Interview with Jazzie B
Interview with Jazzie B
Published: 16 May 2016
Hopefully the programme will inspire anyone who’s dabbling in the music business, and they’ll see how for some of the participants it’s been quite a therapeutic process
What can viewers expect from the show?
A show that features people who really enjoy music. It’s been a fascinating experience - I’ve never really seen this kind of format on TV before. So on that level it’s very interesting. There are people from all walks of life and all age ranges. It’s an inspirational piece of TV. The fact there are people doing it for the sheer love of music should be an inspiration to us all. Hopefully the programme will inspire anyone who’s dabbling in the music business, and they’ll see how for some of the participants it’s been quite a therapeutic process.
Were there any stand-out moments for you?
There were so many. The biggest thing is people having so much energy again and enjoying what they’re doing. I was inspired by a lot of the bands and musicians involved, simply because of the way they went about their daily lives on that level. I was able to take little pointers from and practice them myself. It’s been a real pleasure.
Were you impressed by the level of talent that you saw during the heats?
I was seriously impressed with the level of talent - which made it slightly easier and in some cases quite humbling. I wasn’t embarrassed by any of the stuff I heard and in some cases it was a real experience.
What is it about being in a band that people like so much?
I think the big thing is that there’s always a camaraderie; people getting together. It also brings like-minded people together and is such a positive experience. It’s all about friends coming together and playing music - there’s a feeling that comes from that that is indescribable. When it all comes together and is cohesive it’s a great experience and you walk away feeling satisfied from it.
What are the key ingredients to being in a successful band?
This is what’s interesting about the programme - it shows all different sides. It shows the passion, people doing something positive together. For everyone it is a unique experience. When music hits you it’s like a medicine; when you come together with like-minded people it’s a pretty incredible thing to do.
Did you find it difficult to whittle it down to one choice?
When it came down to that stage it wasn’t difficult. It was more heart-wrenching to leave this person or that person behind, in terms of everybody having the opportunity to be involved from the get-go. And I hate to say it in a cliché, but it made everybody a winner. In certain situations there were bits of my experience I was able to share, which made it also quite interesting because it was sincerely received.
I also got to experience the joy of driving around in a van with Rhod Gilbert, who is an incredible laugh. I felt like I made another friend. He made it easier being so comical. But on a serious side, he knows his onions; he knows his music. It was a lot of fun.
What do you think it is that’s different about this show to other talent competitions?
I think the difference is what they’re about - the level of sincerity - which is their music, what they’re striving for; it wasn’t anyone out there looking for chart success. If anything it was an expansion of what they had already done, the chance to go on stage in front of an audience - it wasn’t about the winning. What’s great about this programme is that shows another side to the music industry.
