In the space of six months, Hartlepool native Levi Watson’s music career has went from rapping with his friends at parties to supporting some of the UK’s top grime acts at the O2 Academy.
After winning a Facebook competition ran by Kush Promotions, for a chance to support Birmingham grime star Jaykae at the O2 Academy Newcastle, Levi suddenly found himself preparing his first ever live set to be performed in front of hundreds of local grime fans – it was time for music to become more than just a hobby for the 23 year old welder.
“It started out just me and my friend freestyling in his shed and at parties for the crack, then one day we decided to put a few freestyle videos on social media and it’s just grew legs from there really,” said Levi.
“I entered a competition not expecting anything from it through Kush Promotions to support Jaykae earlier this year and ended up winning. I had never done a live performance before this gig except in-front of friends, so I was nervous, but ended up putting a 20 minute set together from nothing with two weeks notice, with the help of Levi Lee and Liam Downing.
“Since then Kush have helped guide me and install confidence in me to continue to do music. They help me with everything from advice, to recording and graphic design, they basically offer everything I need collectively as a team.
“Again, since mingling with the people at Kush, I have done countless live gigs around the North East, from open mic nights in Stockton, Middlesbrough & Hartlepool to supporting and hosting Shakk’s EP launch.
“The highlight so far has to be making my first proper track, ‘How It Is’, with help from a sound engineer, videographer and graphic designer.
“I’m really enjoying the work that goes into it and enjoying the people involved. I’m meeting loads of new faces constantly. I currently work as a welder and sometimes I work upto 70 hours a week, but I’m finding time for my music where I can. I got into this as a hobby but the more I’m progressing the more I’m wanting to take it seriously. The main thing is I’m enjoying it.”
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