Wembley Arena was descended upon yesterday, by hundreds of 16-25 year olds who took part in workshops and attended seminars to gain some insight as to how to make it in the music industry – led by Wretch 32.
A panel of industry professionals, hosted by vibrant Choice FM presenter Kojo, took part in a Q&A session with the youngsters and used their own experiences to give advice on how they should go ahead in pursuing their dreams. There was a huge turnout for the seminar as budding MC’s, singers and producers came to hear some of the industries finest talk.
Keith Harris of PPL, one of the UK’s largest licensers of recorded music, was one of the most influential and experienced panelists at the first ‘Get Known Get Paid’ seminar. The second ‘Inside Scoop’ seminar panel included: Miller Williams of Global Publishing, Music Journalist and Choice FM presenter Max, N-Dubz manager Rich Castillo, Parker (of the Parker and James production duo who’ve worked with big names like Chipmunk and Jessie J) and last but by no means least event ambassador Wretch 32. Taking questions from a packed room of talented youths and the press, the panelist’s advice continued to flow even after main man Wretch had to leave for a show in Birmingham. Before leaving, the ‘Traktor’ rapper encouraged the hopefuls to stay and listen to the wisdom being imparted and collected demo CDs as he rushed out with his team. The gripped listeners got a surprise speech from one third of De La Soul, Pasemaster Mase, who attended in support and seemed to see himself as filling the gap of the missing panel member. Bringing things back down to earth, he gave the room a harsh wakeup call about promoting themselves and their music:
“You gotta also anticipate rejection, thats what nobody really said. You take your music so personally, that the minute somebody says ‘Yo, this is not good’… i mean and this is a busy man…to take time out to listen to your demo, your dream, looking for someone to fund your dream now. YOUR dream not his, he’s doing his thing. So you have to be patient.”
Host Kojo wrapped up the seminar and the panel stayed to give out contact details and talk to the eager young artists. The event ran from 12 until 8pm on July 21st at the Wembley Arena and may well prove to be an amazing stepping stone for many of those that attended.
Words by Catherine Ababio
