Artists

 

BLACK GRAPE could only have been made in Manchester. The swagger, fun and cryptic humour seem hewn from a city historian AJP Taylor once described as offering an archetypally different way of English urban life to London. Both Shaun Ryder and Paul Leveridge, known as Kermit, came from edgy-but-cool parts of the city. In Shaun’s case Salford, (though we know better than to designate that side of the Irwell as Manchester in certain company) with Kermit originating Moss Side. For those unfamiliar, ‘the Moss’ lay in the shadow of Manchester City’s old stadium at Maine Road, and was one of the first multi-ethnic areas in Manchester. He recalled as a youth once going there with a mate to score. This guy had been around, but his customary levity vanished when he warned: “the Moss can get fookin heavy.” They were given the run-around, and eventually the address of this party. However, it wasn’t heavy on this particular night as they had terrific fun in the company of a weird and wonderful assortment of friendly strangers. They weren’t hanging back when it came to caning it. It was the type of scene that wouldn’t be unfamiliar to either Shaun or Kermit. (Fuck me, they were probably even there…)
So we have two restlessly creative men, both from the wrong side of the tracks, neither inclined to go to art school or enrol on an MFA programme, yet loaded with street smarts and musical talent, and wanting the world. Good old punk had told every scally they could have it, and a generation went for it in their own ways, with varying degrees of success. Shaun’s astonishing rise and fall with the Happy Mondays is the stuff of legend.

Aziz Ibrahim is known for his role & work as lead guitarist for Simply Red, The Stone Roses and several internationally acclaimed bands and artists including Ian Brown, Paul Weller, Steven Wilson, Asia, Rebel MC & Errol Brown (Hot Chocolate). Aziz has worked in many genres of music including recording or performing with reggae artists Dennis Brown, Barrington Levi & Freddy McGregor.

His solo works include his acclaimed album telling the story of his family’s journey from Lahore To Longsight‘ , the EP ‘Middle Road‘ , and album ‘Rusholme Rock with Tabla master Dalbir Singh Rattan’, all showcasing his unique blend of progressive rock and Asian Blues.Aziz also works outside the field of contemporary popular music having recently composed a South Asian symphony for the Manchester Camerata Orchestra on a hugely successful project “Lahore to Longsight” which sold out ‘Home Manchester’ Theatre 1.

A passionate supporter of music education initiatives, The British Council selected Aziz to tour and lecture in Libya, Syria, Tunisia, Morocco, Jerusalem, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh for several years, performing live and delivering lectures to young people and students from Universities and Colleges.

His expertise has also been featured in The BBC’s Introducing Musicians Masterclass series, also currently serving as an advisor and mentor for University of Central Lancashire’s music program and as a member of the UCLan CCG (Creative Communities Group). Ibrahim‘s commitment to ‘social responsibility’ includes guitar lessons and mentoring sessions for prisoners in a reintegration program HMP Risley, providing Music Therapy for hospice patients at Keech and mentoring young people for the Lancashire ‘Hope Streets’ initiative.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth recognised Ibrahim’s contributions to Great Britain’s economy, culture, and the music industry in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in 2005 along with Brian May, Jeff Beck, the Bee Gees & many others. He is also a recipient of the UK Jinnah award, for outstanding achievement in music presented to him at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

 

Dawn Penn is one of the original queens of reggae music.
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, she grew up in a musical family, studying piano, classical violin and performing with her sisters Pat and Audrey in churches. Her first recording was ‘When I’m Gonna Be Free’ was in 1966.
She then recorded for the legendary Coxsone Dodd at Studio One and her first hit came in 1967 with the title ‘You Don’t Love Me – No, No, No’, one of the most famous reggae hits of all time, which has been covered by countless artists around the world including Beyonce, Rihanna, Sean Paul, Wu-Tang Clan, Eve, J Millz and Lily Allen.
In 1991 she re-recorded the single with Steelie and Cleavie – this version (which they recorded to commemorate Studio One’s 35th Anniversary) was a crossover hit in the mainstream pop charts, and in 1994 she was back on the charts with her re-recorded dancehall version which charted in 53 countries and its album was nominated for a Grammy Award.
In 1995 she produced and recorded ‘What Do You Do?’, followed up by Delroy Williams and herself producing Come Again on Trojan Records which sold close to 110,000 copies. Her 2000 single ‘Never Ever’ was released on Jet Star, becoming a smash hit on BBC Radio 1.


In 2001 she was honoured with the “Martin Luther King Award” by Caribbean Images in recognition of her contribution to Jamaican music.

 

DJ Steadyman - Music has always been at the centre of all I do and embodies who I am. I grew up surrounded by eclectic melodies of sound systems, reaching for my first vinyl at the tender age of 10. Surprisingly, this leads me to a successful career in dance which took me all around the world. I have choreographed for a living on a global scale ie the Paralympics, the Queen's jubilee and UK blockbusters streetdance3d 1 and 2 to name a few. I'm also a Youth mentor inspiring future generations through conversations dance and music.

My passion for music drives me and I have made a full circle back to my DJ roots.  As an open format DJ, I play genres ranging from Hip Hop, Dancehall, Afro and Brazilian House, to future beats Dnb and pop. My career in dance has shaped the DJ that I am today. As a professional dancer, you not only hear the music, you feel it, interpret what you hear and feel through dance. My Djyng is an extension of the way that I feel the music. It is a way for me to connect with the audience in front of me. I am in control of the energy and ultimately the musical journey. Each mix is a unique form of expression that can only be felt at that moment by those present or listening. My sole purpose is to ensure a good time is had by all.

I also produce music and have been commissioned to make beats. As a DJ I am an all-rounder, and to see me play is to experience the ultimate performance. You are guaranteed a journey where you will discover some musical gems and future classics along the way, reminisce on nostalgic jams and leave wanting more

DJ Retro - I’m a dancer/choreographer from Derby a teacher, DJ, model, artist/graphic Designer & fashion enthusiast. 

Fashion, music a dance basically encapsulates me. I love fashion and the fashion industry. Although! I’ve always said “style over fashion” because “style” is a reflection of your individuality, a painting on a blank canvas. (you being the canvas and the clothes being the paint)

Music & Dance has been a part of my life and the light to my soul from birth. I was born into a musical household, around Decks, big sound system speakers and vinyls. Almost every genre of music would be played, mostly reggae. 

Through Dance and simply just connecting with all types of music throughout my life I developed a fresh ear for music and musicality. 

My music taste is all over the place, I appreciate music for what it is so I listen to almost everything! 

But I would say the styles of music I like to play varies from narcoleptic sounds and beats to kaytranada/type beats, Funk & Soul, Sango, ROMderful, future beats, house, Future Brazilian style sounds, liquid DnB, Trap like instrumentals and chilled hip-hop/Lofi type beats.

Shan is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter based in Telford, UK. who focuses on realism within her lyrical content and connects with people emotionally through her music. She is an open minded spiritual artist who has been working with top artist and producers creating a Pop/Rnbsound which is already gaining an audience nationwide. 

She has had several tracks played on BBC Introducing and is receiving critical love from many industry professionals. A graduate ofthe University Music Academy in Liverpool, Shan  has the  musical knowledge of the music industry, broadening her versatility as an artist. She can also produce and engineer her own music.

Shan has performed to multiple audiences at different venues as big as the Echo Arena Stadium in Liverpool and as little asthe local pubs in her hometown. Shan just loves performing and bringing her energetic but humble feel to the stage.

Since signing up to TasteDatMusic, Shanhas constantly been in the studio, releasing singles and collaborating with different artists.  throughout the year. Shehas already got some big feature recorded for her EP and he is looking forward to touring the UK and continuing toshareherstory.

Sox is one of the most well-known names in the Midlands grime and Drum and Bass scene. With over 15 years experience spitting bars in front of cameras and performing in festivals and clubs all over the UK and Europe, the eccentric lyrical genius is not showing any signs of hanging up the mic. A long-standing member of Invasion Alert, which once boasted a strong line-up of MCs such as Depzman (RIP), Jaykae and Vader, this MC is a true veteran of the grime scene.

Hailing from Birmingham, Sox has over 10 million view on YouTube, and hundreds of thousands of streams and downloads under his belt, proving that he has been blessed with a unique gift. popular online platforms such as SBTV, Grimeblog, Lord of the Mics, JDZMedia, p110 have all witnessed him deliver freestyles, which have captivated many with his wordplay and ability to paint vivid pictures with his hard-hitting lyrics and punchlines.

During a career as colourful as his outfits, SOx has always been a standout performer. Legendary MCs such as Wiley, Skepta, JME, Manga, Ghetts, Devilman, Big Narstie, Trilla, have all shared a stage with the Birmingham man on several occasions. He has entertained thousands on radio shows like Radio1, RinseFM and KISSFM and at festivals such as Sidewinder and NASS. He has worker with Redbull, Nestle and O2.

Mr Macee is a Singer, Song - Writer and Rapper, that has strong connections across the Midlands music scene, being well supported by BBC West Midlands who champion and develop local music talent.  His first release attracted the attention of Radio 1Xtra's show and was supported by the legendary Charlie Sloth and MistaJam.

To date he has performed on line-ups alongside Angel, Fuse ODG, Mo Stack, Dapz on the Map, Paigey Cakey, Sir Freddie McGregor and many more.  

2021 saw Mr Macee perform as part of the BBC Airwaves festival alongside artist such as rag n bone man and James Arthur,  Mr Macee has spent most of the pandemic writing and has a lot on the way, Definitely making his mark within the UK music scene and an artist to stay locked into.

Sheddy Maria is a UK Pop/R&B artist with vibrant energy. Her style has been compared to the likes of Anne-Marie and Dua Lipa with heavy influences from Afrobeats, Reggae & Pop. Sheddy is known for high energy on stage and catchy lyrics. Not only is Sheddy as singer but she co-pro- duces her tracks and has a strong input from start to finish of the songwriting process.

Performing regularly, she has been able to create a buzz behind her name with regular radio play, including being named as artist of the week with BBC Introducing both West Midlands and Hereford & Worcester. Sheddy was also nominated for Best Song at Birmingham Music Awards 2020.

Taking part in many Social Media Live Competitions, Sheddy has performed for the likes of Fat Man Scoop & Not3s - both of which loved her original material.

Sheddy’s most recent success was being shortlisted to the Top 100 Unsigned Artists in the UK out of 10,500 applicants to Radio 1s Live Lounge. This incredible achievement has set the way for a huge year for Sheddy leading to multiple Headline Shows debuting her first EP ‘Happily Never After’

 

A 5 piece band, compiled of a group of friends.  They bring an eclectic style sound which ranges between rnb, dnb, ballads, hip hop and funk. Each band member brings a taste of their own style including creative composition of personal experience and life observation to compliment the music that they create, resulting in a meaningful and emotive musical experience for the listeners.  A real journey of vibes, A movement for the soul.