massive influx and rise in the UK with so many up and coming artists’ grafting on the underground as well as the mainstream  ones taking the charts by storm.

In summary I would say the artistry levels have progressed and evolved as well as the public’s appreciation and acceptance for the art form expanding immensely.

When did you make the transition from music as career in comparison to it being a hobby and what does it mean to you?

It’s crazy because I work full time, been married for nearly 6 years as well as do music – so it’s a massive balancing act. I would say though I started taking music seriously in 2004. After taking some time out in 2005 my seriousness kicked back in around 2007. To me music is a way to express thoughts, feelings and capture emotions and convey them in your own creative style. I now realise the importance much more as what you say can have a massive effect on your listeners whether it be good or bad. For me I see music as a way to promote Jesus and highlight how great he is.

Have you made any sacrifices to pursue your career, if so what where they and has it been worth it, any regrets?

Many sacrifices have to be made in life especially if you have a goal or dream that you would like to see transition into a reality. I have had to make quite a few on my musical journey with two coming to mind. First sacrifice as mentioned above was when I took some out from music mid 2005 which in hindsight proved to be a defining moment for me as I was going through loads of internal changes which then began to have a massive positive impact on my outlook on life.  At the time I was so focused on music that if I had not nipped it in the bud it could have become a huge hindrance in my change process, as music took up a lot of my time and required extreme focus and attention.

I became a Christian in late 2005 and realised that God was more concerned with my soul and character than my musical gifting’s.  So in taking time out I learned that you should ‘’never let your gift take you where your character can’t keep you’’.  To some it may seem like I took a step back when in fact at times I did think that as well but now when I look at it I have seen the great impact that it has had on me as a person and writer to this present day.  But it was actually a sacrifice that has helped my music career.

Also when it comes to money (laughs) I have gone without buying certain things that I may need/want to be able to invest into my career.

Regrets – can’t say I have any – everything has been one massive class room experience as I have learned some priceless truths on my travels and picked up some valuable nuggets.

Where is the best place music has taken you?

Music has allowed me to perform in a vast amount of diverse arenas in and out of the country. Some of these places include -universities, schools, night clubs, churches and Notting hill & Manchester carnivals.  I have been overly fortunate to perform in Germany at a massive youth conference which was an experience of a lifetime as well as gig in Wales. The most diverse setting I have performed in would be when I performed at a massive conference in Bournemouth which was full of politicians, judges, dignitaries and professional practitioners from all over the country.

Who have you collaborated with and who do you plan to work with in the future?

I have collaborated with Mobo award winner Jahaziel, Dwayne Tryumf and Linslee Campbell who is a great musician that has worked with likes of the Light House Family. I have also worked with a few British underground gospel artists as well as working with a rapper from Michigan (USA) by the name of Colt Sack and not to mention SLR (Street Light Rimes) and songstress Shivon Bailey.

Who do I plan to work with in the future? (Laughs) loose lips sink ships we’ll see what the future has in store.

What can we expect from you in 2012?

I am still promoting my mix tape - Road 2 Damascus- which came out in 2011. This is still available for download at www.gems-music.com. You can also be kept up to date with all my latest songs and videos via my site as well. I will be releasing a compilation CD which will be a collaborative effort from myself and my partner in rhyme SLR which is titled ‘’The Great Invitation’’. You can also expect more videos & features as well as a few exclusive treats.

For more of Gems, log on to his Official Site.

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.

L Momrelle - The Easy EP & Blue Bars series

Although he’s a full time student he dabbles in music part-time which has allowed him to work with over 25 up and coming artist from South London, namely MC Tigz and Bartoven. He says “as soon as I finish my degree this year music is going to be a lifestyle.”

L Momrelle is a musician from South London who plans to take his music career to the next plateau after his studies. I caught up with him to find out where it all started, who he’s collaborated with and his plans for the future.

'I'm a music producer from Lewisham; I've worked with loads of musicians from Lewisham and worked in 5 studios as a recording and mixing engineer.

'I mainly produce, but I dabble in everything music wise other than singing and dancing.'


'It all started Primary school; everyone would mess around rapping and beat boxing in the playground and rap to monophonic ringtones. Then in secondary school it just continued and over time progressed.

'I found that I was much better at anything creative like art, music and media than subjects like history, geography and science. So after my GCSEs I studied music technology at college and loved it which is where it all really started for me.'

‘When I make music, my focus varies, it depends on the situation.  Sometimes I'll have something in mind that I want to make so I'll focus on capturing a feeling, or sometimes I want to make something better than my last beat, so I try to outdo myself.'

'With the 2 projects I'm working on “The Easy EP” series and “Blue Bars series” I'm focusing on making good music with people from the borough - Blue Bars - and focusing on making the deepest music based on sampling - Easy EP.’

‘At the moment there isn't really a set audience, it’s just people that like my music so it ranges from young aspiring teens to adults. Ideally I'd like to appeal to everyone and anyone but more importantly I have to make what I enjoy making, so anyone that hears my stuff and likes it is my target audience.'

Some of his inspirations include Ryan Leslie, 40, Terrah Danjah and Davinche. He explains ‘Ryan Leslie and 40 - Drakes main producer - are big inspirations because in my opinion they’re the best, but I have respect for producers like Terrah Danjah and Davinche because they've done a lot for the scene I basically grew up in.'

He decided to take his music more professional during his ‘final year of university.’

He explains, ‘I felt I've secured "the normal" lifestyle, meaning I could have a stable job with my degree, but instead I want that to be something to fall back on. What I really want is to take my producing skills as far as possible and just do my best.'

When asked what 3 important qualities of a musician and why, he replies are ‘their personality, being genuine and being good at their craft,’ he elaborates, ‘it’s important to show personality because then people like the artist and not just the music.'

'Being appeal to appeal to a wider audience is important but, it’s just annoying when the person’s not genuine, like they're just trying to do music because its kool but they have nothing to say.

'If you’re trying to be a lyrical artist and your contents not good then it’s just not good! But if you’re trying to be a wavey mc and your contents wack but your mad wavey then you’re good. If an artist does all the above then they're good.'

When asked what we can expect from him in the future he says ‘Loads of collaborations, the “Easy EP” and "Blue Bars" series.

'A lot of work with MC Tigz and Bartoven - I'm feeling them at the moment - Grime, Rap and possibly some Bashment. Just expect the unexpected really...'

For more of L Momrelle log on to his Official Site, listen to his music via Soudcloud and Youtube and follow him via Twitter and Facebook .

Fonzie - Drank In My Cup

'Football is my wife and music is my side chick' says. Fonzie the 22 year old member of the music collective Non Stop which includes Magic, Handles and D-1. Fonzie is a musician from West London who ironically picked up a mic and decide to pursue career in music only 4 months ago after his 1st performance at iLuvLive. Since then he has continued to release music such as Drank In My Cup and I Get Fly Girls' via YouTube.

I thought I’d catch up with him to find out who is audience is, the best place he’s performed and his plans for 2012.

‘I have fun with my music’ says Fonzie when he’s not gaming on skateboarding or playing football. I got my alias from my dad we used to watch "Happy Days" and he just used to say I’m cool as Fonzie, so i took that and never went back.

‘I’ve always been interested in it so 4 months ago I picked up a mic and thought "let me give this a try.  A lot of the artist these days are too serious and forget to be themselves, so I think they all tend to be the same.’

‘I try to aim at everyone when making music. I used to be on the road thing so I know what those who hustle are going through. I stopped because I started to see my brother was following in my foot steps and I didn't want him to go down that road.’

‘I’m a laid back cool guy so I do, do some tunes for the cool dudes. I was also brought up in a house full of women, so I tend to know what they are going through as well, so generally I just try and make music that EVERYONE can relate to.’

One of the best places I’ve performed at would have to be ‘iLuvLive, because it was my first performance’ He continues, ‘I was drunk so everything sounded on point, but I got mad positive feedback so it’s all good’ he laughs.

I think in this industry, ‘artists should be their own person. Everyone’s talking this gun thing or drug thing which is messing the minds of young people. Artists should definitely change their tune and talk about something else; everyone doesn't have to know you’re a “roadman”.

He would advise up and coming musicians to ‘NEVER STOP WORKING’

‘In 2012 you can expect to hear my name everywhere. Not just my name though, also my team Non Stop which includes. Magic, Handles and my producer D-1, look out MAYNE!!’

You can now follow him via Twitter and Facebook  as well as check out his music via Youtube. 

Marvin Live - Pre-Season and Live Show

‘Music means the world to me and I hope I'll be able to continue making it for many years to come’ says Marvin Live who originally entered the music scene in 2003 making Grime music under the alias Be Marvel, alongside musicians such as DDark, Skips, Spyro, Kills K and Beastie. After taking a well-deserved break from music, developing and expanding his craft, Marvin returned to the scene in January 2011 to pursue his music career.

I thought I’d catch up with him to find out his thoughts on the current scene, sacrifices and future plans.

‘I’m a rapper and song writer. I'd say it’s hard to distinguish my audience as I make music for a variety of genres – acoustic, hip-hop, dub step and electro. But, I feel I appeal to my listeners through simple concourse line and a very enthusiastic flow.

‘The scene has changed dramatically since 2005. Artist have more of a brand like approach, image plays a huge role and the internet is a big platform which allows artists - like myself - to gain fans, without any artificial promotion.Personally, this hasn't made any sorts of changes in an artistic stand point, but definitely made an impact on my promoting and marketing approach to the industry.'

He decided to make the transition between music as a career in comparison to being a hobby in ‘March 2011’,he continues.

‘The love I possess for music is huge, and to be giving the ability to speak your mind and views on music is an amazing feeling, especially when it's appreciated in the right way.

'Music means the world to me and I hope I'll be able to continue making it for many years to come.'

‘My biggest sacrifice has been time. I rarely see my friends and family due to studio, meetings, videos etc. Making steps closer to my dream, no matter how big the steps are, is always worthwhile. So far I would say The Roundhouse EMI showcase is the best place I’ve performed. I was given a huge opportunity to perform alongside great up and coming acts.

I've worked with a number of artists since I've been back. Treble clef, Mr Lonely, Trun, Ddark, Terra, Smokie Badbrey, Elshay, Bex the list goes on, but I‘m also good friends with most of them. I know it's a little farfetched but I've always wanted to work with Adele, Estelle, and Lana Del Rey.

‘I have two mix-tapes already finished called Pre-Season and Live show’, he says when asked what we can expect from him in 2012, he

continues.

‘I'm currently working on another one called Staged, but I would say just expect me to flood the industry dramatically. “It’s going to be a LIVE year "

You can now follow him via Twitter, add him on Facebook as well as watch all his latest music videos via Youtube.