UK Street Sounds

Feature by Emily, We7 PR Guru
UKSTREETSOUNDS is one of the freshest Urban compilation series to hit the UK and features the likes of Wiley, Jai Amore and Sadie Ama (sister of soul singer Shola). Along with these rising stars, UKSTREETSOUNDS also features NY, described as the first lady of 'Rhythm and Grime', and Ghetto, whose 2006 mixtape 'Ghetto Gospel' was one of the fastest selling mix tapes on the grime scene ever! Both artists are tipped for success - We7 was lucky enough to squeeze in a quick interview with both of them to get the low down on 'Grime', what they have planned for 08 and what they think of music in the digital age.

Also available now on We7: Streetsoul Stars - VOL 3, Lords of the Underground and Deadly Divas.

Interview: NY

You've been described as the first lady of "Rhythm and Grime" how does that make you feel?

I think it's nice that people are talking about me in this way and fit me in to this genre, it makes me feel special. But I just do music in general, I do rhythm, grime all sorts. I don't just do any one kind of music. But like I said it's good to be labeled with something so great.

Being a female artist do you find you come up against any challenges in this industry, as there seem to be many more male artists within this specific genre of music?

Yer definitely, I'm used to being one of the only girls, but it makes me stand out more. When I first started out the guys were like "Nah you can't really do this or that", because I'm a girl. After some time and when I finally proved myself they realised that I can hold my own on any track just like them.

Where do you get your inspiration from when writing?

I get my inspiration from life, my life experiences, and my friends' experiences. I also travel a lot so that helps as well. What else? Family issues and also from strong characters in my life, past and present.

You released your first mix tape when you were just 18, did you have any help creating this mix tape and what steps did you take to create it?

The reason I released Spilt Endz Volume 1 was because I needed people to hear me and know what I was about. No one really wanted to work with me, put money into me as a project because I wasn't signed or things like that. I have this really good friend Jerome, who helped me a lot. He snuck me in to record the tracks at his college when no one was really there. I would also sneak artists such as Sincere and Doctor in. But it was fun and worth it in the end. Thank you to everyone for their support.

The mixtape was heralded as being the first ever 'Rhythm and Grime' compilation of its time coining the phrase 'RnG'- has your sound changed since you released this?

I wouldn't say it's changed that much, if anything I might sound a lot more mature and more passionate.

What are your musical influences?

I grew up listening to a diverse range of music. My mum listened to Roots Reggae. There was also Simon and Garfunkel, Police and Blondie. I think you can hear my influences in my voice. I also loved listening to Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Jah Cure. People like that.

Do you think it's easier for artists to break through now having digital downloads and networking sites like Myspace and Facebook?

I guess it's easier to be recognised and to network.

Is there any advice you would give to a brand new artist that you would have liked to have known when you first started out?

Ok well I would say be unique, I didn't really understand that. Have a good strong foundation and a good team around. You got to work hard and put the work through because no one is going to do it for you. Know your worth and be confident.

Download tracks by NY

Interview: Ghetto

Your album which was released back in 2006 sold over 800 copies in the first day, which made it the fastest selling pre album in one day in the grime scene ever- how did that make you feel?

It feels good to feel good.

How would you describe the grime scene, is it a hard scene to work in, what kind of challenges, if any, have you come up against?

It's very hard just because the scene is not a recognised genre yet. Some people don't take it seriously and that, but they will. It's the most buzzing scene in the UK I think.

"Freedom of Speech" was released at the beginning of March '08, how long has it taken for you to produce this?

It took about 8 months to produce.

You have worked with many different artists in the past, what qualities does an artist have to have for you to want to work with them?

I've worked wit' a lot of artists and although I want to work with a lot of artists, I also want them to want to work with me. I ain't trying to be big headed but I want recognition from them.

You performed with Kano at the Electric Proms in 2007 - how was that?

It was good, you know. But it's all about chemistry - if you've got chemistry it's all good.

Who else would you like to work with; do you have any future plans to work with specific artists?

I would love to work with Amy Winehouse, Beyonce, a few great rappers. But I would also want them to want to work with me.

How do you feel about the digital age? - How have music download sites and networking sites such as Myspace and Facebook helped you as an artist?

It's very very good, it's a lot of exposure init. Through Myspace I've got fans from all different countries not just here in the UK. It's also like promotion, the fans hear the clips on Myspace, maybe download, then like it that much they feel they want to help me out and then go buy the albums. Any exposure is good exposure.

What plans have you got for 2008?

There's going to be a videogolgy which is all the videos out at the end of May/June, which are videos that people want me to do but that I don't really want to put on TV. The Justification of Justin (Album) is out end of 2008, F**k Radio DVD coming out soon and also launching a label J. Clarke Enterprise.

What advice would you give to new artists who are just getting into the scene?

Be yourself don't ever try to be anyone else, that's the best advice I can give anyone.

Download tracks by Ghetto