2017 looks bright for this future star

Image from Facebook

Since house and electronic music has been making its way back onto the mainstream scene, producer and musician Callum Stubbs has been more confident than ever in getting his music noticed. As we sit in a warm Gloucestershire pub, located in the village he was bought up in, he sips his Minchew's cider and talks to me about opportunities, touring Europe and breaking the London music scene. By Amie Rhone.

Callum's passion and enthusiasm for music is evident, from his music production to band practice, songwriting to soundcloud; his efforts are faultless. Graduating from the Leeds College of Music with a first class degree in Music Production, Callum believes that the opportunities he's been presented with at uni are what's helped his career blossom: “I wouldn't have met any of the professionals that I now speak to if it wasn't for uni, they've helped me find  a way into the industry.

"I am lucky enough to be working alongside MOBO award-winner Steve Chrisanthou, who's enjoyed success with Eliza Doolittle, Newton Faulkner and Corinne Bailey Rae (just to name a few!). It has been great to gain an insight into how he works and the standard of work I need to be producing and the experience has been centred around producing and writing for up-and-coming electronic artists. I’m currently in talks with other well respected industry professionals, which I hope will open up other doors into a successful music career."

Another platform that he has seen progress is social media. Recently, more and more artists have been announcing albums, new singles and tours through the media, with examples being Adele's 2017 tour advertised on the television and Beyoncé releasing her latest album, Lemonade, on all of her social media accounts. Callum tells me how social media has gained him access to feedback from industry professionals: "Social media has played a big part in my online presence, due to others being able to listen to my work quickly and easily. It can be a great way to share ideas and new music with others, which is something I'd always recommend to up-and-coming musicians."

"being a nice guy can definitely get you a long way"

Although this producer has his sights set on London and other big cities, Ashton-Under-Hill in Gloucestershire will always be his home: "My fondest musical memories have to be playing in bands as I was growing up. There was no pressure and was just loads of fun; learning how to play instruments and messing about with songwriting, surrounded by my close friends. The gigs we played around Gloucestershire gave me a taste for what it was like to play on stage."

This producer is definitely country through-and-through, with a part time job on a farm earning money, helping fund his music and producing ambitions. Through building industry contacts, playing gigs and producing music, Callum's knowledge for music and the industry has progressed over the years, and one important piece of advice that he would give to younger musicians is knowing your theory: "Musical knowledge has got to be key. This could include playing an instrument well, knowing music theory and understanding what makes a good song. Developing technical skills in the studio has played a big part, due to the way this is influencing how the industry works."

However, simple advice will always be key: "Along with the specific musical skills perseverance, communication and being a nice guy can definitely get you a long way."

With 2017 looking to be a huge year for this 21-year-old producer, his aspirations are high. "I would be happy if I could songwrite and produce full time in London, building contacts and making a name for myself. In 5 years time, it would be my aim to have success in the industry, travelling around and hopefully, working with top 50 chart artists.

"It’s been a fun few months touring within the UK and Europe. I'm looking forward to playing festivals and bigger venues in 2017, with my one aim being to break into the London scene and meet lots of new people, who I can hopefully work with in the future."

For now, Callum's off to pack for a music inspired trip to Holland; there's simply no stopping him. With touring, producing and building his contacts and image taking over, 2017 is certainly going to hold some big opportunities and projects, creating memories that will stick with him for the rest of his producing career. Turn on, tune in and sit back to the slick style and catchy beats from Callum Stubbs.

https://soundcloud.com/callum-stubbs-music/

Beyoncé is back

Beyoncé slays once more with her brand new single, Formation. 

After keeping things pretty quiet through 2015, Queen Bee is back. Her new single is just a teaser of what we can expect from her upcoming album, and does definitely not hold back. I will have this song on repeat for days and cannot wait to see where she will be heading on her world tour.

The artwork for the single is obviously, flawless. With designer names, risqué dancing and catchy lyrics, I can't wait to see whether this album will be just as good as Beyoncé:Platinum Edition.

Image from Beyoncé's wesbite

Stubbs has his sights set on success

DJing and house music have made their way into the commercial music scene and with more recognition for up-and-coming artists, there’s no time like the present to follow your ambitions. Callum Stubbs focuses on catchy beats and a slick style to his tracks, something that will continue with the launch of his EP. With success in sight, 2016 is definitely going to be the year for this musician… 

By Amie Rhone. 

Callum Stubbs started playing the guitar when he was 10, which sparked his interest in music. Along with growing up listening to a variety of music, his Dad also played both the guitar and the piano, something that inspired Callum to become the musician he is now. 

His passion and enthusiasm for music is evident, from his university work to attending gigs, clubbing and finding work experience. Studying Music Production at the Leeds College of Music has helped Callum with his ambitions: “I’ve really found my feet while being at uni, the opportunities I get while up in Leeds are brilliant. It’s such a great place for live music and the course has helped me learn so much about what I want to do. 

“In the future, I hope to become a successful music producer. I see myself with a solid job; travelling, touring, making money from music and just having fun!” 

The determination that this 20-year-old has not only shows in his music, but across all of his hobbies. His love of cycling and sport is also something he grew up with, from having a competitive relationship with his brother. “He’s 7 years older than me but as we got older, we became competitive with our interests. We both run, so we’re always trying to beat each other.” But how does he fit it all in? “Cycling is something that helps to motivate me. I tend to cycle more when I’m at home from uni, to keep me busy. My inspiration for music comes to me in the evening when I’m relaxing, so cycling in the day keeps my mind occupied and gives me something to do! 

"A couple of years ago, I might have taken cycling to the next level; more competitions, pushing myself to the max and looked at finding a career from it. Now, my sole focus for a career is music, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do.” 

A career in music is something that certainly looks promising for this young musician. His eagerness to get his name ‘out there’ recently found him work experience at Radio 1Xtra Live in Leeds, an event that was broadcasted across radio, television and social media. He spent his time backstage and met the likes of Trevor Nelson, Lethal Bizzle, Katy B and Charlie Sloth: “Speaking to people who are in the music business really boosts my confidence. I feel like I’m making progress when I receive feedback from my music, advice is definitely the most important tool I could be given.” As an artist himself, the main piece of advice from Callum is to be persistent: “Never ever give up. They’ll be times that you think you can’t do it but there is always a way. Have confidence in yourself, gain contacts but most importantly, say hi. Don’t be shy, there’s no time for that.” 

Gigs are an important part of Callum’s work and are a great chance for him to get noticed. Back at home in Ashton under Hill, he is involved with two bands, Second Line and Nick Brown and the Profile. Playing at fetes, festivals and parties leaves his schedule jam-packed for most of the summer, but is 2016 set to be even busier? “I love playing gigs everywhere and we’re already taking bookings for the start of next year. I would love to start DJing a bit more in 2016, maybe a few local clubs, then moving on to bigger venues in Leeds and Birmingham. That would be really cool.” 

With the launch of his EP set to drop in late spring, 2016 is definitely looking to be the biggest year yet for Callum. Although, he really isn’t giving too much away. “They’ll be around 4 tracks on the EP. I can’t wait to release it, it will have a summery vibe to it and I’m hoping for the songs to develop throughout.” But when it comes to finding inspiration for his tracks, he knows who to look up to. “Tom Misch and Salute are two up-and-coming artists who I follow on social media and SoundCloud, I love both of their styles and they have unique signature sounds – something which I really want to create with my EP. 

"Bonobo is probably my favourite artist. He has become huge as a DJ, musician and producer and he has such a solid fanbase. He has been around for so long but is always consistent and I thoroughly admire his work ethic.” 

Callum speaks so highly of the artists that he aspires to be like, but without realising that he has all of the same qualities as they do. With so 

much going on in the new year, I have a feeling a lot is going to be changing for this young artist.

https://soundcloud.com/callum-stubbs-music