Jared's Choice

Ian Britt & Rosie Electro

It's a tall enough order trying to make a name for yourself when you're in an unsigned band and you have 3 or 4 other people alongside you for the ride, sharing the journey full of the inevitable crap gigs (tough crowds, no crowds, shit filled venue toilets, shit filled toilet venues etc) and as a fan first and foremost it's my personal respect for this precarious journey that musicians embark on which led me to become a promoter. But what about those who decide to go it alone? Those without the benefit of a TV talent show or industry sponsored brat school to act as a catalyst for their careers (would the likes of Leona Lewis and Kate Nash have succeeded unaided?)...

Sheffield has been fortunate to have had a veritable plethora of successful bands in recent years as everyone knows but, Richard Hawley aside (a man who in addition to his talent also already had the necessary acumen and industry contacts in place prior to his solo flight); many of its solo stars have struggled to gain the credit they've deserved. Most notably, for me at least, has been a humble yet hardworking chap called Ian Britt, who despite the industrious efforts of his late manager (who sadly passed away not so long ago and was a huge influence on Ian's music) has yet to achieve the widespread recognition that his song writing talent should rightfully command. In a world where one sees the annoyingly insipid James Blunt tour stadiums supported by the ever so slightly less innocuous Teddy Thompson this is less so an injustice, more so an outrage, a travesty.

Being the philanthrope I am I passionately believe that even in spite of their unhealthy Jamie Cullum consumption the great yet fickle masses deserve better. Ian's songs are, in complete contrast to the covers and the trite, industry-insider penned ballads of the Plop Idols and X F*cktoids, over brimming with originality, beautifully intricate musicianship and most importantly soul. Plus the man actually has a personality; his hilarious and introspective MySpace bulletins fill me with envy for their superbly crafted articulation and wit. There is but one thing missing however, and that's the financial backing and marketing skills of a major recording label. It's no less than he deserves and with it he would definitely find his rightful place in the stereo of every home in the UK and beyond.

Someone else who I feel has potential for mass success, with a similar amount of hard work and hopefully major label backing, is a young lady some ten years Mr Britt's junior. Step forward talented teen and starlet in embryo Rosie Electro. Unlike our Ian she has only just started on her solo flight and has a co-pilot in the form of a bright young urchin called Jack Skellington who accompanies her in her live performances. Her earliest shows, which I caught this summer, featured songs displaying songwriting promise in the vein of Dusty Springfield and her more modern incarnates Amy Whitehouse and Duffy. However with the help of flying tutor and producer Dive Pharaoh she is now, true to her name, delving into Sheffield's fine tradition of electronica. Think an even sultrier Roisin Murphy or Alison Goldfrapp with better hair and whiter teeth. What she has in common with the boy Britt is that she's got the look, the voice and the soul, so, as the accompanying photos show, Sandman and I decided to get the two acquainted with the intention that the charming gent could impart the wisdom of his experience to her. Let's hope it works and that Ian's knowledge aids her flight and that her fresh-faced enthusiasm in turn inspires him so that they can then both soar on to new zeniths. They both deserve any future success that may come their way and that's certainly more than can be said for the likes of Steve Brookstein and Michelle McManus, thank God their 15 minutes expired long ago! Maybe there is some justice after all. We shall see...

Words by Jared O'Mara
Pics by Mark Roberts

www.myspace.com/ianbritt

www.myspace.com/rosieelectro