Stefan Paul - Sketch Designs

Stefan Paul is an artist from East London, mostly known for his portraits designs and most recently as tattooist and interior designer. You could say his talent runs in the family, as his brother Shawn Paul, who is also his business partner, started the Sketch Designs company back in 2005, which is now a company they both own and have been running ever since . Their work has caught the eye of many mainstream musicians, such as Ironik, Dizzee Rascal and Skepta.

I thought I'd catch up with Stefan Paul himself to find out where it all started. 

'The ability to draw can be used for various things. That's why I've gone into tattooing and designing' says Stefan. 'Sketch Designs was introduced to me by my older brother and partner who is as skilled as I am, but with more experience. He brought me into Sketch Designs when he realised my skill level really improved.

He's noticed that 'a lot of portrait artist in particular just stick to portraits' so by expanding his craft to include tattooing and interior design he feels this is what makes him different. He says 'my audience is everyone, literally everyone. Young and old, poor and rich, Black, White or Asian. You name it. By drawing anything on their request, I appeal to them.

'So far he has managed to catch the eyes of musicians within the UK music scene such as that Skepta, JME, Frisco, Ironik, Dizzee Rascal, Double S and many more. But one day he would ultimately love to design ‘for the queen’. He says ‘If my passion was not art, it would have definitely been football. I was pretty good before I was diagnosed with asthma. But everything happens for a reason I guess.’

Right now we are working on our gallery; we have had it for a while but were just waiting to launch the website first before we begin to invite people over. So look out for your invite later this year. I am on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace non stop networking as much as I can, I also give out business cards every day and as I said our website is currently in its finishing stages, so you can definitely expect a lot more from us.

For more of Sketch Design, you can now contact them via Facebook , Twitter and Myspace and as mentioned above keep your eyes peeled for the opening of their fourth coming website and gallery later this year. 

Michael Leon Carr - Hennessy

Michael Leon Carr formally known as MenaCe is a 20 year old musician from Manchester. Like many others he has gained motivation and influence from up and coming artists like himself he says ‘Manchester is a small place and the music seems to unite us all.’ Although he has been writing for the past 6 years and has featured on radio stations such as BBC 1xtra, Unity and WFM he feels he has only recently found his place in music during the release of his debut single ‘Hennessy’ taken from his forthcoming album entitled 'Sagittarius'

I thought I’d catch up with him to find out about his journey, influences and what we can expect in the future. 

Ree: So where would you say it all started?

MenaCe: I started my career in music when I was around 15 but it didn't really kick off until a few years ago,’ says Michael. Growing up made me take myself and my music a little bit more seriously. Grime and UKG however was my entrance to actually writing and making music I'd say, the buzz that came from London blew up in Manchester and everybody was doing it. I suppose it was just a trend. I got involved in live sets at youth clubs, entering talent competitions, recording at home and then eventually doing a weekly radio show on Unity Radio FM. My interest and excitement for writing music grew over the years, I mean, I'd always loved music, it’s always had a strong hold on my heart, but after actually getting involved I just thought to my self 'I'm actually good at this, I can do this, I used to look up to a lot of the older MC’s from Manchester in the grime scene, like Shifty, Hypes and O.G and now a lot of these people are my friends.  

Ree: What would you say makes you different from other musicians?

MenaCe: Personally I don't like to compare myself to other musicians. I like to be seen and heard for who I am and let my music and persona do the talking. I could say I was creative, motivated, born for this but so were a lot of the talented individuals today. I hope my music speaks for itself and shows off my originality. I can just sit in an environment or a room and if there is a vibe there I can just draw it in and express what i feel. I rely a lot on personal space and surroundings.

Ree: What are you trying to communicate through your debut single Hennessy?

MenaCe: My song 'Hennessy' is split into two sections,  The first half I am portraying the good sensation and feeling you receive from having a glass or two. I’m metaphorically speaking as if I’m talking to a lady and go on to explain how inspired and uplifted I feel, whilst alone with this so called ‘woman’. Without sounding like an alcoholic. We've all had that moment in our life where we've resorted to having a little drink, either to escape reality or to take our minds of things.

The song originally came about when I was experiencing a very difficult period in my life, so I started to write what I was going through with a little influence from a bit of Hennessy.  I switch up the vibe in the second half of the song, now explaining how 'Hennessy' or alcohol in general can make you loose control a little after large amounts.

I go into depth, talking about how I'm now reminiscing all the bad times in my life, hard times, emotional times, people I’ve lost and so on, all these feelings of anger, regret and sorrow, are all connected and unleashed in consequence creating the massive build up at the end of the song. I don't feel like I'm influencing anybody to turn to drink or act in anyway, I'm just simply sharing my experience and expressing what I was feeling at that difficult time.

Ree: In your opinion, what form of performance has the biggest impact, live shows, videos or radio?

MenaCe: Definitely, Live music. Watching artists tear up the stage and give it their all, being there, witnessing it, there’s no better feeling than the sound of a live band and a live voice, it just touches you. It intrigues me that everything runs so smoothly, the interludes, build ups, encores, improvisation, solos and more importantly the crowd interaction i'm definitely addicted to live shows!

Ree: Who and what would you say are your influences. 

MenaCe: Everybody knows me for being a HUGE fan of Alicia Keys, she just touches me like no other artist is able to. But I’m also influenced by most of the Motown era, Sade, Bob Marley, Damien Marley, Erykah Badu, Nas, Common, Novel, Nina Simone, John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae and Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi there really is too many for me to mention, you should see my itunes library! I definitely receive inspiration from everyday living, seeing people happy, seeing people sad, personal ups and downs, the weather, the scenery, friends and family. It's important to me.

Ree: Where would you ideally like to perform in the future and who with?

MenaCe: I’d definitely choose an intimate old fashioned place, maybe the Manchester O2 Apollo or The Royal Albert Hall ? If I could put a live show together and sell out a venue like that and really rock it, I think that right there would be my dream show. Intimacy is highly important in my eyes, the people always seem much more involved and the acoustics are usually better at such venues. If I had the chance to support any of my idolised musicians that would be crazy, obviously just getting the chance to meet them and sharing their vibe, grace and presence would just be amazing. Performing with a talented live band and backing singers is definitely one of my biggest aspirations.

Ree: What advice would you give to up and coming musicians?

MenaCe: Don't be afraid to take different approaches, if you've got money, spend it, if not earn it then spend it wisely! If music is what your serious about then you can't expect to get where you wanna be for free, definitely if your not signed, invest a bit of money and you'll see a big difference. Follow your heart, but don't forget to use you head, don't wait around for people, if there holding you back DIY. Remember everything is achievable. If you fall at the first hurdle, get up and prepare yourself to fall again. We learn from our mistakes, hard times are put ahead to test us it’s all a learning curve. Another bit of advice would be stick to those people who you know, who are helping you, never let them go, your blessed to have such people around you and you should respect and cherish them, after all you are where you are for a reason.

Ree: What can we expect from you in 2011?

MenaCe: I am very excited about this project and what lies ahead, my mind is always in overtime, flipping around ideas and planning, I can hardly sleep any more. I'm definitely planning more videos and a lot of promotion, without giving too much away, I will be releasing at least another 3 videos and you will more than likely be able to get my fourth coming album entitled Sagittarius by the end of this year. All I can say is watch this space, I make things happen, and I aim to please, so don't sleep on me! 

I would just like to say a special thanks to my producers on the album, Jasper Dent and Kyle Lawton, my engineer at Blueprint studios Dave Woodhead, my video director and editor Ben Duff and everybody who has featured on my album, I couldn't do this without you. Much love.

You can now watch Hennessy via Youtube as well as contact Michael personally via Twitter and Facebook 

Big Cakes - Blue Cheese

'I've always loved music and always wrote lyrics, so taking it on a professional level was the only thing that made sense', say Big Cakes who is a hip hop musician from East London. Earlier this year he released his mixtape 'Preheat' which featured artists such as Raggo Zulu Rebel, Flow Dan, Sherry Davis and Morfius. Since then he has released his debut album 'Blue Cheese'.  I thought I'd catch up with him to find our more.

'He or she who has ears should hear me. Every hip hop listener should hear my music because the essence of true hip hop is preserved in it', says Big Cakes when asked who is his audience. 'I'm quite skinny, most people expect me to be a big out of breath character that eats cake all day, but Big Cakes is a next kind of cake. After all what's a party if u ainte got CAKE? I've always loved music and always wrote lyrics, so taking it on a professional level was the only thing that made sense'

'Preheat was mixtape just to warm things up while I cooked up and served up my next meal' in this case he means his debut album Blue Cheese' which now available via iTunes. He says 'Before you cook something in an oven you preheat it, to get it ready at the right temperature to start cooking’ which was the idea behind Preheat.’

Cakes has had the pleasure of working with a variety of musicians including Raggo Zulu Rebel, English Frank, Mike GLC, Flow Dan, Frizzle, Logic, Lowkey, Mic

Righteous, Sherry Davis, Nadine Walker just to name a few. In the future he would like to work with Nas, Ghostface Killah, Beyonce, Jehst, Chris Brown and Rhianna. He says 'I think the collaboration of such diverse angles and views will be a beautiful thing'

The music industry has changed in the sense that 'Over here, I would say the market is getting bigger but ideas and originality is dwindling.' I love music and so supporting it is a standard operating procedure. I buy music all the time, from people selling CDs after shows or downloading from the internet. I haven't actually bought a CD from a shop in a little while but that's because I haven't been to a music shop in ages'

In the future Big Cakes hopes 'to keep setting goals and achieving them. You can now BUY his new album Blue Cheese from iTunes or Bandcamp, add him on Facebook and follow him via Twitter.

Jimmy Snookz and Skipper - The Regime

Jimmy Snookz and Skipper formally know as Jahmal Tchikaya and Simon Suckram from North London are the duo behind the UK Rap collective The Regime. They are determined to produce and broadcast their new sound to the nation' as well as  'bring 'a new exciting look and feel to the UK hip hip scene'. Although they originally started off as Grime MC's back on 2004 where they recorded dub-plates and attended pirate radio stations, they have now decided to elevate and change their sound which has landed them the opportunity to complete a 25 city UK tour later this year.

I thought I'd catch up with Jimmy Snookz himself to find out how and where it started. 

'My first ever memory was going in the studio and doing a few remixes. We started making music together and formed Regime in 2008' explained Jimmy. They saw music as a way of expressing themselves and sharing beliefs with others. 'We hadn't seen each other since school, but decided to meet up one day as we were both serious about pursuing a career in music. We went to the studio and recorded a remix of Kanye West's  'Can't tell me nothing' which received a lot of support and ratings from the underground'.

They then met up with producers Boe and Simon who go by the name of Last Dynasty who they have been working with for the last two years to make tracks such as 'Judge Me' , 'Soul Survivor' and 'My Shine' Ft Mk. They are fuelled by the need to communicate with the youths of today, which is why the continue to make music.We each have our own story to tell growing up in London which many can relate in terms of the emotions, the struggle, the system and creating a better life in general. But our make target is deliver good music that anyone can follow.

'We listen to a wide range of musician such as reggae, urban, grime and hip hop. Mainly these genres because we can relate to the music as well as connect with the artists who originate from the UK and the Caribbean'. Through their music they 'hope and try to appeal to everyone. Jimmy says, 'If not now then we are working on it for the future, but we see and hear the feedback of the youths aged 16 to 25 in the country.

They are now in the process of completing a 25 City tour around the UK with Skinny Man, called the 'Smoking Ban Tour', which will be followed by 20 university stage shows around the country. In the past they have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with major artists such as Dead Prez, Devlin, Legendary Curtis Blow, Jadakiss, VV Brown and more. They agree that the tour was a great experience and allowed them to elevate their confidence as artists, as well as give them the exposure they needed. 

According to Jimmy, a good musician should 'have their own style', 'stay grounded' and most importantly be 'talented'. He says, 'originality goes a long way and if you have the patience and stay dedicated you can better your self professionally as an artist and personally as an individual.' He feel that up and coming musicians should 'Be open minded and be able to come to terms with their own originality' and 'be able to take criticism and learn in the process'  

As a collective they intend to 'Bring a unique style of music to the industry' and 'make a stamp on the scene that all the up and coming talent can follow' you can expect more expect more music, video's with good visuals but mainly expect to catch them in a town near you performing.

You can now check out they Official Site as well ad follow them on Twitter via Jimmy Snookz and Skipper. 

Ashley-Rae Tapping & Abi Fashesin - Loud Culture

Ashley-Rae Tapping and Abi Fashesin are the duo the label Loud Culture. They decided to combine their love for journalism and fashion in order to create an empire. The duo met just over six years ago, but since then they have not only constructed a business, but also a sisterhood that allows women to 'be seen and heard through what they wear'. I thought I'd catch up with Ashley-Rae herself to find out about their plans for the future.

'I'm a press and commission officer 9 - 5 and entrepreneur and co-owner of LOUD.' Says 22 year old Ashley-Rae, from East London. 'I have a degree in Journalism and also write in my spare time and take part in hosting events. On the other hand Abi Fashesin is as 23 year old full time fashion student and entrepreneur from North London, who designs and makes clothes for their label and extended client base.

They both agree that  'LOUD is what the brand represents’ as well as the slogan which stands for 'Live Out Ur Dream'. Ashley-Rae explains 'it epitomises the journey we have embarked on. It is show stopping, attention grabbing and aimed at those who wish to communicate and be heard through fashion.'

'Our audience are women who want to be seen and heard through what they wear. We appeal to them because we are LOUD and we aren't afraid to express ourselves through our clothes, hair and make up. Anyone who wears our clothes are bold and confident.'

They often shop in Brick Lane at vintage shops to get the most unique garments but they are also intrigued by 'one off pieces from boutiques’. Ashley-Rae says, 'any item of clothing we buy we usually customise anyway.' 'Urban Outfitters', American Apparel and 'Blondie’s' are a few of the many labels they admire.

Some of their influences include Oprah Winfrey, Kimora Lee Simmons, Vivienne Westwood, Duncan Bannatyne but most importantly they have gained a lot of motivation and influence from life experiences.

A LOUD power house, menswear, record label, PR Company, modelling agency and more can be expected from the duo in the future. 'We've started and there's no stopping us or time for us to turn back. Says Ashley Rae 'We will continue to do fashion, all we can do is try and move on to bigger and better things.'

You can now check out their website Loud Culture as well as add them via Facebook. 

MyM - Hold Me Down

‘Hold Me Down’ is the debut single from Maryam Shofowora formally known as MyM.  She is a 23 year old musician from South London who has often been compared to the likes of Shingai from the The Noisettes and Adele due to her unique eltro-indie-pop music style. Similar to a majority of musicians MyM's career started at a young age, in her case 7 years old which is where she began imitating the pop starts of her generation whilst watching 'Top of the Pops'. Since then she has gone from strength to strength taking up a career in music as well as acting and comedy. I thought I'd catch up with her to find out more.

'Don't let 'them' or 'situations' hold you down from what you believe you’re meant to do in life, don't let people's pessimistic reality dampen your dreams'. Says MyM, when asked what she is trying to communicate through her new single 'Hold Me Down'.

Like many she has face a variety of hardships, but due to her persistence to make something of herself she persevered in order to make a career out of music. She explains 'Most recently with my singing, I used to do backing vocals for a lot of artist, which I enjoyed. I loved it, but deep down inside I wanted to create my own, but I listened to the doubting voice and held myself back from expressing my full potential but when I realised  what was dwelling inside me I couldn't contain it, it was written all over me. By believing I am born to do what I do, I overcame it'

'It all started at the age of 7 my first love was singing. I sat in front of the TV imitating artist on Top of the pops, which then it grew into acting when I was around 14 and I only got into comedy about 2 years ago by accident, some one said 'your really funny do u wanna host my event' and here we are! My audience are who ever I touch or relate to through my music whether it’s an insecure teen, a single parent father or a 25 year old graduate.'

Her inspirations include 'Beyonce' for her 'crazy work ethic' she says 'her gift is phenomenal, I might not agree with her sexy image but I admire her song writing, vocal ability and performance. She also like 'Little dragon' because she feels they are 'a quirky group'. She says 'their music has no genre and the lead singers vocals are hauntingly beautiful they just experiment and it works giving us classic's like 'Twice''

Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and live Gigs are a few of the ways she promotes herself as an artist. She explains 'These all are great ways of getting my music out there, I prefer gig's because its more intimate and I can talk to people in person. She would say the most successful medium has been 'gig's' because 'once you captivate someone through your 'live' performance they'll now find you on Youtube, follow you on Twitter and befriend you on Facebook its brilliant'

In the future you can expect Mym to be doing a lot more Gigs and hopefully an album towards the end of the year. She has also featured on label mate Commission's new hit single 'Gold Rush' which created a storm on Dave P show on Choice FM. She describes her style as a mixture of genre fusing different styles together, I’ll be dropping another single so if you like 'Hold Me Down' then brace yourself for fire!' Her album 'Changing Rooms' is well also début later this year. 

You can now add her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter and check out her latest music via Youtube.