Happy new year people. I always have good intentions of writing regular blogs and letting people know what I'm up to but if I'm totally honest, I just get too busy.
Obviously Music isn't my full time job (yet) but I do treat it like it is and sometimes it takes up more time than a career. I'm a very driven guy when it comes to my passions, I work hard at this. When I'm not doing my "real job".... I'm writing songs, in the studio recording, making beats with 4Zero, promoting, making artwork, writing for other artists, managing the musicians that are on my label, looking for new talent, networking, planning releases, arranging gigs, going to shows, doing podcast interviews as well as writing industry news and reviews on www.manchestermusicgroup.com
Mix this in with trying to live a full life, raise my daughter, run my other business and work full time... It's a lot of work! But here we are.
2022 was a great year for me. I performed some sell out shows at the Witchwood alongside some of my best friends Soul31, Rowen James and Conduit. Headlined my first ever show at The Hip Hop Chip shop and for the first time DID'NT release an album. I decided to take my time. My first album "Long time coming" for me was a defining moment of my life, I worked so hard to get that project out in such a short time frame but when I listen back now, I'm a little embarrassed by it. I rushed it, although some of the songs popped and people loved it, I think I went a little overboard. The second album was much better but again, I was in a rush, on a roll and wanted to make the most of my time as a rapper before I ultimately ran out of steam and inspiration.
My next album will come out this year. I've worked hard to become a much better writer, our production game with 4Zero has gone up so many levels and my songs are much better in general I believe. Practice makes perfect so the next one will be legit. "Extra Time" will drop at some point this year, date to be confirmed but I'm not going to pressure myself by giving an exact date. I'm just working naturally until me and my team think it's ready to go!
Speaking of "My Team" I think I need to shoutout some of the people that have supported me in the last year and give them some of the credit they deserve.
First up... 4Zero, My producer, the man behind the music who works so hard behind the scenes, making beats, mixing, mastering, constantly trying to make my music sound better. The nicest guy you'll ever meet who has become a very good friend to me over the past few years and honestly... I wouldn't be here without him. Thank you bud.
Soul31... Not only is Soul one of the most talented artists in Manchester (and beyond in my opinion) he's also my best mate, an inspiration to me and a shoulder to lean on. We've been through all of this music journey side by side, almost from day one, we started together and supported each other all the way through. Soul31 deserves some recognition. You can stream his music here
Rowen James, another exceptionally talented artist whom I look up to. I started as a fan of Ro, then became a friend. As someone who has been around the music scene for a long time, I appreciate his advice, I get inspired by him and I've never resonated with anyone's lyrics more than his. I'm looking forward to helping you release your new album.
There's plenty more people who need shouting out, In no particular order but these people also made my year last year. Jack Hughes for always being there and helping me improve, Mic Check media for the constant support, DJ Stefan for gassing me up at every opportunity, The 6th Floor show for always spinning my tunes, Marshall Mann at the Spotify scavenger podcast for supporting, Stringfela, Mista Doesha for putting me on the map in LA. Donnie Danko, Ultra Eko, Cohort pictures, Streetstar studios, Envision Images, Kenny Jonczyk, Jonny Nadin, Chev Chelios, Rick Gray, Pauly T, Shaun Waldren, Tara Samari, Sketch, Gavner P, Mike Murphy, Seb Sag and so many more. My Mum and Dad, my brother, My nan and the rest of my incredible family. My baby Summer Jones, Riley and obviously my Queen Stacy, for always supporting me.
Here's to 2023. No days off. Keep moving.