Get Your Music Heard! A Music Industry Interview With Roll Deep

Get your music heard! Roll Deep have been talking to Live and Unsigned about music industry tips and how to get your music heard. Award-winning Urban grime collective are set to take The O2 by storm on July 23^rd as they take to the stage at Live Fest, London's largest indoor festival.

Roll Deep on How to Get Your Music Heard

Roll Deep have generated household names far and wide with ex-members including Tinchy Stryder and Dizzee Rascal. Current members are at the forefront of the UK Urban scene and include Wiley and MCs such as Skepta, Flow Dan and J2K.

Roll Deep on The Music Industry

L&U: What’s it like being a member of Roll Deep?

J2K: Good! It’s entertaining we’re all mates from years ago so the banter is there. It’s a good thing.

L&U: You haven’t been involved since the start of Roll Deep, what were you doing before joining the group?

J2K: I was a solo artist but I always knew Roll Deep. I was just doing my own thing before I teamed up with them.

L&U: You must have a lot of stories from touring with a big group of lads?!?

J2K: Hahaha! One or two! But we’ll keep them on the road!

L&U: People always mention Dizee Rascal and Tinchy Stryder in relation to Roll Deep. Is that a good thing or would you prefer the attention to be on current members?

J2K: To be fair it’s good to talk about the current line-up but you can’t get away from the past. We still talk to them and it’s all good.

L&U: Do you see Roll Deep as a stepping-stone to going solo again?

J2K: No it’s a different kind of group. We’re all great individuals who do our own stuff anyway. We pretty much all do solo stuff in down-time, but we prioritise Roll Deep.

How To Get Your Music Heard

L&U: What was your big break as a performer?

J2K: I think my first mix-tape was my break. From then on I did a lot of work with American acts when they came over and I did the rounds and got myself out there.

L&U: What advice do you give to those trying to make their way in the music industry?

J2K: It’s a cliché but keep persisting and work hard. People only see the end product when it’s on the TV but there’s so much hard work to put in. Be prepared for disappointments and doors shutting.

L&U: What’s the best way of getting yourself out there?

J2K: The internet makes it easier to get out there with YouTube and others. But you need to get shows and not just stay on the internet. Gig and do everything you can and don’t do it for the money. Be prepared for a lot of unpaid work.

L&U: Is it essential to have the right attitude?

J2K: Drive is important in the industry. You meet people all time so keep your contacts and don’t burn any bridges. You need to have the right attitude and focus, and you need to keep your nose clean!

Roll Deep music Industry tips

L&U: How important is it to build your own fan base?

Always important. You have to do what you do before getting a label. You need to show you’ve got something going for you otherwise there won’t be any interest.

Roll Deep on Live and Unsigned

L&U: What tips would you give to unsigned acts competing in the final and trying to impress the judges?

J2K: Seize the day. Keep cool and go for it and the crowd will remember you. Play like it’s your last gig. Give it your all and leave yourself on the stage.

L&U: You’re playing Live Fest, London’s biggest indoor festival. Does that excite you?

J2K: Yeah definitely. I like festivals a lot. There should be loads of people there we’re looking forward to rocking it!

L&U: What do you think of the bill with the likes of N-Dubz, Tinchy Stryder and Tempa T also playing?

J2K: It’s a strong line-up. People will definitely be getting their monies worth. It’s rare to see a line-up like that.

L&U: I suppose it’s something of a home gig for you?

J2K: Yes it’s home territory so we’re looking forward to it. It should be great!

L&U: To be playing The O2 must give you a real buzz?

J2K: Yeah there are loads of nice venues in there. It’s always good to be at The O2. I went to see Peter Andre there once. It was different!

L&U: What’s your favourite festival to date?

J2K: Wireless. Definitely. I like it a lot it’s a bit cooler than the others. I Like them all though but Wireless last year was amazing.

L&U: Who’s the best act you’ve shared a stage with?

J2K: We’ve done so much so it’s hard to say! If you’re pushing me I’d say Cee Lo Green.

L&U: Any more up and coming performers you’re tipping to be big?

J2K: I’d say Tempa T is the one to watch he’s definitely got something. He’s not mainstream but has a good underground following.

The collective will be playing as part of a massive line-up at Live Fest, which also includes N-DUBZ, Tinchy Stryder and Tempa T. Catch Roll Deep along with a great line up at Live Fest