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Thursday, 22 July 2010

Category - General

A few week’s ago GMTV’s Anna Williamson announced the launch of BRIT Class Act, an amazing new competition to find the UK’s best school music act. Once in a band herself, competition ambassador Anna spills the beans on making it in the entertainment industry.

How does it feel to be an ambassador for BRIT Class Act?

It’s an absolute privilege. I feel absolutely thrilled that I can get a chance to see what youth talent we’ve got out there. I reckon we’re going to unveil some superb talent that will make headlines.

You were in a band yourself, what was that experience like?

Absolutely phenomenal, it teaches you to grow up. Being in a band was the best 18 months I’ve ever had. It taught me discipline. I think you’ve got to be in the right frame of mind to want to do it for a career, because you have to do it all the time, you can’t pick and choose. But that was a good thing, because it was a great learning experience. When you’ve got backing, you can go all the way.

Being in a band also teaches you about all aspects of the music industry, just like BRIT Class Act. It’s not just about being a star; it’s about learning about the industry from behind the scenes, to management, to publicity and styling.

Do you play any instruments?

Yes, I can play the guitar, though not brilliantly any more! I sing and I can play the piano as well. I can read music too. If you can read music that’s a massive plus, I know that certainly helped me. I’m lucky that I had a good background in music to start off my career.

Have you been to any music festivals? Have you got any good memories to share?

I used to go to this music festival called Greenbelt and we used to go from the age of 13 up to about 18. It was like Glastonbury, they had massive headline acts, I remember they had Moby and Oasis there!

I love festivals; there’s nothing better than getting a tent out, chilling out with your friends and listening to music – it’s the best way of spending the summer! My favourite memory is of a time I went to a festival with an older friend and she put an ‘out of order’ sign on one of the portaloos. It was brilliant! On day seven ours was the only toilet that wasn’t stinking and overflowing, so I’ll pass on that tip for anyone that’s going to a festival!

Performing live can be quite nerve wracking, how do you deal with nerves?

I always say you’ve got to channel your nerves. A little bit of nervousness is good, it means you care about the performance you’re about to give. I get nervous all the time, but it makes it more exciting, and it’s the best feeling in the world when you finish and the nerves have gone. It heightens the whole experience.

You work in television now, how did you move from being in a band to working in TV?

Well as part of the band, you often have to go and do television appearances. I’m sure all of our BRIT Class Act members will learn about pluggers. These are people who often work in the music business and go around securing TV and radio appearances for bands. We were doing so many appearance that the likes of Nickelodeon would turn round and say, ‘do you fancy guest presenting for the weekend with us?’ The other girls weren’t quite so keen but I gave it a go. Then when the band split, I had quite a few contacts in television so I thought I’d try it out!

What’s been your favourite TV job so far?

I’ve just finished doing Toonattick for ITV1, and that was brilliant. I loved working closely with my good friend Jamie. The show had such a massive and loyal following and was such a fun show. I could just be myself and be a bit of a wally really! I kind of forgot the cameras were on half the time.

Toonattick was fantastic, but I’m really looking forward to my new show, airing this summer on ITV called Skillicious. Jamie and I will also be appearing on a new show for Nickelodeon and I’m really looking forward to that too.

Who do really admire in the music industry?

I think you have to admire Madonna, she’s constantly reinventing herself. She’s in her 50’s and she’s still topping the charts! I think you have to appreciate someone who, in an industry where people are often just flavour of the month, has continued to work hard, and still churns out the hits. I think that’s certainly something to be admired.

And finally, who are your favourite musical acts at the moment?

I’m really into R&B. I’m a big fan of Rihanna, Plan B and Kesha, I like some of her songs. I like a mixture of stuff. I’m a big fan of Alexandra Burke as well; I think she’s doing really well.

To find out more about the BRIT Class Act competition, visit www.britclassact.co.uk.

 

 

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