So You Wannabe A Pop Star? Blue Peter

Hello and welcome to a very special edition of Blue Peter.

If you enjoy music talent shows like the X Factor and The Voice,

you are going to love this programme.

We're giving you an insider's guide to making it in the music industry.

There really is no better place to base ourselves for today's show.

Let me give you a clue as to where we are.

Inside this building here, music has been made for the past 100 years,

-and if you like listening to this...

-BBC Radio One.

..you will have heard loads of music from this place.

Everyone from Katie Perry...

# Baby you're a firework...#

..to Connor Maynard.

# Hair back, laid down like...#

Adele...

# ..someone like you. #

..to Jessie J, have all recorded in these studios.

Of course, it is the Radio One Live Lounge.

If you have ever wanted to be a pop star then this is the show for you.

-Isn't that Carly Rae Jepsen?

-Yes, it is.

That's right. We'll have performances from Carly Rae Jepsen,

Tinchy Stryder, and newcomer Nina Nesbitt.

We've got insider tips from people who've worked with the likes of Ed Sheeran and JLS.

And Tulisa stops by to give her advice

on making it in the music business.

# I threw a wish in the well

# Don't ask me, I'll never tell

# I looked to you as it fell

# Now you're in my way

# I'd trade my soul for a wish

# Pennies and dimes for a kiss

# I wasn't looking for this

# Now you're in my way

# Your stare was holding

# Ripped jeans, skin was showing

# Hot night, wind was blowing

# Where you think you're going, baby?

# Hey, I just met you

# And this is crazy

# But here's my number

# So call me, maybe?

# It's hard to look right

# At you baby

# But here's my number

# So call me, maybe?

# You took your time with the call

# I took no time with the fall

# You gave me nothing at all

# Still, you're in my way

# I beg and borrow and steal

# At first sight and it's real

# I didn't know I would feel it

# But it's in my way

# Your stare was holding

# Ripped jeans, skin was showing

# Hot night, wind was blowing

# Where you think you're going, baby?

# Hey, I just met you

# And this is crazy

# But here's my number

# So call me, maybe?

# It's hard to look right

# At you baby

# But here's my number

# So call me, maybe?

# Hey, I just met you

# And this is crazy

# But here's my number

# So call me, maybe?

# And all the other boys

# Try to chase me

# But here's my number

# So call me, maybe?

# Before you came into my life

# I missed you so bad

# I missed you so bad

# I missed you so, so bad

# Before you came into my life

# I missed you so bad

# And you should know that

# So call me, maybe? #

Amazing, amazing! Thank you, Carly. I love that song.

It sounds so good.

It's one of those songs I've been singing and whistling all summer.

-Whistling?

-We'd like to hear it actually.

HELEN WHISTLES "CALL ME MAYBE"

-That's pretty good.

-That's a possible extra part?

-Better than my singing voice.

Call Me Maybe is where you've exploded on to the music scene.

You had a few albums out before but this really kicked off for you, hasn't it?

Yeah. It's definitely been the song that changed the game for me.

It was really exciting and I was doing my thing in Canada and Justin Bieber came home for Christmas,

heard the song being played on the radio, and tweeted about it to all of his fans.

If you take us back to when you first started to love music,

what was it about music that made you want to get into it as a career?

Oh, everything about music.

I love the words, melodies and stories involved.

My family was very musical and my dad used to play guitar for me before bed

and I would fall asleep listening to him sing and trying to sing along before I passed out.

So, when I was seven, I went on stage for the first time in a local talent show,

and that's when I knew it was love at first try.

I wanted to do as many performances as I could from there on out.

So, what you say to anybody who is a budding musician,

who thinks, "I'd love to be where she is. I love music. I want to make it my career."

Oh, I would say, "Try and get your hands on an instrument

"as early as you can." And never give up.

You know, you never know which door's going to open for you, so knock on all of them.

You could be exploding on to the music scene in a couple of years.

Carly, thank you very much for now. Obviously, if you want to be a pop star, you want to release your track,

you must get lots of things ready. It's not just about writing a song.

You've got to have your promoter, a publisher, a song writer as well.

-There's a lot that goes into it.

-A lot of important jobs.

Perhaps one of the most important is the producer.

I was lucky enough to go along and meet the man

who helped kick-start Ed Sheeran's career.

The English countryside is not the most obvious place

for a top music studio.

But in this oasis of creativity,

is the home of music producer Jake Gosling.

It's here, at his Sticky Studios,

that Jake helped turn Ed Sheeran into a Brit Award-winning star.

And I've come along to find out how - in this idyllic setting -

Jake creates musical magic.

In your job, what would you say the key things are?

When I first met Ed Sheeran, we hadn't met.

And then, suddenly, we're in a studio and we're like,

"What should be write a song about?" And you're like a psychiatrist, I guess, a bit.

"So, tell me what's going on. Have you broken up with anyone or whatever?"

-Erm...

-When there is a break-up, are you a bit like, "Yes!"

-Yes.

-That's great material.

Do you need to be a musician? Do you need to have an acoustic guitar?

Er, not necessarily, no. I used to do piano lessons.

I was never particularly good, to be honest with you.

But um... I sort of experimented.

My dad played piano and stuff, so I learned a bit from him.

So, for our budding Eds at home, where do they start? What should they do?

I think the first thing to do is to try and really be original.

I think it's very easy to... We don't want another Ed. We've got Ed.

We love Ed. It's about having something individual.

It's nuts to think you could write a song in a day

and that song could be around for decades and become iconic.

It's like when I heard Lego House.

I went to Wembley and saw 16,000 people sing it.

I was like, "I co-wrote that with Ed" and it was just bizarre.

# I'm out of touch I'm out of love... #

The latest act to be produced by Jake is 18-year-old Nina Nesbitt.

She released her second single, Apple Tree, in April.

How did Jake put it together?

This song, Apple Tree, is very emotional.

It started with just the acoustic guitar here.

-It was pretty empty so we thought, let's just put some "ahs" in there.

-MUSIC PLAYS

There we go. We've got some "ahs" coming in.

# Ahh-ahhh...#

-Is that Nina?

-That's Nina doing backing vocals, yeah.

OK, so that's nice and pretty.

We thought, let's step it up a bit. Let try some drums.

So, are they all recorded separately?

They're all recorded separately bit by bit, yeah.

When you listen to a song, you don't realise

there are so many bits involved - so many layers to it, do you?

I know. A little cymbal here or a guitar there.

I think that's what makes it interesting.

Jake, thank you for your advice and expertise.

Nina sounds great on the computer.

But I'm delighted to say that the lady herself

is going to give us an exclusive performance.

# Where do I start with you?

# I could say you're a bit way-lead boy

# Where is my heart with you?

# I could say I left it on the floor, boy

# Are you gonna pick it up pick it up? Hey-ey

# Things kinda got dark with you I drunk your love up too quick boy

# Where did our love get to?

# Don't ask me That's something that you destroyed

# Cos now we're burning up burning up, burning up, hey-ey

# Flames race like cars in a haze

# Tears in my eyes But not down my face

# This was a waste This was a waste, whoa-oh-oh

# A shame to embrace the love that we faced

# Hours were days when I was in your grace

# This was a waste This was a waste. Whoa-oh-oh

# Well, I'm sorry to be honest but this love is no good, boy

# And I'm sorry you're drunk on it But it's making me annoyed

# Heartbroken heartbreaker that's me

# I accept it, I get the point

# But stop jumping in to fountains Just to pick up all the coins

# We were rushed We had no foundations

# Explanations were never settled first

# I guess when building something special

# You should always use ground work

# We're falling down falling down, hey-ey

# I could blame you for a lot but I guess it was me that let us drop

# You go crying to your friends now And I'm left looking not so hot

# But now we're burning up burning up. Hey-ey

# Flames race like cars in a haze

# Tears in my eyes but not down my face

# This was a waste, this was a waste Woa-oh-oh

# A shame to embrace the love that we faced

# Hours were days When I was in your grace

# This was a waste, this was a waste Whoa-oh-oh

# Well, I'm sorry to be honest But this love is no good, boy

# And I'm sorry you're drunk on it But it's making me annoyed

# Heartbroken heartbreaker that's me

# I accept it, I get the point

# But stop jumping in to fountains Just to pick up all the coins

# I let you walk all over me Leave your footprints on my heart

# And it's becoming clear to see It's been like this from the start

# I let you walk all over me Leave your footprints on my heart

# And it's becoming clear to see It's been like this from the start

# Well, I'm sorry to be honest But this love is no good, boy

# And I'm sorry you're drunk on it But it's making me annoyed

# Heartbroken heartbreaker that's me, I accept it, I get the point

# But stop jumping in to fountains Just to pick up all the coins

# And I'm so-o-rry

# To be honest

# But this love is no good, boy

# Love is no good boy

# And I'm so-o-rry

# To be honest

# To be honest This love is no good, boy. #

We're in BBC Maida Vale Studios - the home of the Radio 1 Live Lounge.

Now all kinds of people have recorded here.

Our next guest is no stranger to the place either.

-Tulisa, thank you for joining us.

-Thanks for having me.

Now, this programme is all about giving everybody a guide to making it in the music industry.

Now, I mean, your year has been so successful, hasn't it?

Singles, album on the way. Success with N-Dubz.

Rewind a bit. Did you ever think you would be this much of a success?

I think when I was really young

I did believe I was going to be a pop star in my mind.

There was nothing else I could do. I won't be able to do anything else - this is it.

And then, when I hit like 15, 16, and I started to see the real world,

and wake up a bit, I was like, "Hmm, this is a lot tougher than what I thought it would be.

"I've got just as much chance as everyone else, so I've got to work triple as hard."

Maybe that was good then. You realised it was tough and it made you keep going?

Exactly! And kept you grounded as well.

Everyone, when they're 11 years old, "I'm going to be a pop star!"

And then you get a bit older and you're like, "This is a tough industry."

So, for kids out there, who are thinking, "I can do it.

"I've got the X Factor. I'm going to make it in the music industry."

What would you advise? What are your top tips?

For an audition, I would say, the first thing we're going to see

before you open your mouth, is going to be what you're wearing.

So, make sure you get your outfit right.

Something that represents you as a character

and makes you stand out from the crowd.

I don't mean come dressed up as a giraffe, I just mean...

It would get you noticed.

It would. If that's what you're about, then dress up as a giraffe.

But, just an outfit that expresses you.

The second thing will be warm up. So many people come on stage and they haven't warmed up.

Because they've been in the queue all day, they think,

"I don't want to do it. There's other people around."

Warm up, so, when you step on the stage,

your voice is in tip-top condition.

And, third tip would obviously be song choice.

Make sure you pick something that shows off your voice to the best of its ability.

Something that the public... You think everyone can relate to.

This is a song that everybody will know.

Um, and also that is close to the genre of music you want to do.

Some people might pick a song that they personally love.

You've got to think about everything.

You're pitching yourself as a package.

How do they go about getting the right people to hear their music?

It's definitely all about the internet.

I think it's the easiest way to get noticed by the public -

build a fan base - and by the record labels as well.

They have people that go on to the internet and search for people

that have buzzes around them just online. And then, you never know.

You could have a record label get in contact with you before you contact them.

Wise words, Tulisa. Thank you very much for your advice.

Thank you for having me and listening.

Form one pop star to another, Barney, who's with you?

-Tinchy, thanks for coming.

-Good to see you.

Can you talk us through what it was like starting as a young musician and getting to where you are now?

Yeah, definitely. It's never been easy

from when I started when I was young.

When I was much younger, it felt like something

it was just like fun - a hobby.

There were always things where you feel, is this really possible?

You have dreams - what you want to achieve. But...

I needed the right people round me and the right attitude.

I thought like, you go through so many stages and there's so many things, like trials and...

I always say, you can never experience how good something is

if you don't see the bad side of it. That's what I went through.

You've got to do something wrong before you do it right, that's always the way.

You learn more from failing than success I've always been told.

And that's actually a key saying.

When everything's going right, you don't know what wrong is.

So, when things don't go as good, you realise or notice, wait,

I need to change this, and change that to make it that much better.

Let's imagine for a second, we've got an army of little Tinchy Stryders,

who want to be like you. They're watching what you do - listening to your music.

What advice would you give?

Try and be yourself. That's the key thing.

Being unique is the easiest thing, the way I look at it.

Picture this. You look in the mirror and there's only of you.

-Sure.

-Trying to be someone else is harder, so being unique -

working hard, focussed - never feel like...

Everyone's entitled to have their opinion but, if you believe in something, stick with your heart.

You're renowned for being unique and your new single, Help Me,

is going to show that. So, without further ado, let's hear it.

-Thank you.

-Cheers, mate!

# God, help me

# I'm down on my knees, help me

# I'm begging you to please help me out

# You're all I've got, save me

# Don't know how I'll make it

# Begging you to please help me out

# Do you hear me?

# They had me knocked down sent on a race, conflicts

# I made hell break loose I'm a whirlwind

# Still the ish round here so I must stink

# But I'm nothing like the waste in the dustbin

# Bout to shut it down knocking down everybody's door

# Different sort of madness There's never been a cure

# Back like I left something when I visited before

# Where's Tinie Holes that I'm looking for?

-# Yeah.

-From the late 80s, some call me Tinch

# Close ones call me Kwasi

# Floating above like I've never heard of gravity

# Brainstorm, trialling them out help me. Yeah

# And I'm asking you to save me

# Losing the screws in my head I'm going crazy

# 100%, why you giving them 50?

# I am the fool LP Slim Shady I'm screaming

# God, help me

# I'm down on my knees, help me

# I'm begging you To please help me out

# You're all I've got, save me

# I don't know how I'll make it

# Begging you to please help me out

# Can you hear me?

# Yeah, and there's more where it comes from

# And I'm hoping it's reachin' your eardrum

# Money can't buy this Not even a lump sum

# Can you hear me?

# Yeah, and there's more where it comes from

# And I'm hoping it's reachin' your eardrum

# Money can't buy this not even a lump sum

# See I scope, aim and I'm taking out the targets

# Girls with the lifestyle money with the chart hits

# I don't wanna hear you pressing any charges

# Ask world I am going in the hardest

# Funny how this world change round Some girls said no

# And now they chase me down

# Now my enemies have gotta face me, how?

# Gotta fire right back and got them like that

-# And they're screaming...

-Hear me

# In my head she was the perfect picture

# Drove past and saw her shopping

# That same night Driving in a beamer

# Scored a long shot but she's far from a keeper

# Got my head screwed on trying to pick a brain

# And I promised my fam I will never change

# So I'm messing round with notes never change

# Coming for the... who nominates

# I've come this far

# I do this so hard

# And what is it all for?

# What is it all for?

# So I call to you

# That's all I can do

# You know that I need your love

# Right now

# I'm down on my knees, help me

I'm begging you to please help me out

# You're all I've got, save me

# I don't know how I'll make it

# Begging you to please help me out

# Can you hear me?

# Yeah. And there's more where it comes from

# And I'm hoping this reachin' your eardrum

# Money can't buy this not even a lump sum

# Can you hear me?

# Yeah. And there's more where it comes from

# And I'm hoping it's reachin' your eardrum

# Money can't buy this not even a lump sum. Yeah. #

It's amazing that he manages to get so many words in one breath.

-I've tried it, it's impossible.

-Go on!

De be do bi da. Just... I can't even say words.

That's great. It might be a hit.

Anyway, it's one thing having a great song,

but to make it a hit you need to make sure

that a lot of people listen to it.

Tulisa said that one way to do that is by using the internet.

Another great way to do that is to go on tour

and perform your song for thousands of people.

Recently, that's exactly what happened

when I met a girl called A*M*E.

She's an aspiring pop star and got to live out every pop star's dream

by going on tour with the fabulous JLS.

Here's what happened when I went along to meet her.

Welcome to Lincoln.

Famous for its cathedral, its Lincolnshire sausages,

and steep hill - voted Britain's greatest street,

though I don't know who voted for it. I'm exhausted!

But even better than that is the Lincolnshire Showground.

Not so much the showground itself, but the fact that tonight

it's playing host to a huge concert with JLS.

Also on the bill tonight is a brand new popite

about to take the music world by storm.

She's called A*M*E, so let's say hello.

-A*M*E, hi!

-Hello.

-How are you?

-I'm good. How are you?

Very well. Nice to meet you.

-So, you're going to be our tour guide for the day.

-I am indeed. Yes.

-Shall we start backstage?

-Let's do it.

17-year-old A*M*E was discovered last year

when performing at her high school talent show.

This led to her signing to Gary Barlow's record label.

Since then, A*M*E's been getting her music heard

by supporting the likes of Jessie J, The Wanted,

and now touring with JLS.

She's about to release her first commercial single, Play The Game Boy.

-First things first - make-up.

-OK. Do you think I need some?

I think you might need a little powdering.

-This is my lovely make-up artist, Heather.

-Nice to meet you.

Can we start from the beginning? When did it all start?

Probably when I was round about eight.

The transition from Sierra Leone to here. I was born in Sierra Leone.

Just discovering more music and like discovering different genres

and things that I didn't know existed kind of like musically.

How important are influences to you? People that you look up to.

I'm really a massive 90s pop head.

I look up to all the greats - people like Beyonce and Mariah Carey.

With someone like Jessie J as well - being able to tour with her

was the greatest thing ever because she is pop right now.

If someone's watching now, who wants to be a pop star,

what would you say to them?

I would say get into clubs definitely. Stuff like choir.

Choir was what made me where I am today.

I would say after school clubs - like singing lessons or dancing.

Every opportunity you get, just dive at it. That's what I think.

How about taking your hairbrush and singing in front of the mirror?

-I still do that.

-That's 100% the best way to become a pop artist.

As the crowd begin to arrive,

it's time for A*M*E to pick her costume.

-We need something bright that will pop out on stage.

-Yeah.

Most of my outfits are really bright and they go with my lips.

This is a nice little pink number.

It's like a little blazer

but like cut-off sleeves and it's got spikes.

Everyone needs a bit of spikes on stage.

I'll leave you to get changed.

-Thank you.

-I'll see you on your way to the stage.

-See you then.

-OK.

With a packed crowd waiting,

there's just a quick chance to ask the boys from JLS

if they have any tips on how to command such a large audience.

When you're out there and you see thousands of people, it's showtime.

Do you know what I mean?

All you can do is go out there, have fun and enjoy it.

The more you enjoy it, the more the audience will.

For us, we like to get totally mad and physical on stage.

We're jumping about, singing and dancing at the same time.

It involves for us a lot of outside training

as much as anything else.

No matter how good you get, you still get pre-show nerves, surely?

It's always a good thing to get nervous.

I don't think you should stop getting nervous.

As soon as you go out there, and you feed off the crowd,

and you're halfway through your first song,

usually your nerves have gone

and that makes you put on a better performance.

I'm keeping you obviously from getting ready for your big gig.

-You'd better get on there and get that crowd warmed up.

-Yes! Showtime.

-Thank you, boys.

-Have a good one.

-See you later.

With what feels like half of Lincoln out there,

it's time for 17-year-old Amy to dominate the stage

and become A*M*E - the popstar.

They sound ready.

Come on. Let's make some noise - come on!

Go wild for A*M*E.

-Good luck!

-Thank you.

-Let's do this.

-It's all yours.

I'm nervous and I'm just watching.

A*M*E.

# You can't stop me now Or hold me down... #

So amazing to see somebody who's so quiet back stage go on there

and just command that stage.

So confident for somebody so young.

If you're there sat thinking you want to be a popstar,

there's proof that you can do it.

All I'm going to say is watch this space. She was amazing.

You absolutely loved it. He said, "She ripped it up!"

Stop it! I'm trying to be cool and it's not working.

You can pull that sentence off, I'm sure you can.

Right, we are in the Radio One Live Lounge,

with the fabulous Carly Rae Jepsen.

We hope we've shown you today being a popstar is a fantastically glamorous life

but it can be hard work. Is that fair?

Totally worth it though, totally worth it.

So many questions for you on our message boards.

-We'd love it if you would answer them for us.

-Absolutely, yes!

Brilliant. It's an exclusive on the Blue Peter website so check them out.

Now though, it is time for Carly Rae Jepsen and Good Time.

Let's go dance.

# Woke up on the right side of the bed

# What's up with this Prince song inside my head?

# Hands up if you're down to get down tonight

# Cos it's always a good time

# Slept in all my clothes like I didn't care

# Hopped into a cab Take me anywhere

# I'm in if you're down to get down tonight

# Cos it's always a good time

# Good morning and good night

# I wake up at twilight

# It's gonna be all right

# We don't even have to try It's always a good time

# Woah-oh-oh-oh

# Woah-oh-oh-oh It's always a good time

# Woah-oh-oh-oh

# We don't even have to try It's always a good time

# Woah-oh-oh-oh

# Freaked out Dropped my phone in the pool again

# Checked out of my room Hit the ATM

# Hang out if you're down to get down tonight

# Cos it's always a good time

# Good morning and good night

# I wake up at twilight

# It's gonna be all right

# We don't even have to try

# It's always a good time

# Woah-oh-oh-oh

# Woah-oh-oh-oh

# It's always a good time

# Woah-oh-oh-oh

# We don't even have to try

# It's always a good time

# Woah-oh-oh-oh

# Woah-oh-oh-oh It's always a good time

# Woah-oh-oh-oh

# We don't even have to try It's always a good time

# It doesn't matter where

# It's always a good time

# Doesn't matter where

# It's always a good time

# It doesn't matter where

# It's always a good time there

# It's always a good time

# Woah-oh-oh-oh

# Woah-oh-oh-oh, it's always a good time

# Woah-oh-oh-oh

# We don't even have to try

# It's always a good time

# Woah-oh-oh-oh, doesn't matter where

# Woah-oh-oh-oh It's always a good time

# Woah-oh-oh-oh, doesn't matter where

# We don't even have to try It's always a good time. #

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