One of the most successful, distinctive and experimental Hip Hop groups to come out of the UK, takes time out of their 100 odd shows a year schedule to give advice to aspiring young artists and friends.
Vulgratron and Metropolis back stage
Racking up a wealth of experience within the industry, there were many eyes and ears focused intently on every word that came of their mouths, as if they were listening to them on their headphones or at a gig.
Over the years sharing the stage with the likes of public enemy, De la Soul, Ian Brown, Amy Winehouse and currently gigging with Prodigy, it may give you an understanding of what level these guys are on. Two albums already to their name, ‘Asylum Speakers’ arguably being favourite, followed by ‘Stray Point Agenda’, Foreign Beggars are back at it again with their long awaited third release ‘United Colours of Beggattron’.
In discussion and in a personal interview afterwards Orifice Vulgatron and Metropolis shed light on the gloomy industry:
How did you get recognised?
Vulgatron:
In our day it was different, internet wasn’t the main focus for the press back then, for distribution or promotion. We would target key places like home grown rap magazines by sending our c.d’s in and having our music placed in independent hip hop stores. With the help of plastering stickers around London the information just spread. That was the gateway to hip hop back then.
Can anyone be an artist now days?
Vulgatron:
You have to be careful what you put out there but yes now days you can create music in your bedroom with the right software, you can do you own graphics, videos etc. You can run your own empire from your bedroom and become an artist over night.
How should the current day new artist tackle the industry?
Performing for fans at Smile 10
Metropolis:
I think the main thing is communication, your branding and your placement.
To know your competition, do your market research, be creative and have respect for the art form. If anyone else can do it, you can do it. Although have high standards with what you do. Music is a powerful thing, gives you a voice to talk your listener and get your message out there. It’s also wise to experiment with your music to create something different and to keep it fresh.
How to get recognised?
Manager: Networking is very important, to meet people and make an impression. You need to follow up and nurture relationships. Get yourself in the network systems so you can reach the public.
A lot of it comes down to is the person you are, how you present yourself, what your product is, what you have to offer and who you know. These are the absolute basic principles.
Vulgatron: You need to have inspirations and put the hard work in, for example branding your own work, releasing it, investing in it, putting on your own nights. Then once you do that people take you seriously.
Just network and be on the ball, any one you speak to just keep there contacts. If you want to work with any artists or anyone just approach them, never hold back.
By Ewen O’Brien for the Solent Speaker
