16 artists are being nurtured by the Southbank Centre as Emerging Artists in Residence in what they're styling an "eclectic hub for music and performance". Keeping you ahead of the curve, we're getting closer to this multi-talented bunch of singer-songwriters, rappers, MCs and beatboxers, spoken word artists and DJs in a series of interviews.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Renell Shaw. I am a musician, arranger and composer.
Where do you live and what do you like about it?
I don't really know at the moment. I'm at uni so sometimes I live in Surrey. I keep my studio at my grandparents (love em to bits) so I could be in Haringey. I miss my mum and sis so have to go to Walthamstow and am currently looking for a place of my own (so who knows where that will be.) I grew up in Hornsey, though, and I love the chilled out nature of the people around there (Alexandra Palace late night jamming sessions all the way!!)
What inspires you about London? What's your favourite bit?
How one road is Chinatown, another is Guanabara and along comes Brick Lane. Only in London, baby!
How much time do you spend at the Southbank Centre? Have you found any secret bits?
I've been going there once or twice a week for the past 8 months. No secret places but I do like me some Wagamamas.
What does the EAR programme mean to you?
Good music, great stories and a few epic showcases on the way
What do you hope to achieve through it?
A list of talented artists who I can work with and also call my friends (done it!).
What was your first place to perform in London and where do you aspire to perform?
The Hackney Empire main stage. I would like to perform at Q's Jook Joint but unfortunately it's only an album :(
Who in your genre should we be listening to and why?
Mr Quincy Jones - he's has a way of seeing the future potential in things and moving with it, he'd know what to do with us.
What would mark you, by your own ambitions, as an Established Artist in Residence rather than an Emerging Artist in Residence?
That's a hard one. I'll never really be established, there's always more to learn and for that reason I'll always feel like a student but I think I should be an Established Artist in Residence already! It'd be good to have a home to base all my projects in though (e.g. working on a musical at the moment, good fun.)
Have you ever busked? Would you ever?
No, no - but I do like to listen and always give a bit of money (when I have it)
Have you ever been sick on the tube?
No but I have caught a cold from being underground for too long (and i remember the face of the sick person in the train who infected our carriage!)
Listen to Renell on Myspace or check out his website. See him and all the other EARs at Takeover on 27 February at the Royal Festival Hall. Just £6 - book now!
