We talked
to 1Xtra DJ Twin B who quickly went from pirate radio and house party DJ
to 1Xtra DJ and Record Label A&R. He is also hosting the HUGO URBAN
RULES event in Birmingham.For those who don't know much about you, let us know how you started out in the industry.
Firstly, I've always loved music and I spent my youth glued to a radio or overplaying my mum and dad's Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson records. I ended up starting to DJ in my mid teens with my brother and my mates. We ended up doing lots of parties and then I ventured into pirate radio. In 2004 UK music was really starting to kick off and I wanted to document the exciting acitvity at the time, so I put together a mixtape with my people called Split Mics, which featured exclusive freestyles from Kano, Klashnekoff, Roll Deep, Estelle etc. The mixtape kicked off and helped me to get a show on the world's greatest station, BBC 1Xtra. This also helped me kick off a career in A&R.
How did you become involved in Hugo Urban Rules?
I heard about the event that they where doing in London and about the fact that they where championing unsigned talent and more importantly, UK music which is what I do with my 100% Homegrown show at 1Xtra. I was approached by them and jumped at the chance to host and be involved.
What is your role in the programme?
I will be hosting the day's events, chatting to everyone, eating the free sandwiches and all that jazz.
What do you think a programme like this means to UK music?
It gives UK music a platform which is amazing. It also gives a chance for fresh new talent to be able to perform with some of the best talent we have to offer in the UK such as Amy Winehouse.
How will the Birmingham Urban Rules differ from the London one?
I'm hoping it will provide some fresh new Midlands talent. The Midlands have always been a hotbead of urabn talent from back in the day with UB4O, to current stars, the Streets, Jamelia, Soweto Kinch and many more. Hopefully we'll have the Brummie flavour.
Explain to our readers what an A&R does.
Party? Nah not really! We source new talent, listen to a lot of new music, and see who the most talented singers, writers and producers are, and how to find them.
As an A&R yourself, what do you look for in an artist?
People that have the potential to be bought into on a large scale. This usually involves talent, sadly not always, but they must be people who are professional, hardworking and focused.
What can you offer to the programme with your experience in the music industry?
A smile and a great passion and knowledge of the UK music scene. Get me on the decks as well!
Why should people sign up to Hugo Urban Rules?
It's a great chance to really have a head start. You have nothing to lose, only exposure to gain (and probably a free bottle of Hugo).
www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra
By Rashmi Shastri - Jan 2007