How can we make it more sustainable for creatives in Scotland?

True North: How can we make it more sustainable for creatives in Scotland?

Host: Matt Hickman 

Hailing from Ayrshire, Matt Hickman is better known as brownbear. The release of their debut single ‘Dead or Alive’ in 2014 saw the band gain radio play on Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio Scotland and playlisted on Radio X. They were then invited to support The Libertines at the Barrowlands reunion show before joining them at Alexandra Palace in London, Hyde Park BST & several European dates of the reunion tour. They also enjoyed a great festival run that year including T in the Park (BBC Introducing) , Blue Balls (Switzerland) & Belladrum (Main Stage) before heading into the studio to start work on their debut album ‘What is Home?’. More recently, Hickman has come into the spotlight for his composing for soundtrack and the start of producing his first short film Stop the World, having successfully been one of the awardees of GMAC Film’s Little Pictures development fund.  

Panellists: Nikhita, Bernie, Queen Of Harps 

Nikhita is a Scottish/South Asian singer-songwriter based in Edinburgh. She primarily makes music with Soul/R&B influence, and earlier this year released her debut single “Aphrodite”.  As well as being a singer-songwriter, she is hands on with her vocal production, and plays live shows often. Nikhita started gigging in 2021, and has since performed in many local venues and supported touring artists such as Connie Constance and Deema. In addition to working towards her goals as an independent artist, she is currently a student on the final year of her degree in BA (Hons) music.  

Bernie, born Bernard Velenkosini Osardu, is inspired by Drake, PND and afro. He says: “my inspiration is to spread love. My music preaches love.” 

Queen of Harps merges poetic flows, spoken word and bars. Blended with her harp compositions she claims the title ‘Hip-Hop-Harp’. Having been classically trained from a young age, the Queen of Harps was born and raised on the Scottish music scene. Despite her main inspiration being early Hip-Hop, she works with producers from across genres. Jungle to Drill, Lo-fi to Hip-Hop / Rap, with strong Oriental, Folk and Punk influences. This promising young musician is pushing boundaries and breaking her way into the industry, with her debut single ‘Situation’ released February 2022.