Music can break down many barriers and unite creatives who share a passion for making something special, it can be a beautifully rich and diverse industry to work in.
However, from the outside looking in, it may feel like it can also be a difficult industry to break into. Bitesize has teamed up with 成人快手 Music Introducing LIVE to find out how some big names from the world of music took their first steps to stardom.
In this 成人快手 Music Introducing LIVE Backstage session, our host, Jaguar caught up with musician, Arlo Parks, DJ Jess Iszatt, founder of Independent Venue Week, Sybil Bell and live music promoter, Alexandra Ampofo to chat about what inspired them and what they'd advise people who want to work in the music industry .
Jaguar
Hi, my name is Jaguar from 成人快手 Introducing Dance on Radio One and from 成人快手 Introducing in Beds, Herts and Bucks and now you're backstage with 成人快手 Bitesize for an exclusive behind the scenes look at 成人快手 Introducing LIVE. Thank you all for being here today. We're going to be talking about the creative and music Industries. You've got loads to get through today. And we've got some wonderful guests. We are going to give us the lowdown on how they got started and what they do. So a big welcome to our panellists Alexandra Ampofo, Arlo Parks, Jess iszatt and Sybil Bell. Can you all introduce yourselves and say what you do? Jess, We'll start with you.
Jess Iszatt
Hi, I'm Jess Iszatt. I present 成人快手 Music Introducing in London. That's every Saturday night supporting the best new music from the capital. I also produce that show and I also present on Magic Chilled Mondays to Fridays and present the Record Club, which is every other week on Facebook Live delving into an album, a new album, kind of like a book club but for music instead.
Jaguar
Love that. Sybil, what about you?
Sybil Bell
Hi, my name is Cybil Bell. I'm founder of Independent Venue Week, which is a seven day celebration of grassroots music venues and the communities around them all around the country. I'm also鈥 we are as an organisation going to be launching "Yes We Can" next year, which is aimed at young people who would like to find out about careers in the music industry and is open to absolutely everybody.
Jaguar
Brilliant. Thank you, Arlo.
Arlo Parks
Hey, I'm Arlo Parks. I am a musician, artist, poet from London. I've been doing music professionally now for about two years and I've just announced my debut album coming out in January.
Jaguar
Sick! Very exciting. Alexandra.
Alexandra Ampofo
Hi, I'm Alexandra. I'm a live music promoter at Metropolis-Music, which is part of a live nation umbrella. I also founded Acoustic Live, which is a鈥 an organisation dedicated to the manifestation of acoustic music and Women Connect (Wmn Connct) which is another organisation to create safe spaces for non-binary women and gender-fluid people in the creative industry.
Jaguar
Fab, thank you guys. So four powerhouses in front of us with successful jobs in the music industry. I want to dig a bit deeper now and just find out first of all, what or who has inspired you to do what you do? Um鈥 Alexandra, I'm going to start with you here.
Alexandra Ampofo
I say this on every single panel I do. She's probably sick of me now. But June Sarpong. I heart her. I love her so much. I think she's incredible. And she was a鈥 she represented a dark skinned woman in music and the creative industry and just in the media where I was growing up. That's someone I looked up to so she's definitely inspired what I've done,
Jaguar
Nice. Thank you. Arlo, what about you?
Arlo Parks
And, um鈥 I feel like I was inspired by a lot of things growing up. When I was younger, my dad would play a lot of Jazz and at school, I met up with a few people who were like, who were rapping鈥 and people who were producing music and then that kind of inspired me to get started and produce my own beats on Garage Band and then it was artists like Sid from the internet and King Coo, Frank Ocean who were just very unique and trusting their taste and I think I wanted to express myself authentically as they were doing.
Jaguar
Nice. Sybil?
Sybil Bell
I don't think there's鈥 a bit like Arlo, there isn't necessarily one person. I just鈥 I got quite a lot of energy and I鈥 I鈥 when I鈥 when I find something I feel really strongly about, I kind of want to immerse myself in it. And I think for me, you know, creating Independent Venue Week, came out off the back of a lot of different things: managing a band, becoming a promoter, running the band's label, buying a venue and just seeing something that was missing in the industry where the venue community were not celebrated. And, um鈥 I think, seeing what had been done with Record Store Day and acknowledging that actually we should be celebrating the venues and the people that you know, make things happen there just鈥 it was a no brainer for me. And I think鈥 I think I guess it would be a person and then it would be the venues that inspired me.
Jaguar
Nice and finally Jess who or what inspired you to do what you do?
Jess Iszatt
Well, this is the thing I've never actually been asked this before so I just had time to have a bit of a think.
Jaguar
Exclusive.
Jess Iszatt
Erm. So when I was growing up. I did a lot of drama and my grandma's an actress and I just found that I was getting typecast a lot and I also preferred kind of being myself on stage rather than, you know, acting something else and also rubbish at learning lines. So I kind of almost followed in her footsteps a little bit and just kind of wanted to do something a bit more out there. And then, actually, I was watching Holly Willoughby doing the Extra Factor and she just looked like she was having the most fun and at the time that was the show that I loved and it was to do with music and just all of that. And I was like you know what if I can have a life like that, fun, meeting people, talking to people. That's just鈥 That's what I want to do so here we are my grandma and Holly Willoughby.
Jaguar
Two icons right there. Amazing. Thanks for sharing guys. It's just so great to hear about your journeys and like you guys are literally living your dreams which is so inspiring for everyone watching and if you go back to the school days. Jess, I want to start with you. What were you like?
Jess Iszatt
I was not very quiet and I wouldn't鈥 I wouldn't just go back and do my work. I'd probably do everything the night before. Loads of my teachers were quite frustrated with me. They'd give me鈥 We used to have things where it was like a grade and then also an effort level and my grades would be good, but my effort level would literally be so poor. Um, yeah. I did all right. Everyone was surprised that I got all my offers for my unis which I was a little bit offended by. Erm鈥 I鈥 I think the teachers who knew me, liked me. The ones who knew of me just thought that they didn't like me and then when I met them, I kind of won them over. I did Art, Drama. I was really sporty, so I did a lot of sport and so I was more into the creative active side.
Arlo Parks
Yeah
Jess Iszatt
I did try and do Maths at A-level, though and I got a U.
Jaguar
Sybil, we'll come to you. What were you like at school and were there any subjects that have helped you in what you do now?
Sybil Bell
I was a little bit the opposite to you. I鈥 I鈥 I was always really keen to try and please and work really hard. My grades were never quite high so I would get a higher鈥 I would get the higher number for effort and the lower mark for achievement. But you know, I'm鈥 you might be able to tell already, I'm not much of a wallflower so I'm really willing to give everything a go. Like you, I failed鈥 I did Economics at A-level thought that would be a good A-levels to have, I got U. So you know what, the world didn't stop turning when I failed something and I think, you know鈥 I think the thing that I would give us the biggest takeaway is if you really love something and that's what you should do, it may not be academic subjects, but anything you do to a certain standard, if you really care about it, you'll do well at and it's really tough when you try something and you鈥 and you don't succeed and it is good to keep trying certain things, but it's also really important to learn from mistakes and it's also OK to walk away from something if it's not fulfilling you and you feel like it's a dead end. Try something new and I think there are so many opportunities out there, you know, and when I was at school, there was probably a tenth of the number of jobs that there are now. So in five years time, who knows what jobs will be available but really do follow your passion. If you love something. It's worth pursuing definitely.
Jaguar
Yeah, great advice there. Arlo, what were you like at school?
Arlo Parks
Yeah, I mean. I left school like a year ago. So it's a little bit different for me, but so I did鈥 What did I do? I did English History and Biology at A-level. Weirdly at school, I wasn't really involved in the Arts. It was very much something that I did outside of school, but a lot of the people that I met, the people around me who wanted to be directors or painters or musicians. I really fell into that crowd of creatives and it kind of pushed me to鈥 to experiment and to see music as something that was a viable career option because I think often when you're at school and you want to do something, whether it's you know what it is in the creative world, whether, you know, even if it's like, you know, being an entrepreneur starting your own business, I feel like anything that isn't the traditional, you know, school or Uni and then working in an office isn't really鈥 I don't know. I felt like at school, we weren't really taught about, for example, the music business or talked to about, you know, acting or working venues and I feel like something that I would give as a piece of advice is, as everyone else said, if you have a passion and if there's something that you want to do, you know, grab it with both hands.
Jaguar
And finally, Alexandra. What were you like at school and were there any subjects that you particularly loved that I've helped you?
Alexandra Ampofo
I鈥 In primary school I was really quiet, really shy, I didn't speak to like anyone. In Secondary school I kind of came out of my shell like a bit more bubbly, funny that kind of stuff. Made a lot of friends but I didn't鈥 I didn't really do anything at school. I don't even remember what subjects I took for my GCSES, but I know that at my A-level, that's when I really started to take things seriously like I did Business, Sociology and Ethics and those, I think those subjects, I mean they have nothing to do with the Arts but they really kind of made me think about what I wanted to do in life and I think that's helped my journey.
Jaguar
Ok. We've got some questions from the Bitesize audience. So,Arlo, we've got one for you. What is your advice for upcoming artists and musicians?
Arlo Parks
Um鈥 I feel like now. Just. Just practise. Just like actually start making music and honing your craft. I feel like putting time into actually experimenting and discovering what your tastes are and what direction you want to put yourself to is really important. Like enjoy this time where you know you're yet to be discovered. The world is your oyster. You can do whatever you like so I think putting time into the practice is gonna take you far.
Jaguar
That's a good one for you.
Jess Iszatt
Get your music to Introducing鈥
Arlo Parks
Yes, do that as well.
Jaguar
Great bits of advice there. Alexandra, if you weren't in the music industry, what career path do you think you would have followed?
Alexandra Ampofo
I wish I had been a chef. I'm telling you now.
Arlo Parks
Boom.
Alexandra Ampofo
I mean,
Arlo Parks
Yes
Alexandra Ampofo
I can鈥 I鈥 I pay a lot of attention to detail and decoration and making things look embellished and cute and cool. That's my thing when it like鈥 Just even a regular dinner I'd be cooking for my partner or my family. I make it look very, very good. So I think I'd be a chef.
Jaguar
Sybil, what is your biggest motivation?
Sybil Bell
My biggest motivation is to make sure, I think, that our community is heard because their job day in day out is to give a platform to other people and I just would love people to go to venues more often. You know we don't want to wait till they're faced鈥 Even before Covid, It's not about waiting till they're faced with closure and then say save them. Do you know what? Go more often. If you're used to go once a year, go twice a year. If you used to go once a month, go twice a month. There is no better night out than a gig. It's so鈥 like sitting in front of your telly, going to a gig? You're going to meet like-minded people there. You're going to bounce around at the front and have a great night. You're going to discover some mind blowing music. Go to more gigs, go to more venues.
Jess Iszatt
I agree.
Arlo Parks
I agree too.
Jaguar
Yeah, me too. And finally Jess, how did you become a radio DJ?
Jess Iszatt
Ah, Ah! I did lots of鈥 I don't wanna say free work because, actually I was cutting my teeth. I definitely really really valued the times that I was on a mike and it wasn't being listened to by loads of people. It was three people back in the day and my student radio days. I did join my student radio. I don't think that was the鈥 the biggest step into radio world because I remember going from that and then jumping into what I would describe as like the real industry and finding it a big leap. So I think that even if you can't do student radio, going into community radio, going into online radio and even just getting a mike recording your own shows from home. I mean, you have access to music. You can just record stuff yourself. You record the links. You put it together. It is super easy. That's鈥 That's what you can do. And I just think that the way that I did it was just kind of putting myself in position. So we were talking about going to gigs and stuff, putting yourself in the spaces that you kind of want to be in. You know you'll meet certain people. I think meeting people is one of the biggest things. Lots of people like, Oh, it's who you know. Absolutely not. I didn't know anyone. And I got to know a lot of people and I just think that's so important with everything I do and everything by everything I do I don't just present the shows that I work on. I also produce all of them, so going back to, I guess what Arlo said as well about honing your craft now. You can do that. I spent a long time doing it. And I eventually worked my way up to where I wanted to be.
Jaguar
Brilliant. Thank you guys. Thank you for something in those questions as well. I've got one final question for each of you, just really quickly. It's going back in time again. What piece of advice would you give to your teenage self? Who wants to go first. Arlo, do you want to go to you?
Arlo Parks
Yeah, I was just going to say, like exams are not the be all and end all of everything. Like if you鈥 If you鈥 You know. Of course you know. Try your best, do study. But if something does go wrong, then know it's not the end of the world, like the world will not stop turning if you don't get the grades and the fact that there is鈥 there is like such a wide world, a different career opportunities when you leave school that maybe A may not even exist yet B like you may not be aware of so you know. There are lots of different chances to do a lot of different things.
Jaguar
Great advice. Sybil, we'll come to you next.
Sybil Bell
Um. Yeah kind of echoing that I think. Say yes to as many things as possible. Try new experiences. You don't know what you're going to love unless you've tried it. And there are so many ways to try different things safely, you know. With good people around, you take advice. Don't be afraid to do something that you feel really strongly about if you fear that other people may not share your views. Just go with your heart. We have gut instinct for a reason. And I think that's the most important thing you should follow.
Jaguar
Nice, Jess?
Jess Iszatt
There are a couple of things that I kind of wish that I knew sooner. Piece of advice that were given to me and one of them was that if you just keep going, you're eventually get there. There was times when I was like, oh what happens if I don't make it? And it's just if you keep going, you'll eventually get it, whatever IT is. Um鈥 Also just to force yourself to put yourself in certain situations. If you know that's what you want to do or what you wanna try. Don't put too much, so much pressure because I know that I'm really bad at鈥 I don't know people like, Oh, you can do this by yourself in your bedroom and make your own Youtube channel. I actually found that too鈥 too much pressure on myself. If you go and join a club with like-minded people or join an extra curricular thing or you know, just try something again. Like you go to a gig or whatever you're putting yourself in a situation with loads of like-minded people and just speak to them. Just introduce yourself and talk to them and you'll have a common interest because you are both passionate about where you are and what you do. So I'd definitely say that I wish I knew that sooner. And finally. No one knows how nervous you are.
Arlo Parks
Mmm
Jaguar
Yeah. That is a good one and
Jess Iszatt
No one knows how nervous you are, whatever it is you're doing, no one knows, no one, so.
Jaguar
Ooh, that's a good one. I'm going鈥
Jess Iszatt
That helps me so, so much. I wish I got told that sooner.
Alexandra Ampofo
Yeah. I wish I was told that.
Jaguar
Alexandra. What would you say to your teenage self?
Alexandra Ampofo
Um鈥 if you're listening to this, you're more than likely growing up in a digital age. I'll just say use the internet wisely. If you don't know something, google it. If you want to find out more about something, google it. Don't be mean to people online. All that kind of stuff鈥 you have a digital footprint. What you put on the internet is there for ever. Use it wisely. Learn how to write a proper email by just googling it.
Jaguar
Yeah, really good advice.
Jess Iszatt
Definitely done that.
Jaguar
Thank you everyone so much. Super helpful, super useful. I hope you guys enjoyed watching this. And yeah, study as hard as you can, work as hard as you can and just follow your dreams. And if you love something you will definitely excel in that. You guests were wonderful. Little round of applause.
Jess Iszatt
Thank you. Jaguar.
Jaguar
Thank you and that was the end of a session. And remember 成人快手 Bitesize is here to help you guys. If you have any questions about school or work or the future, just find us at 成人快手 Bitesize or use the #成人快手Bitesize on all the socials. Thanks, guys and we'll see you soon. Bye. Bye.
Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks is a singer-songwriter and poet from south London, she was longlisted for the 成人快手 Sound of 2020 awards, a poll of music critics. Parks embarked on her first headline tour of Europe in February 2020, but could not complete it due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her debut album is set to be released in January 2021.
The world is your oyster. You can do whatever you like so I think putting time into the practice is gonna take you far. 鈥 Arlo Parks
Jess Iszatt
Jess Iszatt presents the 成人快手 Music Introducing in London show every Saturday night, supporting the best under the radar music from London town. Jess also presents weekdays on Magic Chilled, playing fresh, laid-back hits from the 1990s, 2000s and present.
No one knows how nervous you are, whatever it is you're doing, no one knows. I wish I got told that sooner. 鈥 Jess Iszatt
Sybil Bell is Founder & CEO at music company and live record label, I Like The Sound Of That Ltd, as well as founder of Independent Venue Week, a 7-day celebration of gigs on a national level with a completely local feel, all around the UK. Sybil has a range of experience in music, including artist & label management, tour management and promotion in the UK and internationally.
It's really important to learn from mistakes and it's also OK to walk away from something if it's not fulfilling you and you feel like it's a dead end. 鈥 Sybil Bell
Alexandra is an entrepreneur and live music promoter at one of the UK's leading gig promoters. She has worked on the shows and tours of some of the world鈥檚 leading talents including Lauryn Hill and Ella Mai. Alexandra has also been instrumental in the growth and development of the acoustic scene within London.
I'll just say use the internet wisely. If you don't know something, search for it online. 鈥 Alexandra Ampofo
成人快手 Music Introducing LIVE ran from Saturday 24th October 鈥 Saturday 31st October 2020 and Bitesize brought you five backstage discussions with special guests.
One of the UK鈥檚 biggest, fastest-growing and most exciting music industry events, 成人快手 Music Introducing LIVE supports and inspires the next generation of industry leaders, artists and creatives. The 2020 event took place digitally for the first time, with a week-long programme bringing audiences an array of live performances, masterclasses, talks and interactive sessions featuring high profile 成人快手 Music Introducing alumni, industry experts and special guests.
To find out more details and watch all the panel talks, check out the 成人快手 Music Introducing LIVE page.
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