CICAS® interviews

Every month we talk to one of the young artistes or entrepreneurs who's part of the CICAS® programme and ask what they're up to and how it's going, so they can share their experiences and knowledge and you can find out who they are and what they're about...

Ahmad

In December 2009 United Vibrations released their critically aclaimed debut single RA! Loved by Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio 1) the single was independently produced and released by 12Tone, listen and learn ...

JaYchai

Listen to seriously soulful vocalist JayChai talking about why she chose to move from being an MC to singing, her new band, and funky house track - live PA coming to a club near you soon!

clay

January 2010

This month we were lucky to talk to Clay of Claybeat Music Publishing. He's got a couple of tracks on Sean Paul's latest Grammy nominated album including hit single Hold my Hand. Hear how he set up his record label and publishing business and his future plans ...

sasha

december 2009

Listen to singer Sasha talking about getting into music, being part of the Youth Steering Committee of The Midi Music Company, running open mic session Social Sundays at Inspiral Lounge and how you can perform there ...

Marv-ill

November 2009

Listen to beatbox extraordinaire Marv-ill talking to Concise One about using his body as an instrument, the rise of beatboxing, preparing a single, comics, and appearing on the Paul O'Grady Show ...

Sarah poffa

october 2009

This month we have dancer, performer and tailor Sarah Poffa talking about how she got into dance, making costumes and her work with The Impossible - visit the website for a taste of the live audio-visual experience ...

Kemar

september 2009

Listen to young actor Kemar Downey talking about what inspired him to get into acting, getting into drama school and aspiring to fight aliens like Will Smith in Independence Day ...

E vibes

August 2009

This month we have rapper, producer E-Vibes talking to Tamsin aka Concise One about his influences, 'GRIT STORY: Still risin' from the dust' a project tracing the routes of UK Grime, and feeling spiffy ...

Kate tempest

JULY 2009

Listen to the lyrical force that is Kate (formerly Excentral) Tempest exchanging words with Tamsin aka Concise One. Hear some fine impromptu rhymes, why the name change, her festival plans with Sound of Rum, and why you should start creating ...

undawurld

JUNE 2009

UK hiphop/grime artistes Danny Ryder and Little C from Undawurld came in to talk to Shaka about their new Mixtape 'No U Turns', a year in the studio and why Little C is feeling like Jesus ...

NUNO

May 2009

This month we have drummer and percussionist Nuno Brito Carreira talking about how he got into music, the four bands he's working with, the challenge of gypsy and plans for festivals here and abroad...

J.Passion

April 2009

Listen to J.Passion talking to Tamsin aka Concise One about his inspirations, studio plans, being a positive lyricist and working to stop gun and knife crime...

P.C.T

March 2009

This month we have MC/producer P.C.T talking to Shaka about setting up his own record label, deciding to study music production and incorporating more live sound...

V-Double-E

February 2009

This month we have V-Double-E talking to Tamsin aka Concise One. She's a singer - songwriter - vocalist and emcee and she's a new track out produced by Stereo Dan...

Aina

January 2009

This month we have Aina being interviewed by Shaka. She's a singer - songwriter - performer and teacher. She's part of reggae/hip-hop band Kaya as well being a solo artist who's working on an album...

irenosen

December 2008

This month we have young writer Irenosen talking to Oggie. Hear about her decision to finally call herself 'a writer', her work with Apples and Snakes, and work on her novel...

Johnny Virgo

November 2008

This month we have MC Johnny Virgo. Hear about his first appearance on stage at a Courtney Pine show, his writing, production and new video...

Duncan Schmoll

October 2008

This month we have guitarist Duncan Schmoll talking about branching out into new styles, being made to study classical guitar by his mum, playing with The Uncles of Funk and hositing jam sessions at The New Cross Inn...

selecta cobra

September 2008

This month we have DJ Selecta Cobra talking about being inspired by animation, his show on Metro Love Radio, supporting UK artists and inviting artists to submit their tracks...

steve ryan

August 2008

This month we have bassist Steve Ryan talking about his improv band The Impossible, putting on a festival in Britany, finding unusual venues to play at and dreaming of travelling the world with music...

destiny

July 2008

This month we have independent film maker Destiny talking about her short film Tight Jeans, writing the script when she was bored, getting funding and having it shown at the BFI ...

davinah

May 2008

This month we have singer, songwriter, Davinah talking about how she was signed before she'd ever got up on stage, being inspired by other artists at The Midi Music Company and Runaway going out with The Ministry of Sound...

shaka

April 2008

This month we have Shaka, who's been part of The Midi Music Company since she was 17. Hear her talking about her inspirations, being compared to other female artists and developing a more grimy sound...

Ahmad

March 2008

This month we have musician, producer and engineer, Ahmad, talking about getting into engineering, being taken on by Sensible Music, the upcoming Mauritius trip and taking to the streets with his band United Vibrations...

shady blue

February 2008

This month we have jazz, soul, afro-funk singer-songwriter Shady Blue talking about her journey as an artist, getting her track Permission to Please playlisted on Choice FM, and performing live with her band at Jazz Cafe...

DJ NG

January 2008

This month we have DJ/producer DJ NG talking about his track 'Tell Me' blowing up, being featured in Music Week, signing a management deal and 'urbance' and the cake concept...

Anaccent

December 2007

This month we have lyricist AnAccent talking about learning to write in French, what inspired her to get into music and what she hopes to achieve...

Tamsin aka concise one

November 2007

This month we have female MC Tamsin aka Concise One about getting into spoken word, finding her name and the importance of where she's from...

samantha east

akatriel

davinah

Joey elkins

conrad the scoundral

cat knight