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 the third 成人快手 Music Introducing LIVE Backstage session, our host, Jaguar caught up with musician, Ray BLK and DJ, Charlie Hedges to chat about how they got their big breaks, what their favourite subjects were at school and what their musical influences were growing up.
Jaguar
It's Jaguar here. Welcome to the 成人快手 Music Introducing LIVE Backstage area with 成人快手 Bitesize. I'm a broadcaster and DJ on 成人快手 Music Introducing and host Introducing Dance every Sunday night on Radio One, as well as Introducing in Beds, Herts and Bucks. It's great to have you here today. We're going to be talking to you all about careers in the creative and music industries. It's great to be here as well with our wonderful guests. They're going to give us the lowdown on what they do and how they got started. So, let's meet them. Introducing Charlie Hedges and Ray BLK.
Charlie
I'm Charlie hedges. I am a presenter on Radio One Monday to Thursday, eight 'til ten PM with Rickie and Melvin and then Saturday's four 'til seven PM for Dance Anthems woohoo.
Ray BLK
Hi, I am Ray BLK. I am a singer and songwriter and rapper from south London
Charlie
She's a lej!
Ray BLK
Woo (Laughs)
Jaguar
Right, okay, let's dig a bit deeper now then. Get to know you a bit more, Charlie, we'll start with you again. Who or what inspired you to do what you do?
Charlie
Without this sounding like, well cheesy, honestly, my family, like, when I was growing up from, I can't even tell you, like, what age, we very rarely had the TV on. It was always music on in my house. So, like, literally, from all kinds of music, whether it was indie, pop, reggae, dance-music, like, I've just been brought up around so much different types music, and, I just remember being like, really, really tiny and listening to the radio at the time and going to my Mum, like, what is this? What is that person doing? Like, is that a job? But I didn't really understand it. And from that point, it's been, like, my Mum and Dad to be honest and my brother, who now actually looks after all my bookings and everything, that have just really pushed me to do what I wanna do. In school and stuff, like, you know people used to say to me, teachers used to say, what's like your backup option? If you don't get to be a radio presenter and a DJ, and I'd kind of sit there and go鈥 Well no, there aren't a backup like this is what I want to do. And I'm not stopping until I get it. So, yeah. I have to say family for me.
Jaguar
Ray, what about you?
Ray BLK
Um, yeah. Similar to Charlie. I grew up always hearing music in the house, mostly gospel music um we used to play a lot of gospel music, a lot of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and do you know what? I kind of learnt how to sing from listening to them. So I would just try and, like, do whatever they were doing, all the riffs and trying to belt, sounding really bad at that point but trying to belt at home and teach myself how to sing. I used to watch loads of MTV Base as well and see all my favourite artists and I thought I want to do that, I can do that. And I'd be in my living room dancing alone and imagine I was in the music video鈥 I can do this, you know. I can even do it better than her. So I'd be like. Yeah, go for it. Why not? That's what really made me want to be an artist.
Jaguar
Nice, thank you guys. That's amazing because when you're back in those school days to just figuring out what you want to do. And then next thing you know, here we are you guys living it and achieved so many amazing things and it's really inspiring to see. And going back to those school days more than a million students use Bitesize to help with GCSES or equivalent every week, which is incredible. I'd love to hear about what you guys were like at school. I was quite shy, actually quite studious to be honest, a bit boring, but I'd love to hear what you guys were like. Charlie, we'll start with you.
Charlie
I was so shy. Outside of school I was like really hyperactive and really like amongst my family and friends like quite outgoing, but in school I was so shy and, like, literally, if someone looked at me, I would go bright red and I still do like to this day. If you catch me off guard I still go really red, but I used to鈥 I remember sitting in class and thinking: Please. Please. Please don't ask me any questions because inside, a part of me just disappeared like I鈥 I just hated it. So I was pretty quiet at school. But did use to work really hard. When I come home from school really studied loads. I wasn't like you know. I got decent grades. But I wasn't. I had to work for them. Like my brother, for example, he didn't really have to do much. And he would just smash his grades. With me, I had to work, do you know what I mean? So I think I've always just behind the scenes, always worked really hard, but yeah, I was so shy so shy which I don't know what's happened.
Jaguar
Maybe we would have been friends at school like both shy at the back鈥
Charlie
We would have mate. We would have. Look at me. I'm getting red. Yeah.
Ray BLK
Ah ah ah
Jaguar
What about you?
Ray BLK
You know. I was the complete opposite. I was a loud mouth in school like and I was always making noise. Every parents' evening, the teachers all said the same thing Rita, Rita's my real name. Rita is very good, got great grades, work hard but she talks too much, she talks too much. And she loves to argue back. She loves to talk back. I was that cheeky student that teacher would be like "Be quiet" and I'm like "everyone else is talking why picking on me. Pick on someone else". No, I was really. I was really loud and I had a lot of fun. I really really enjoyed school. I loved being at school because it was, it was just fun for me being with my friends and being in class. And I got involved in everything to do with singing as well the choir, the concerts, all of it.
Jaguar
That's amazing! Were there particular subjects at school that you really enjoyed that have helped you in your鈥 in your career now? Ray, we'll go back to you. You said you did a lot of singing in a choir obviously that must have helped.
Ray BLK
Yeah, definitely. I was in the school choir the whole time I was at school. Always took part in the concert, but also my favourite subject was鈥 my two favourite subjects were English and Drama and that because when I was growing up I always used to wait for the mobile library, which was like a bus that would come and stop off where I lived and get鈥 I would always change new books all the time. I used to love reading. All of that helps me with my writing skills I think. And that's something I take a lot of pride in doing when I'm in the studio, it's the lyricism, the lyrics than I'm writing.
Jaguar
Yeah definitely and Charlie, what about you? What subjects have helped you?
Charlie
So drama was a no go zone for me. Imagine me standing up. "If you'd like to talk now Charles", I'd be like no (laugh from Ray)鈥 Don't talk to me, but I loved English. I loved writing when I was younger. I still keep a diary, like a proper, proper diary to this day because it's always something for me, like with writing. So I went to Uni as well. I got a BA in journalism. So I studied journalism. So English for me in school鈥 when I said earlier on that I didn't have a backup. I kind of had, journalism was always in the back of my mind. So I thought I could definitely like combine the two with what I want to do. And I used to love art and wood, woodwork鈥 Ah ah ah. And actually. I mean, I did love music. I used to play the piano. So鈥 Again, like I said. I was so shy. I used to have piano lessons outside of school and did all my grades. But you put me in the classroom and they asked me to play the piano and I'd melt so. But yeah鈥 English and Music. I'll say and a bit of woodwork.
Jaguar
That's hilarious. Um you did either of you use Bitesize at school because obviously it's growing into this incredible thing now, where it's not just for revision, but there is also support for mental health and great careers advice as well. Back in the day, Charlie, did use Bitesize?
Charlie
No, I didn't. But I remember my brother using it like it becoming. It was鈥 it was so useful to him. And so helpful and like you said I feel like it got so much bigger and it's developed so much. It's such an important part in people's education now like you say so. Yeah, I definitely remember my brother using it.
Jaguar
And Ray?
Ray BLK
Yeah, I used Bitesize when I was in school for sure. That was my鈥 That was my like鈥 What do you call it? My teacher outside of school. I feel like, you know. If I鈥 If I didn't know how to do certain things, it just taught me. It was like, um鈥 my鈥 my little tutor. Do you know what I mean, at home. So I definitely remember using Bitesize when I was growing up. Yeah.
Jaguar
We just had a few questions in for everyone that Bitesize has sent in, so this was sent in for you Charlie, first of all, how did you become a radio DJ?
Charlie
So very, very long story short. My鈥 When I was about thirteen, I saw an advert in a local newspaper. They were advertising for a journalist to come and work for this magazine. It was a magazine that was aimed at, like, over twenty five at the time. I was only thirteen, but I wanted to get some experience. So I called the number and the cheek of me ask him because I was so young. They were looking for someone obviously a lot older with experience. They actually took me on this kind of work experience. Anyway, so I started going and helping them out and go into events with them. My mum and dad would take me, wait for me outside and I would help him behind the scenes and then I started writing for the magazine. My dad is a London black taxi driver. He randomly at the time picks up a DJ at KISS. Where I worked before Radio One and he was like look my daughter is writing for a magazine can she interview you? And that's how it started. I went up there, I was thirteen went up and interviewed the guy at the time. And then after that interview, which was published in the magazine. I said to him, look, every school holidays, "Can I just come and watch what you're doing." So literally every鈥 every half term I'd be up there. Just watch him what went on behind the scenes and then as I had just left college. I was literally starting Uni. About five days later, I got a call from the breakfast show there at the time saying look, we're looking for a runner to make teas and just generally run around and do bits and pieces. Do you want to do it? So I was like: Yes. So I took the job. I used to get to the breakfast show about a quarter to four in the morning at the time. I used to work on the breakfast show till nine and then I'd drive to my Uni, which was in Harlow actually. It was Middlesex Uni, but Harlow College, where I did my journalism degree and I did that for three years. In between that, learning all behind the scenes in radio and it was complete鈥 It was鈥 it was a mistake really, as to why I talked for the first time on the radio. Basically, a question got asked in the studio and nobody knew the answer to the question. So I was sitting in the background with my headphones on and I was itching. I was like, I know the answer, like nobody knows the answer. I know the answer. So I just put my hand up and that was the first time I ever spoke on air and then it just went from there. That was like my in. And then obviously yeah I built on that so pretty, pretty crazy journey鈥
Jaguar
And never looked back since.
Charlie
And I make a terrible cup of tea. Let me tell you.
Ray BLK
Ah ah
Jaguar
Noted. There's one more question: What are the best snacks to eat during Dance Anthems on a Saturday.
Charlie
Oh, my. Oh, every week. I buy fizzy sweets.
Jaguar
Hmm
Charlie
and eat them all. And that's it. Just loads of fizzy sweets to be honest.
Jaguar
You need the energy. Yeah. Amazing. Thank you. Ray, we had some questions sent in for you. And this one is: When did you first realise you could sing?
Ray BLK
Um I first realised I could sing鈥 I always thought I could sing cos my younger sister kept telling me I was rubbish at it. Stop shouting. It wasn't singing. It was shouting and then I decided to put myself up for singing for school assembly. There was an assembly where we were doing. Can't remember what song it was. I think it was an S Club song or something and I put my hand up to do a solo and my teacher was like so impressed when I sang the solo, she actually put me up for something called Gifted and Talented which is where you get to鈥 I guess they pick students who are gifted in a subject and then for the summer, you get to work on that subject and then I got asked to make an album in my summer holidays when I was about ten years old or nine years old. And that's when I realised ok my sister is a liar and she's a hater. Ah. Ah. Ah. I could sing. Yeah.
Jaguar
Great. The other question is what setbacks did you have in your career and how did you manage to overcome them?
Ray BLK
Gosh, so many. When I started out as an independent artist, I didn't鈥 When you're an independent artist, you don't have the money to do certain things, achieved certain things and I've always been someone with a big vision and from being an independent artist to be honest, I realise that you can make something amazing with just little resources, so I'd say in that in that circumstance I learnt how to make the most out of a little. So I remember my first music video, it was really cheap and it was kind of what actually launched my career and what a lot of people found out about me through and it was basically, I was just like, Ok, I'm just going to get all my friends and all my girlfriends. We will get together and we're going to make a video. You just want 鈥 in my area. That was the area I grew up in went to one of my local hair salons and it was just ask him: Can I please just film in your shop for, like, twenty minutes? I promise. I won't make too much noise or going to the kebab shop and saying: Please can I just film in here like this is the kebab shop I come to every week. You know me from when I was at school just let me film in here and just a lot of really, really nice and gracious people who let me do that. But I think it was me. Just. Just. just going for it with the little that I had and trying to be resourceful with that.
Jaguar
Great. Love that. Thank you for all your great questions. I've just got one final one for you Ray and that would be if you could go back in time, what bit of advice would you give to your teenage self?
Ray BLK
Er. I would say, first I would say the acne will clear up. Don't you worry about that
Jaguar
Yes me too.
Ray BLK
I'd say, don't worry about them calling you, dot to dot the acme will clear up. And then I'd say, I will say, don't let anybody dim your light. That's what I would say when I was鈥 Like I said, you know, when I was younger. I don't know where it came from, but I had so much confidence and self-belief and I was fearless and went for everything. And I think sometimes. Some people are uncomfortable with that because they don't feel the same. And I think sometimes it can be a bit鈥 It can be a bit intimidating for some people. So I remember when I was in the school choir, I always had like a belty voice, cos I was raised up on Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and I remember one of the girls telling me "Do you have to sing so loud? Why does your voice has to be louder than everybody else's? I was like, I'm not even trying to be loud. I just have a loud voice. I can't help it. And it made me start becoming a bit more shy and a bit more reserved and not go for certain things because I didn't wanna seem like a show off. But I learnt, like you can't let other people dim your light. If you've got a talent or you got something inside you, don't be afraid to share that. Put your hand up if you know the answer. It's not showing off. You just know what you're doing or you just have something in you that's worth sharing.
Jaguar
Yeah. That is brilliant advice like. Yeah. You have that belief in yourself and you work hard I think you can achieve anything. And you were an amazing example of that. But that brings us to the end of our session and I hope you guys find it interesting. I certainly have. Thank you so much, Ray and Charlie. So good. And of course, remember, 成人快手 Bitesize is here to help you. So if you have any questions about school, work, your future job, exams, mental health and wellbeing, you can ask us at 成人快手 Bitesize, use the #成人快手Bitesize on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. That's it. Thank you so much for being here today. We'll see you soon.
Charlie Hedges
Charlie became the UK's youngest ever breakfast DJ on KISS, where she worked for a record-breaking fifteen years. She can currently be heard on Radio 1, hosting her own show, Dance Anthems, every Saturday afternoon. She also co-hosts a show with Rickie and Melvin every evening Monday to Thursday. When she isn't on the radio, you'll find her DJing at some of the biggest festivals and events right across the world.
Teachers used to say to me "what's your backup option if you don't get to be a radio presenter or DJ?"鈥 I'd kind of sit there and go, well, no there ain't a backup. This is what I want to do and I'm not stopping until I get it. 鈥 Charlie Hedges
Ray BLK
Rita Ekwere, better known by her stage name of Ray BLK, is a singer-songwriter from London. In 2017, Ray became the first unsigned artist to win the 成人快手 Sound award. Her stage surname BLK stands for Building Living Knowing, her three main values in life.
You can't let other people dim your light. If you've got a talent, or you've got something inside you 鈥 don't be afraid to share that. 鈥 Ray BLK
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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