Episode 1 Hit the Stage

Hi, I'm Katy B and this is Hit The Stage

and I'm going to be taking a group of budding musicians

and giving them the chance to perform

on the biggest stages we can find.

MUSIC: "This Is What It Feels Like" by Armin van Buuren

Budding DJs go from playing their mum and dad's parties

to rocking the decks in major festivals,

singers from singing hymns in church to performing to sell-out crowds,

and song writers from sharing their songs with no-one

to playing to an audience of thousands!

Are you ready to hit the stage? We are!

THEY CHEER

# I keep on moving with the lights on

# So come on, baby... #

'I've been lucky enough to make a life

'out of doing something that I love - singing and performing.

'You may even know some of my hit singles.'

And now I'm in Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

Why am I here? Well, it's simple. This year the city is

the UK's first ever City Of Culture,

which means there's loads of massive music events

happening all year round,

and I'm going to help some local kids to hit the stage.

'I won't be doing it alone,

'I've got two local musicians to help me out

'when I'm not around.

'Glenn, who loves hitting the stage himself

'when he's rocking out with his band.'

'The spark of creativity that they have'

reignites the spark that you have,

so I'm really looking forward to the eight months

and seeing where this is going to go.

D major...

'And Jenny, who likes to take things a bit more slowly

'when she's teaching students how to play the harp or sing.'

'It's really inspiring to think'

that these kids really have so much potential

so I'm really, really excited to see what they're going to come up with.

'I can't wait to get out there and meet them all. First up is Hannah.'

MUSIC: "I Don't Care" by Icona Pop

'When it comes to music, this girl really gives it some.

'She's got a big personality with such a big talent to match.'

I'm lovin' life.

# California girls We're unforgettable... #

'She lives for music.

'Up until now, she's been playing and performing covers -

'that means doing her own versions

'of songs that other people have written.

'But she has just started writing her own songs...'

'But while Hannah looks to have all the confidence in the world,

'there is one thing she just can't face.

I always think to play me own song, it's a bit of a risk it's...

It's always a bit of a risk, like,

are they going to like it, are they going to, you know...

Are they going to hate it?

I'm really excited to meet Hannah,

because apparently she's a brilliant song writer,

and I love lyrics, I love storytelling,

so I'm hoping that she sings them for me.

# I don't care, I love it

# I don't care... #

-Hello.

-How are you doing?

-Oh, thank you very much.

-I'm Hannah's mother

-Hi, Hannah.

-Hello.

I've heard so much about you!

It's just in here...

Oh, wow, cool.

Who's this guy with the guitar?

That's my boyfriend... But it's, like, been scrunched up

every time we fight I scrunch it up and throw it under me bed

and then when we make up then I stick it back up again!

THEY LAUGH

So I heard that you only started showing people your songs

not too long ago? Is that right?

Um, yeah that's... Yep.

Yep. Would I be able to hear one of your songs?

-Ummm...

-Please...

Go on, why don't' you go off and show Katy some of your...

-Oh...yeah

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

-Yeah!

OK... All right.

'Up until now the only people who've heard Hannah's songs

'have been the pop stars on her walls,

'but I think that if she can find the courage

'to start performing her own work in public

'it could be brilliant for her confidence.'

So, it's so mad to have you like in my room,

because, like, I've all your songs on my phone

and, like, it's just mad that you're, like, sitting here.

Well, hopefully I'll have some of your songs on my phone soon.

This is just really crazy, like...

So, what's this song called, then?

My...Musical Autobiography... So...

# Hi, I'm Hannah I can't sing that well

# If you told me a secret I'd never tell

# Unless it was to

# One of my best friends

# Let's get off the subject

# Hi, when I'm all grown up

# I want to rock the stage

# I want to get older but never age

# And I've a sad obsession

# With the lazy-eyed man called Russell Howard

# Oh-oh-oh

# Imma put on a show

# To show you

# Me...

# Let you hear my musical autobiography

# Oh, I want to put on a show... #

Her song-writing is great and I love her lyrics,

she's really funny, she's got a lot to say

and you can really see her identity through her lyrics,

you know, this... That song couldn't be about anyone else,

it was about Hannah, and I'm glad that she picked that one to play me,

because it really kind of gave me a sense of who she is.

# Oh, oh, oh-oh... #

SHE CHEERS

That's amazing!

Thank you.

What an amazing song to hear everything about you.

That's, like, brilliant.

When did you write that song?

A couple of months ago. But I never really played it anywhere,

I just... I was just kind of restricted, just playing in me room.

Yeah.

I always just kind of played it, like, in here...

And how do you write your songs? Just get the chords going

and then do the words afterwards...?

I have, like, a melody in my head

and then just put lyrics to it, just...

Usually start with a melody first

and then you put the chords around it?

-Yeah.

-OK, that's cool.

'This girl could really go places

'and we've got some exciting plans for her...'

DUBSTEP MUSIC

Next up of our Hit The Stage kids is Shay.

When this 13-year-old kick-boxing fanatic

is not perfecting his roundhouse kick,

he's busy becoming the City of Derry's next superstar DJ.

When you're playing dance music for all the people

and they're dancing, it kind of makes you happy,

because you know you're providing the music and you're...

You're making them dance, and making them be happy.

He persuaded his mum to buy him all the latest DJ equipment

so he could start mixing tunes and playing gigs,

but mum Sinead didn't realise just how loud DJs like to play.

Shay! Can you turn that music down! I can't have a cup of tea in peace!

He's just raring to get out of the bedroom

and get an audience up on its feet dancing.

So far, he's played birthday parties, family events,

and his local community centre, but this DJ has big dreams.

In the future I would like to do something really big,

like a festival, or just play in a really big club.

Today he's gearing up for his biggest gig to date,

supporting local dance-music legends Japanese Popstars

at one of Derry's best music venues, The Nerve Centre.

I'm impressed that Shay is already playing the best local venues,

but I'm even more impressed that he got this gig

by just going to the venue and asking.

It's true what they say, "If you don't ask, you don't get."

I was explaining to the man on the counter that I'm a DJ

and he said, "Would you like a gig?"

I said, "Aye." And the rest is history.

And now Shay has got his big gig, it needs big planning,

there could be up to 500 people at the event.

When you're DJing, you have to take a lot of things.

The few things that I like to do is make sure I have everything.

You know, list, check it - put it in me back pocket,

and when I'm leaving check it off again, make sure I have everything.

With everything listed and checked, it's show time.

DUBSTEP MUSIC

Shay is playing a blinding set,

the beats are right, the lights are perfect,

and the graphics are stunning,

but there's just one thing missing...

..a crowd to enjoy it.

I mean, the room, is like...

just looking into darkness, it puts you down a bit, kind of...

You do feel a bit less excited

when there's not a lot of people there.

I'm so disappointed for Shay,

it's such a shame that no-one was there to see him perform.

But he should know that dealing with knock-backs like this

is all part of learning how to succeed in music.

I remember gigs where I would play

and the only other people watching

were the other bands that were playing on the same night, so...!

You have to think of it sometimes as, like, good practice,

because you can think actually there's no pressure

but you're still in that environment, so by the time

people do get there, you're just, like, killing it.

'I'm going to make sure that next time Shay performs

'he'll have an audience to play to.'

Shay and Hannah are just two of the Hit The Stage group

that I'm going to be working with throughout the year.

We've got harp players,

fiddlers, pianists,

singers and drummers.

And Glenn and Jenny have already got the ball rolling.

So, I'm here at the Playhouse this morning,

to meet the kids for the first time as a group,

and I can't wait to hear them play their instruments.

MUSIC PLAYS

Hummm, I can hear them playing already...

Hi, guys. It's nice to meet you!

They don't know it yet

but I have plans for everyone to play together as a group,

but right now I just want to get to know them all a little bit better.

Ohhh!

So, what are you working on?

-We've been working on a duet together.

-Can I hear it?

-Yeah.

Oh, cool.

The spectrum is so wide, you know, which is brilliant,

because everyone's got their own identity and, um...

So that's really great

and everyone can kind of cheer each other on,

but at the same time it kind of makes my job difficult

cos I've got to kind of find a piece of music

where everyone can get involved and mix together.

So, I've just heard you all playing

and some of you have just started learning

and some of you have been playing for years,

but I just want to let you know that none of that matters

because these next couple of months

are all about giving you opportunities

that are going to blow your mind, inspire you,

and we're just going to have some fun from music.

Will you sing now, Katy?

-Ah! What do you want me to sing?

-Keep On Moving When The Lights Is On.

Yeah?

'I came here to listen to everyone else play,

'the last thing I was expecting to do was to have to perform myself!'

-Hi, girls.

-ALL: Hi, how are you?

Connor's just asked me to sing Lights On for you guys,

would you play the guitar for me, while I sing?

ALL: All right.

I've sung this song probably about 3,000 times in my life,

so, hopefully, I won't forget the words!

# Cos I will keep on going until they say so

# And even When they do

# It's so hard for me to go

# While them others at the cloakroom

# And some others out the door

# We can keep on going in the middle of the floor

# Yeah, I keep on moving with the lights on

# So come and play me just one more song

# I keep on moving with the lights on

# So you can't scare me with the lights on

# I keep on moving with the lights on

# So come and play me just one more song

# I keep on moving with the lights on

# So you can't scare me with the lights on

# Hey, yeah, yeah

# I keep on moving with the lights on... #

ALL: Whoo!

APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

'Being put on the spot like that

'was as nerve-wrecking as any big gig I've played,

'but thankfully I had great talent backing me up on the guitar.'

'I've been thinking about Shay's talents too,

'and I think the time has come

'for him to know what it feels like to play at a big event.'

'But if Shay wants to make the big time,

'he is going to have to climb a mountain for real!'

-Told you you'd need Wellies.

-Yep.

'I've sent Glenn on a wet and windy mission

'to reveal news of a big opportunity.'

We're up a mountain, it's freezing,

it's windy and it's raining and muddy...

You're probably wondering why you're here?

-I am.

-Katy B's going to explain.

'Hey Shay, it's Katy. I'm stuck in the recording studio,

'but I'm taking a little bit of time out to tell you about your big gig.

'It might not look like much now,

'but in a few weeks, these muddy fields will be transformed

'into Northern Ireland's biggest music festival.

'All sorts of bands are going to be playing on massive stages,

'you are going to be up there with them,

'playing some of the biggest tunes too.

'I've managed to get you a slot

'just before a Radio 1 DJ Philly Taggart plays,

'so there's going to be a really big crowd.'

Looking out here, can you imagine

that this is going to be a massive festival?

Ah, no, I can just see a field.

'It means a lot that Katy B told me

'that I was going to be playing at a festival

'because it's something I've always dreamed about,

'and for the next four weeks

'all I'll be doing is just making me set, getting ready,

'getting prepared for everything. And hopefully it goes well.'

'Now, ever since Hannah played me her song

'it's been stuck in my head, it's so good.'

'But if she wants to fulfil her potential,

'she'll have to get out there

'and get used to other people listening to her own songs.'

'As a starting point,

'I've organised for her to be a support act at a local gig.

'If this goes well,

'there's no telling where she could be playing next!'

So, how do you feel about that?

Really excited, but, like, nervous.

I kind of feel like I'm going to melt.

So hope... Roughly how many songs are we talking about here?

-HE EXHALES

-I'd say about three.

Three. And are they all originals or...?

-All original.

-Oh!

-I don't know what you're so afraid of,

playing your songs in front of people.

It's... It's own original stuff and if, you know...

If somebody was to turn round and say, "That's not good,"

I'd be really... I'd be really hurt.

'Hannah's got a lot to think about,

'but if you fancy having a crack at writing a song yourself,

'here are some top tips.'

Lyrics are, majority of the time... Are the last things to be put down.

And the last things that are going to be finished usually.

We all sit down and discuss... we play each other little snippets

and we kind of work through them, which ones we like

and which ones we can all be excited about.

Usually, we will record it and then we will...

then put the vocals on top of it.

The best way to write a song is to write from the heart.

Always write from true-life experiences.

But everyone's different,

everyone likes to write songs about different things.

Things'll come, you'll experience something,

you'll get your heart broken, or walk down the street

and you'll see something happening, it will inspire you in some way.

You'll hear a new band or a new song...

Something will come along,

as long as you keep yourself surrounded by music,

then songs will always come, do you know what I mean?

It's an exciting morning in Shay's house,

details of the Glasgowbury Festival

have been published in a national newspaper

and not only will he find out what time he's on,

he'll be able to find out just how long he'll be playing for.

So, I'm hoping for a half-an-hour set, that would be the best,

I don't think they would give me any time over that.

Here we are. So I'm on for an hour.

And I'm on at half seven to half eight, so that's...

That's brilliant. Wasn't expecting to be that late,

or have that amount of time to play,

So that's... That's... I'm going to enjoy that.

I've no doubts about Shay's ability,

but he's got a big challenge ahead.

He should go straight to the top for a helping hand.

Shay is headed for London,

where I've arranged for him to meet Radio 1's very own Scott Mills.

Ah, it's a bit scary on trains,

it's like you're looking at something,

some trees or something, and just... Bam!

It's the first time

Shay has ever headed for the bright lights of the big city,

which makes it an adventure in itself!

I'm glad to get out of the Tube, it's a bit scary!

I didn't expect to see the actual red buses, or the...

black taxis. I thought that was just like a stereotype.

'Scott Mills is a DJing legend,

'he's done it all - from hosting his own Radio 1 show,

'to performing to thousands at festivals all over the world.'

He's a proper DJ.

'Great intro, Shay.'

Like, beat matching and everything!

-Oh, no. I can't even do that!

-I said that!

Oh, no. I've got to watch my back!

LAUGHTER

'Shay settles in to hear a bit of Scott's show

'before quizzing him on how to handle a festival crowd.'

How do you feel about DJing in front of a crowd?

Is it scary?

I used to really, really get scared,

but, um, the more you do it, the less scared you become

and it's actually really exciting.

Does it scare you?

Um...

sort of.

I think the adrenaline of when you get out there

and you see all those people, initially it will be scary,

but once you've started I think you'll be fine.

They're all there to have a good time,

so, you know, they're... It's going to be great, it's going to be fine.

'That's great advice from Scott,

'time for Shay to start preparing his festival set.'

It's a very skilled job.

He chooses the tracks

that he thinks will attract a crowd and keep them dancing.

He has to work out

what song is going to flow effortlessly into a another

by matching the beats in the song,

or the BPM as the DJs call it.

A set list is just completely different from a play list

on something like iTunes.

That's what most people think it is.

The music I make is very technical.

Not content with just picking the best tunes

and mixing them into each other,

Shay is able to add his own musical compositions,

which help improve his set.

There's a lot of work that I have to do before I'm happy with it -

and if you listen to it together with everything else...

HEAVY BEAT PLAYS

So, that's the kicking under the song. This is the kick you use...

I'm thinking about changing it.

At the touch of a button,

Shay can call upon a full orchestra of musical instruments

to enhance the sound of the tracks he's picked.

So, I'm thinking of this pattern, just simple. Just playing in.

So, usually I just play around with the drum patterns.

DRUMBEAT PLAYS

Just going to loop it to see if it sounds all right.

That sounds better.

Sounds better than just a plain four-four kick.

After two short weeks of practice,

it's the day of Hannah's first-ever gig.

But even budding pop stars have to go to school.

Haven't been able to concentrate at all today.

I'm really scared in case I forget the words or I forget...

If I, like, mess up the chords, if I, like... Just everything...

Just everything that could go wrong is going through my head.

When a girl is up against it, what she needs is her best friend.

-Catherine comes round to help with the preparations.

-Are you excited?

-A little bit.

-Top of the priority list is what to wear.

-Hannah?

-What?

You have half an hour to get ready.

Do you want Catherine to do your make-up?

She has half an hour before she has to go.

Please just wash your face,

put yourself into some pyjamas until you get your clothes on

-and do your make-up.

-OK.

Hannah is normally never, ever, ever, ever nervous, so it's kind of weird.

I've looked in the spare room, I've looked in the drawers,

I've looked in your wardrobe. Now, have you any idea where it could be?

Oh, look!

You see, that skirt isn't suitable.

-It is suitable.

-No, it's too clingy.

-It isn't.

-It is too clingy.

-It's not too clingy.

-It is too clingy.

Are you going to listen to her?

Listen to your mother. For once.

Oh she's... She's serious, Hannah

-Oh, dear, look who's here(!)

-BOTH: Ooooooo.

-I'm going to kill the two of you.

-Go away.

-SHE LAUGHS

-Hannah!

What!

Listen, it's time to go. Are you ready?

No!

As Hannah continues to wrestle with the all-important question

of "What's a girl to wear?", Shay's big day has arrived.

Glasgowbury is the largest

family-friendly festival in Northern Ireland,

with over 5,000 people of all ages

dancing to some of the biggest local acts,

and Shay is here to keep the party going.

He heads straight to the dance stage

to check out where he'll be taking to the decks

right before Radio 1's Phil Taggart plays a headline set.

Watching the other DJs at work,

and crucially, how the crowd are reacting to the music,

Shay makes a difficult decision.

I would say, looking at some of the DJs,

just by what they're playing and how the crowd's reacting,

-I want to change the set slightly.

-RECORD SCRATCHES

What did he say? Change his set list - at this stage?!

Let's rewind that!

-I want to change the set slightly.

-He really means it!

He is unpicking all of his hard preparation

and is going to start from scratch

to pick the tracks he hopes will attract and keep the biggest crowd.

I don't really want to be doin' it.

Because I have the set perfectly made

where I know what time they mix on and what time they mix out.

With just half an hour to go before he hits the stage,

he is taking a big risk!

It's all part of being a DJ, you have to take risks, in playing.

I'm just trying to know what everybody wants to hear.

Only a few months ago Shay was playing to an empty room,

but now he's preparing to play the biggest gig of his life.

The question is,

will he be able to make it up as he goes along, track by track?

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, your DJ for the evening -

give it up for Shay Whelan!

HEAVY DUBSTEP PLAYS

First track down, and the crowd are still dancing,

he's under pressure to keep this good start going.

It seems to be working,

Shay's last-minute music choices

are bringing more and more people to the dance stage.

It looks like he's really pulled it off. Go on, Shay!

Give it up for Shay Whelan!

CHEERING

Only 13. How sick was that?

Give it again, give it again, give it again!

This is the boy!

Never had a feeling like that before, so happy.

The set turned out perfect. Never been this happy in my life.

Ohhh!

'Having played a blinding set of brilliant dance music,

'Shay is finding out what it really feels like to be a superstar DJ.'

'When I came down I was signing autographs,

'getting hugs. Everything.

'Just everybody recognised me!

It's good to be recognised, that's what every DJ wants.

'It's what you need, just to be recognised.'

'But there's one part of being a superstar DJ

'that Shay is not entirely comfortable with.'

Go on, give her a kiss!

'And that even goes for his mum.'

'This was the best gig I've ever played,'

best type of day - sunny weather, outdoors.

Best reaction, best crowd - everything.

Next time on Hit The Stage,

will new-starter Evan hit the right notes?

HE SINGS

You probably pitched that a bit high.

-It was OK.

-No, it wasn't OK.

Will the group like my choice of song?

Everybody keeps saying that they sort of hear it all the time,

so it's played-out.

And will Hannah even make it to the stage...?

Everything bad that can happen I feel is going to happen...now.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd