In advance of next week's Power Down Showcase at Metropolis Studios we chatted to a few of the artists on the line-up. To hear them perform, tune into M online at 8pm on Tuesday 1 May, where their performances will be streamed live.
Bernadette Ryan
Bernadette Ryan
Schooled in the violin before discovering a love for the piano at fifteen, our latest 30 seconds interviewee taught herself how to play from listening to R&B and Soul records by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and John Legend and began to write her first songs. Bernadette will be performing at the next Power Down showcase at Metropolis Studios on 1 May.
How long have you been making music?
I've been songwriting since the age of 15 when i started learning to play the piano
What inspired your latest album/EP/single?
Friends, Family & Fools... All of my music is inspired by things that me & friends/family have experienced; lifes ups & downs, relationships.
What process do you go through to create your music?
It really depends sometimes I'll be on the tube to/home from my day job & I feel compelled by something I've just seen or read so I'll hum a melody into my phone so i remember it, then I write some lyrics & save them...next I'll put my headphones in & pull up an iphone app & get some basic chords.
How would you describe your sound?
Soulful but commercial, I like to listen to R&B, Gospel, Soul, Hip hop, Pop & ballads so my influences filter through in different songs of mine but I'd say it's Urban pop.
What would your dream collaboration be?
John Legend
Where can we catch you performing next?
I'll be on CJ Beatz show in BBC 1XTRA next month, performing at Orgasmatron in June & I'll definitely be back at The Regal rooms soon...
www.facebook.com/bernadetteofficial
www.myspace.com/bernadetteryan
www.twitter.com/bernadette_ryan
www.youtube.com/user/BernadetteOfficial
Rob Bravery
How long have you been making music?
I've been songwriting since the age of 15 when i started learning to play the piano
What inspired your latest album/EP/single?
Friends, Family & Fools... All of my music is inspired by things that me & friends/family have experienced; lifes ups & downs, relationships.
What process do you go through to create your music?
It really depends sometimes I'll be on the tube to/home from my day job & I feel compelled by something I've just seen or read so I'll hum a melody into my phone so i remember it, then I write some lyrics & save them...next I'll put my headphones in & pull up an iphone app & get some basic chords.
How would you describe your sound?
Soulful but commercial, I like to listen to R&B, Gospel, Soul, Hip hop, Pop & ballads so my influences filter through in different songs of mine but I'd say it's Urban pop.
What would your dream collaboration be?
John Legend
Where can we catch you performing next?
I'll be on CJ Beatz show in BBC 1XTRA next month, performing at Orgasmatron in June & I'll definitely be back at The Regal rooms soon...
www.facebook.com/bernadetteofficial
www.myspace.com/bernadetteryan
www.twitter.com/bernadette_ryan
www.youtube.com/user/BernadetteOfficial
Rob Bravery
Singer-songwriter Rob Bravery will also be among the performers at the next Power Down at Metropolis Studios on 1 May.
What process do you go through to create your music?
I take an idea from cradle to grave in the comfort of my bedroom (grave being the point where other people listen)
How would you describe your sound?
deadwood
What would your dream collaboration be?
Joanna Newsom
Where can we catch you performing next?
Australia
How long have you been making music?
Since I lost my virginity.
Since I lost my virginity.
What inspired your latest album/EP/single?
Any number of vices and addictions, the behavioral traits of my family/friends.. How simple I am?
Any number of vices and addictions, the behavioral traits of my family/friends.. How simple I am?
What process do you go through to create your music?
I take an idea from cradle to grave in the comfort of my bedroom (grave being the point where other people listen)
How would you describe your sound?
deadwood
What would your dream collaboration be?
Joanna Newsom
Where can we catch you performing next?
Australia
Brendan Rogers
Brendan Rogers will also be at Power Down on 1 May. He is emerging on the burgeoning folk scene with an impassioned set of widely influenced folk songs. His rousing vocals are complimented by the accompaniment of strings, woodwind and brass.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music seriously for the last 6 years.
I’ve been making music seriously for the last 6 years.
What inspired your latest album/EP/single?
The title track Feather or Fin was inspired by a poem written by the late Rosa Young. She had written the poem for her grand daughter who happens to be a very close friend of mine. My other influences for the album vary from modern artists such as Jonsi and Fionn Regan through to artists from the 70s such as Neil Young and Paul Simon.
The title track Feather or Fin was inspired by a poem written by the late Rosa Young. She had written the poem for her grand daughter who happens to be a very close friend of mine. My other influences for the album vary from modern artists such as Jonsi and Fionn Regan through to artists from the 70s such as Neil Young and Paul Simon.
What process do you go through to create your music?
That’s a tough question as there is no real formula to the way that I write. Songs can either just come to me very quickly with both melody and lyrics or they can be slow burners that take a few months to complete. All my songs start with me and the guitar and I introduce all the instrumentation in the later stages.
How would you describe your sound?
Well I have been told that I sound like a cross between Mumford and Sons and Ray LaMontagne.What would your dream collaboration be?
I think it would have to be Sufjan Stevens as I am a huge fan of his.
Where can we catch you performing next?
I’m just starting to get confirmations for the summer festival season which will be the best place to catch me. All details will be revealed up on www.facebook.com/officialbrendanrogers along with a couple of other London dates I am working on at the moment.
