Keeping it real

April 18, 2012

By Shanie Ryan… Singer / song writer / Artist

Follow me on Twitter: @Shanie_MissJinx

Okay….. So anyone who truly loves music will have fallen victim to watching reality TV shows such as MTV’s Making The Band or Breaking From Above and seen the ‘So Called’ struggle of trying to make it in the music industry. I say ‘So Called’ not to discredit the artists, because although these shows feature real artists just like myself trying to achieve their dreams they also have huge TV or record label deals behind them. As well as having a team of experts supporting them for example choreographers, vocal coaches and even if they don’t make the cut they gain HUGE media exposure…. So I ask the question ‘Is this really reality?’

As an up and coming singer/songwriter who has already experienced my fair share of highs and lows in the music industry I have been invited to share with the Flavour readers my personal journey, the truth about both the highs and lows of trying to make it as an artist without all of the perks of a reality TV show.

My article will feature everything I get up to on my journey, as well as all the behind the scenes gossip from the music industry events that I manage to blag myself into…

I introduce you too ‘Keeping it Real’….

DIARY OF AN UP & COMING ARTIST…

After the split of my former girl group Duchess previously signed to All Around The World -Universal it’s taken a lot for me to pick myself up , dust myself off and start again, but I’m ready! I know many of you are out there making music, putting together your mix tapes and getting your hustle on trying to make it! Well, your not alone people! Everyone was starting out once…. Wretch 32 was once making mix tapes too as was Ed Sheeran and now they’re selling albums and hitting the number one chart position and making mix tapes for just for fun! So keep your chins up and come on a journey with me. What you need to know about me is ….. I’m blunt but I’m honest! I hustle but I’m loyal, I’ma lover not a fighter but if I have to I’ll kick some ass! (Laughs) And with that said here’s what I’ve been up too…..

HUSTLE & SOUND:

Its been all about the hustle of booking in studio time this week and letting people know I’m making music again (I’m sure a few producers out there are like “Sod off Shay” Lol ) Also I’ve been focusing on finding my new sound and direction this week . Trying to discover your sound as a new artist or when you’re starting over again is one of the easiest yet hardest things to do …It’s gotta be fresh, yet current yet still original but the most important thing is it has to be true to you! I know who I am and what I’m about so we’re all set to go!

EVENTS & GIGS

EVENT: JLS ‘4TH DIMENSION TOUR’ and post performance back stage drinks.

VENUE: 02 Arena – London.

INVITED BY: JLS

WHO WAS THERE: JLS, Rochelle Wiseman (The Saturdays), Flawless, Vida, Star boy Nathan & JLS Friends & family.

DRINKS: The usual bar stuff! Wine, Spirits & Soft drinks.

FOOD: Nibbles & Birthday cake for one of the support acts.

GOODIE BAG: Not that kind of party unfortunately!

WHAT HAPPENED? I have to give it to the lads! This year’s show was even bigger and better than last year’s tour, the boys really did pull out all the stops this year with a huge production, lots of exciting crowd interaction & even more fantastic dancers & costumes than last year . I’ve known JLS since we were young so It’s always lovely after a big show getting to go backstage to the green room / bar for a few drinks and a catch up with the lads. The music was blasting, everyone was chatting away and of course there was a certain level of industry chat amongst artists, it’s like we just can’t help ourselves Lol! The lads eventually came to join the party and did a circuit of the room chatting to all of us friends and family and thanking us for coming to the show before heading back off to the tour bus to get some rest. It was also lovely catching up with my good friends Flawless who have a tour of their own coming up so I’m excited to go and see them perform in the near future.

CELEB HIGHS & LOWS

The other day I had a chat with my good friend Mark Asari from UK Boy band Encore about his music industry highs & lows so far….

Highs: “The highs have to be going on tour, being invited to cool events & presenting your music to the world” Says Mark.

Lows: “The fact that you’re practically a nobody if you’re not in the top 20 chart position despite your hard work”

UP & COMING…..

LEON ELSE (@LeonElse)

Check out his amazing cover of Britney Spears ‘Hold it against me’

THE BLAG SPOT

As an up & coming artist there isn’t exactly many perks financially so it’s all about the freebies Lol…..

Having a best friend that works as a PR assistant is never a bad thing, and who am I to turn down free VIP box Drake concert tickets at the 02 Arena, London. Needless to say I rather enjoyed being a “Plus 1” on this occasion! Drake was incredible and the atmosphere in the 02 Arena was electric…. I’m feeling like a very lucky girl! #BestFriendFreebie