 Although the music industry is an ever-expanding one, the credibility of the profession is being tarnished by gimmicks. The cheeky girls, Big Brothers very own transsexual Nadia, and other such artists are getting signed as a way of making a fast pound for those executive fat-cats. As these humorous artists are signing to major record labels, it is leaving a pathway for more serious and talented artists to sign with independent labels. Independent labels are known for their genuine appreciation and desire to release innovative music without the curtail of any creativity. They have no interest in the artist being commercially viable to a mainstream audience, but rather the urgency of good music.
One independent label that champions and supports British urban music is Backbone records. With the release of a number of mix tapes that have already gained street acclaim gaining sales in excess of 5,000, Backbone records looks set for big things in 2005. Through these already achieved record sales, Backbone music has been able to re-invest their money into new artists.
One of these artists is the first lady of Backbone music Danielle. Danielle makes music that is a reflection of her. Her sound is honest and yet experimental- something which is not a common quality in the recent spout of female artists. Danielle recently got her vocals heard at mainstream level when she guest appeared on Shystie’s track “One Wish”. However, having collaborated with a range of talented producers and artists alike, Danielle is well on her way to solo success. After hearing her current demo, it is obvious that she is ready to dominate. Her excellent, yet simplistic delivery of tracks such as “Let me show you” and the African inspired “Am I a woman” which deals with the objectification of women, allows us a measurement of the level of talent to which others will soon be measured. Her sound can be described as soulful R&B with a hip-hop edge which allows her soft, yet elegant vocals to harmonise over the classy production that screams fresh and funky!
What is clear on listening to Danielle is that her musical heroes and the people that have inspired her are amongst the greats such as Whitney Houston and she has the ability of reaching the same heights as these majorly successful singer/songwriters. Not allowing herself to simply vocalise other people words, Danielle engages with real emotion through her self-penned tracks. This is helped by her University degree which she is currently studying in English Literature. Although new to the industry, Danielle possesses talent and maturity beyond her years so please give her a warm welcome and watch out for her early in 2005 with the release of her ‘split the mic’ mix-tapes.
In 2004 we witnessed urban music cementing its position within the music industry with urban music dominating the national charts both in the UK and the US alike. We stood and watched as urban fashion moved from residential areas to become worn and marketed by posh spice herself and now urban independent labels are shifting just as many units as the majors.
One true mastermind within the urban music scene and a key player within Backbone music is Blemish Blackstorm. The 24 year old rapper from South London has remained a constant presence within the UK hip-hop scene which has been cemented by collaborations with Skillz, Asher D and Taz. With a huge personality that is injected into his rhymes, Blemish has now personified the true essence of what Uk hip-hop has now become. Not buying into the bling culture, Blemish demonstrates his mature lyrical content on tracks such as “Let your soul be free” where he plays homage to the education of kids.
Through relentless self-promotion travelling up and down the country and performing and selling cd’s and mix tapes, it is easy to engage with the determination of such an individual. Not to be compared to other artists of channel U fame, Blemish knows what he wants from the music industry. On speaking at a recent press conference for Backbone music, Blemish, real name Kevin confessed his concerns [i]“I feel the state of the music industry worldwide is going through a negative transition with piracy and the quality of music in general. Here in the UK, I feel we have the necessary talent at our disposal to re-juvenate the state of music.”[/i] Blemish maintains his down to earth nature through a keen interest in computers and football. His latest release is a compilation of the best from UK entitled “UK Finest”.
The urban music market is in need of fresh and creative input and with the backing of promotional tools; Backbone music has the talent, innovativeness and mastermind to make 2005 the year for them. So my advice to you, the public, is to support the talent and allow the UK market to be as established and respected as our friends across the pond.
[b]Words By: John Busby[/b]
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