YouTube CEO Lyor Cohen calls the UK music scene the most vibrant with acts like Central Cee, Stormzy and Stefflon Don clocking billions of streams. Just recently Central Cee became the first UK artist to surpass 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
DJ Paradise the genius, born Jay Watkis plays a range of music at parties and says diversity is key driver to the industry in the UK. “One minute you could have a Pop song from Taylor Swift at the top of the charts and weeks after you could have a Rap song from Stormzy at number one. It all depends on the mood and what people are feeling at that time in the UK,” he said.
Navigating the music industry as an independent artist presents unique challenges for Paradise who has moved into producing. He suggest a few things that could better serve artist in Europe but especially in the UK. “As an independent artist, I do believe more could be done to help up-coming singers and artists. Programs that would make it easier for your songs to be played on mainstream radio stations and getting mentorship from people with great knowledge in the industry as you’re starting out are essential.” He laments the cry of most artist who want a record deal to help them climb the financial hurdles, noting, “It’s very difficult if you’re not part of an established record label or if you’re not financially stable, where you can use that money to fund projects relating to your music, such as music videos and studio time.”
Miss Pat of VP Records told WMV that the UK was the first International market to accept reggae music since the 1960s and to date. A recent report by Luminate also showed that France stands as the leading European country that consumes reggae.
DJ Paradise agrees that the UK and Europe are still significant markets for reggae music. He points out, “The UK/Europe is calling out for a lot more great reggae songs due to the fact it’s one of the largest reggae consumers. The demand for festivals is on high due to the shortage of up-coming reggae artists and bands on an international level. Personally, I think no one does festivals better than the UK/Europe.”
Sound systems also remain a cornerstone of the UK’s music culture even as artificially intelligence threaten to transform the art form. “The sound system business in the UK is in a great place due to keeping that authentic reggae sound, which is played at sound system clash events and outdoor parties. Examples include World Bash, Rough but Sweet Sound System, Saxon Sound, V Rocket, Lord Gelly, and many more,” Paradise said.
The Rise of Afrobeats and Amapiano
Afrobeats and Amapiano are currently dominating the UK music space. The in demand DJ, attributes this trend to the decline of reggae and dancehall music. Stating, “I think we need more young reggae and dancehall artists doing it on an international level to get the best results, which is more than achievable if we start to learn from the best in the industry, like Tippa Irie, Bounty Killer, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Beenieman, Capleton, etc.”
Drum and Bass/Jungle music continue to thrive in the UK. DJ Paradise highlights its popularity, explaining, “Drum and Bass/Jungle music is on a high in the UK due to its catchy beats and great community of DJs, which keep their fans happy. Jungle music is also well known to be linked to the reggae and dancehall music scene in the UK. Examples include Brookes Brothers, Chase & Status, Nicki Blackmarket, Gray, and General Levy, among many others.”
Concluding his insights, DJ Paradise remains optimistic about the future of the UK’s music industry. “Overall, the UK is a great place to grow in music, but like anything else, you will have to put the time and work in, whether by networking, performing at festivals, busking, or simply knocking on doors until they open. I believe it can be done if you put your mind to it.”
DJ Paradise’s latest song is Very Royal which will have its official music video release this month.
