As part of our Music Made Us campaign, Ivy Ash from BIMM Institute Birmingham explains why Birmingham is the best. She also explores her love of being an independent artist.
Ever since I was little, I’ve loved the arts, and I’ve loved singing and dancing. Progressing to my later years, I became interested in artists who write their own material, such as Lady Gaga, Kesha, and Bowie. That led to me discovering and researching songwriters who create music, like Nile Rodgers and Max Martin. But, when I was younger, I was utterly unaware that songwriting could make income.
“My current career is a big mash-up of many different elements, but I love the journey.”
Tracking the careers of the creatives that inspire me (and many others) keeps me motivated to work harder, be better than I was yesterday, and push my creative boundaries. As an independent artist, I’m managing various roles within my career – I write music, plan music video concepts, sort out admin work and pitch my songs for sync opportunities – and that isn’t even half of it! My current career is a big mash-up of many different elements, but I love the journey and am happy that my studies at BIMM Institute play such a big part in my growing career.
Being proud of the UK’s independent music scene
Birmingham (and the Midlands) has such a vibrant music scene, and I’m so happy to be a part of that. It’s great to be in the heart of everything and around music 24/7! Being at BIMM Institute helps foster my passion for music, especially in gaining inspiration for my songwriting. I’m pretty much writing a song a day at the moment.
I’m proud of the independent music scene we have going on in the UK. There’s so much talent around, and it’s great to see artists doing their best with DIY approaches. That inspires me to stay productive and keep moving forward as a DIY artist myself.
Now that gigs have started to return, it would be great to embrace the live music and good nights out. I’m looking forward to seeing up and coming artists that mix genres and break boundaries with their work.
Our Music Made Us campaign is told through the students, graduates, journalists, experts and passionate people who have been shaped by music. Discover their stories here.
