Beth Sherburn Interview

With backing from the likes of Lil Wayne, Cheryl Cole, Kimberley Wyatt and Katy B; 23 year old singer/ songwriter Beth Sherburn has good reason to be in a happy and excitable mood, which is infectious after speaking with her.

MarkMeets showbiz reporter Hannah Fuller caught up with the Brummie beauty who has just recently got back from Ibiza where she was filming the video for her catchy dance debut, ‘Joker’ and we find out what has been keeping her awake at night!

You teamed up with renowned rapper Lil Wayne for your first international single ‘Joker’.

What was it like working with Lil Wayne?

It was amazing! When I was in the studio recording with him, I kept thinking, ‘I can’t believe this! That’s Lil Wayne!’ (laughs).’ My production team know him and had sent him over the track which he loved which is how it all came about. It was a huge thing for me – very exciting!

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Oh gosh, there are so many artists I would like to work with, but one that stands out would have to be Beyoncé because she is the ultimate Diva! When I watch her perform, I just think she is so incredible. Also Alicia Keys would be absolutely amazing – she can sing, she writes her own music, she plays the piano – she’s just so talented! There’s a lot of talent out there who I’d like to work with – so many to choose from! But definitely Beyoncé and Alicia Keys!

You did amazing covers of ‘Ordinary World’ by Duran Duran and ‘Perfume’ by Britney Spears.

What made you decide on these particular songs?

Well I love Britney and listened to her all the time growing up and Perfume is actually my favourite track of her latest album. (Britney Jean). And then with Duran Duran, well they are just really cool! My parents listened to them a lot when I was little and I really liked ‘Ordinary World’ in particular and wanted to make my own version. This actually did really well too and made it to the top 10 in the dance charts which is obviously fantastic! I wanted to give ‘Ordinary World’ a dance twist and it worked and I had great feedback; so I’m really thrilled about that.

You filmed the music video for ‘Joker’ out in Ibiza – how was that?

It was AMAZING! I love Ibiza! And I had an amazing Director and team working with me out there. And the weather was great and the quadbikes – I just LOVED the quadbikes! (laughs.) I didn’t want to give mine back! What else I enjoyed about making the video is that it’s telling a story – it was a really fun experience.

Did you get to do some relaxing out there or was it all work, work, work?!

No not really! (laughs) but I cant complain as it was so great being on location and it was really interesting. We did have one night after we’d shot the video where we all chilled out and had dinner together which was nice, but apart from that; it was pretty much work, work work! (laughs.)

Well it sounds like you had a great time in Ibiza! Where is your favourite place you’ve been? Where would you like to go?

I went to LA for work and it’s a fantastic place – the music, the producers, the people – LA was just amazing. I’d love to go to Australia and Thailand. A lot of my friends have been to Thailand and keep telling me how incredible it is and that I should go! I hope to one day.

Growing up did you always want to be a singer?

Yes I did – I always wanted to sing; there was nothing else I ever wanted to do! Before I got spotted; I worked really hard – I entered singing competitions and attended media workshops and I spent a lot of time writing. I was lucky to have such a supportive family too who took me to singing and piano lessons; I was involved with so much – I never stopped really. I would sing at the choir in school and then come home and do more singing!

And if you weren’t singing and song writing, what do you think you’d be doing now?

I know this sounds boring; but I have no idea! This is literally the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do since the age of 6 or 7. I was so shy at that age – it was actually my headmaster who told me that I had a really good voice and I should peruse singing; so ever since then; I’ve always just wanted to sing and I’ve never thought about doing anything else!

When you’re not working what do you like to do?

I go home and see my family and friends when I can – I like doing normal things like shopping and going to festivals and local gigs. I’ll get together with my friends and we’ll have a cuppa and a catch up and watch a good film like Pretty Woman!

What are you most scared of?

Heights and spiders! Particularly spiders though. Oh my gosh – there was a massive spider in my room last night and I didn’t know what to do with myself! It ran under my bed so I hardly slept! (laughs.) I was so scared; especially not knowing where it was! (laughs.)

Oh no! Let’s talk about something nice then. Who is your celeb crush?

Ryan Gosling! He’s so nice! (laughs.)

What one piece of advice would you give to new artists wanting to break into the music industry?

Do as much as you can and attend as many workshops as you can. I know that it can be difficult and expensive, so if you are able to, then try and find places to go to which are free. Network and meet people whenever you can. Keep working really hard – there will be times when you get knocked back, but don’t let anyone knock your confidence and get you down. Just keep pushing. It will all be worth it in the end!

And finally, what can we expect coming from you in the next 6 months?

Well I have a few festivals and a UK tour coming up and I have an album which will be released next year. I’ll also be doing some school tours which should be really fun! But for everything else, please follow me on twitter as I post everything what’s happening on there!

Beth, it’s been so nice talking to you – would you like to add anything else?

Well; It’s all been such an amazing experience so far for me – I’ve had so many celebrities giving me support including Cheryl Cole who gave me some music writing advice and I have also met so many great artists such as Kimberley Wyatt and Katy B who were both really nice and excited to hear my music, so I’ve had a fantastic response! And of course my fans – they’ve been so supportive too. When I’m on stage, I’m receiving so much energy from my fans that I use this to help me perform! I couldn’t do it without them – so a big ‘thank you’ to all my fans who have been supporting me too!