Tiktok stars must have Magic to last
ILL BLU’S WARNING FOR 1-HIT WONDERS
PRODUCTION duo Ill Blu say the end of lockdown will be challenging for the new artists born in the pandemic.
The Magic hitmakers insist the return of festivals and live gigs will set apart the real, determined artists from the one-hit wonders who caught a lucky break.
James Grant said: “A lot of the bigger artists have said, ‘We’ll wait until this is all over and we can exploit our music to the fullest when we can do our live shows, festivals and things.’
“So those people that have had a onehit wonder might find it’s difficult to sustain when the OGS are back in full force.
“But that’s when you tap into your artistry and work out if you have what it takes. It’s all about putting in the work.
“We’ve been in the industry for 12 years. We’re still here because we want to be here. We work hard and still have passion for it.
“It’s going to be a big test when lockdown does ease and all the OGS come out to play, it will be interesting to see who will last and keep up.”
But bandmate Darius
Ellingtonforde
welcomes the fact that platforms such as Tiktok have torn down walls that have been up for decades.
He said: “The music industry has been flipped on its head as once there were all these gatekeepers with people saying, ‘If you don’t produce this kind of sound or work like this then you won’t get anywhere,’ whereas now the people choose what works and the gatekeepers have to follow what the people want.
“Tiktok’s been great for breaking new records. It has positives and negatives.”
Ill Blu have released their new mixtape The Bluprint featuring many collaborations including Mostack, Krept & Konan, Sneakbo and more.
But working with their idol Wretch 32 was a big moment for the boys.
“That was one of our best sessions – the vibe, the energy. It comes down to experience – he understands how important the vibe is in the studio.”
They want the mixtape to be the soundtrack for clubs re-opening, adding: “We hope this will get you in the mood for June. People might party harder than they ever have before.”