This post is sponsored by BIC.
The music industry has really changed its game, and YouTube plays a big part in that. There are tons of big names who were first discovered by the video uploading website who were originally just your average Tom, Dick or Harry. Here are some big names who were discovered on the Tube…
1. 5 Seconds of Summer
From touring with the likes of One Direction not once, but twice, to two sold out world tours – 5 Seconds of Summer have come a long way, but of course – the Aussie quartet first found fame by uploading their videos onto YouTube. They started out with covers, before testing the water with original songs and the rest is history.
2. Alessia Cara
A few years ago, a hopeful Canadian singer posted her covers and original songs on YouTube. Fast forward to today and Alessia Cara has been signed by Def Jam Recordings. She’s since worked with Zedd and collabed with the likes of Troye Sivan and even was on the soundtrack for Disney’s 2016 film ‘Moana’.
3. Justin Bieber
Of course, we all know about Biebs AKA KidRauhl who a decade ago, was a little kid with big dreams. He posted a ton of YouTube videos and was discovered by a talent manager who flew him out to meet Usher, who made him his new protégeé. Now a household name, it seems like those cover days are long gone, but never forgotten.
4. Tori Kelly
8 years ago was when 14-year-old Tori Kelly started posting her videos which slowly gained her recognition. Eventually, this would lead to Scooter Braun noticing the blonde beauty and signing her to Capitol Records.
5. Bethan Leadley
Bethan originally created her channel back in 2007, with the purpose of uploading covers and original songs, before also taking on vlogging. In 2010, she created her second channel, AcousticBethan, which focused moreso on her music and in 2011, she released her first official album under LukeIsNotSexy’s record label, Lukas Records. Bethan’s career took off, where she released her single, ‘Day Affair’, which the music video was released in partnership with UK charity, Time To Change, to create awareness of issues surrounding mental health. Bethan is now a YouTube sensation and also a presenter for 4Music TV.
6. Christina Grimmie
The beautiful Christina Grimmie gained a lot of attention through uploading covers and originals on YouTube. She released EPs and signed to 222 Records, Lil Wayne also offered to sign her to Young Money Entertainment and was even signed with Island Records. Despite her recent tragic death, Grimmie’s music is still loved by many and her posthumous album, ‘All Is Vanity’, released this year.
7. The Weekend
Not everyone was aware that Abel Makkonen Tesfaye first started on YouTube, where he anonymously posted several songs to YouTube under the name ‘The Weeknd’. There he would release three nine-track mixtapes throughout 2011 and a compilation album, Triology. He was then signed to Republic Records and created his own label, XO. Who would have thought that would lead for him to be where he is today being the winner of numerous prestigious awards such as two Grammys and even collaborating with the likes of Beyoncé?
YouTube is pretty amazing, right? If that doesn’t make you want to showcase your talent (why wouldn’t it?) then maybe this might…
The Write and Shine competition is organised by BIC with YouTuber and TV Presenter (4Music Chart Show) Bethan Leadley, who was recently part of the #YouTubers4Grenfell live stream fundraiser. It’s all about creative people putting pen to paper. The big prize? Make sure you’re free for the week of 21st August, as you’ll be whisked away for a week to go behind the scenes in the music industry. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with producers, songwriters, musicians and more in a recording studio. Fancy.
BIC will even shoot a short film of the entire experience, which will be released on Bethan’s YouTube channel along with YOUR professionally produced single!
Not only that, but the winner will get their song professionally produced and recorded in a studio and performed in front of thousands on the Main Stage at The Big Feastival. Headlining The Big Feastival are acts such as Olly Murs, Hacienda Classical, Ella Eyre, Louisa Johnson and loads more.
For more information on how to enter, click here. See you on the big stage.
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