BBC Introducing: Advice to get into the music industry

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a career for yourself in the music industry?

In this video, music industry professionals talk about their experiences and give career advice to those who might follow in their footsteps.

Grime artist Ransom FA grew up in Aberdeen and recently appeared on BBC Three's The Rap Game UK, performing in front of 18,000 people in Birmingham. Now based in London, Ransom has never forgotten his Scottish and Nigerian roots and has a desire to develop a rap scene in Scotland, helping young aspiring grime artists from his Aberdeen studio.

That uniqueness is what's going to take you furthest. Being different is what's going to make you thrive. – Ransom FA

Harpz is a breakfast presenter on BBC Asian Network. She is also a DJ and CBBC presenter on Saturday Mashup. Harpz was voted Radio Presenter of the Year at the 2019 Asian Media Awards.

I have worked my backside off to be on a platform that I'm proud of. I didn't see that coming. I've now branched out into other places because of who I am. – Harpz Kaur

Rita Ekwere, better known by her stage name of Ray BLK, is a singer-songwriter from London. In 2017, Ray became the first unsigned artist to win the BBC Sound award. Her stage surname BLK stands for Building Living Knowing, her three main values in life. Watch the full session to find out more.

Don't put so much pressure on yourself to have to do things a certain way or to have to do something right now. – Ray BLK

Arlo Parks is a singer-songwriter and poet from south London. She was longlisted for the BBC Sound of 2020 awards, a poll of music critics. Arlo embarked on her first headline tour of Europe in February 2020, but could not complete it due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Her debut album is set to be released in January 2021.

Enjoy the time when you can be in a space where you can experiment as a performer and enjoy being in front of a few close friends or a few people, enjoy that kind of intimate energy. – Arlo Parks

Singer and rapper Jessica Smyth is better known by her stage name Biig Piig. Jess grew up in Spain and Ireland, before moving to London and meeting fellow musician Lava La Rue and joining the NiNE8 Collective. Biig Piig has since gone on to release several EPs, with her music having had millions of views and streams on YouTube and Spotify.

There's a lot of people that make music and especially when they're starting out, they won't release it because they don't know if it's good. Well, does it feel good to you? If it feels good to you, don't think about anyone else, put it out and see what happens. – Biig Piig

Jamz Supernova is a BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ, where she hosts a weekly show unearthing and showcasing new talent. Jamz has also launched her own record label, signing the most exciting up-and-coming artists.

I can find joy in the little things that I do, the tiny moments. I will say to that younger person, the 18-year-old… just enjoy where you're at, enjoy everything that's happened, be aware, take note, take stock of it, because it won't last and it moves fast. – Jamz Supernova

BBC Music Introducing LIVE ran from Saturday 24th October – Saturday 31st October 2020 and Bitesize brought you five backstage discussions with special guests.

One of the UK’s biggest, fastest-growing and most exciting music industry events, BBC Music Introducing LIVE supports and inspires the next generation of industry leaders, artists and creatives. The 2020 event took place digitally for the first time, with a week-long programme bringing audiences an array of live performances, masterclasses, talks and interactive sessions featuring high profile BBC Music Introducing alumni, industry experts and special guests.

To find out more details and watch all the panel talks, check out the BBC Music Introducing LIVE page.