Simon Cowell wants to discover “the next Zayn”.
The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent boss believes “the number of UK artists breaking internationally has fallen”.
Simon‘s thoughts led him to launch a search for the UK’s next big boyband. He believes that being part of a group will help artists achieve their solo goals.
Zayn began as a member of One Direction, a 2010 group formed on The X Factor. Since then the Pillowtalk artist has won numerous awards and gained global recognition as a soloist. This includes in the US as well as among South Asian communities.
Simon said: “For whatever reasons, in the past 10 or 12 years there hasn’t really been a [boyband] out of the UK that is crazy.”
Simon Cowell wants to discover “the next Zayn”.
The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent boss believes “the number of UK artists breaking internationally has fallen”.
Simon’s thoughts led him to launch a search for a new UK boyband. He believes that being part of a group will help artists achieve their solo goals.
Zayn began as a member of One Direction, a 2010 group formed on The X Factor. Since then the Pillowtalk artist has won numerous awards and gained global recognition as a soloist. This includes in the US as well as among South Asian communities.
Simon said: “For whatever reasons, in the past 10 or 12 years there hasn’t really been a [boyband] out of the UK that is crazy.”
Corvin Kelly, a Scotsman who “pursued my dream of becoming a popstar”, was one of them.
The 16-year old told Newsbeat that he is a big fan of 1D, Harry Styles specifically, and hopes to be like him.
I dream of filling stadiums. “I’d love to make music videos, have fans and do that.”
He was not the only one who thought that.
Freddie Sullivan and his parents also travelled from Hertfordshire.
The 15-year old said with his guitar, “I want to be successful.”
The Arctic Monkeys and Oasis, as well as the indie band The Royston Club are some of his influences.
I love it when there’s so much raw talent. It’s all natural.
My biggest dream is to hear the crowd singing my song at Wembley.
Simon revealed that Zayn struggled at first with nerves but “conquered” these.
The British Asian artist is making waves in both the West and South Asian markets.
Savan Kotecha wants to find that too.
The songwriter, producer and director has joined the project and has stated that he is “personally invested” in finding South Asian acts.
Savan, a Gujarati from Gujarat, said that Zayn being Pakistani was one of the main reasons he got into One Direction.
“Being a physician is the safest way”
Savan has written hits for 1D, including What Makes You Beautiful about his wife; One Last Time (by Ariana Grande); and The Weeknd’s Can’t feel My Face.
He tells of his early days in the music industry, including his childhood in a US high school band and his “secret” demo tape sent to a record company because his family would not have approved.
Savan recalled getting a phone call from the label, saying “I love your song.”
“[But] He goes, ‘No girl from Wisconsin will put a Indian guy on her walls. You should just be an songwriter.’
“So, that’s what I’ve been stuck with for the majority of my life.”
Savan, who has been in the music industry for a few years and witnessed its evolution, wants to increase the number of South Asians involved in music.
It is not easy for them to get into the creative industries, because they are not so common.
“Why are they saying to become a doctor? Isn’t that the safest option?” “They see that in our culture,” Savan stated.
We need to encourage parents so that their children can express their creativity. It is possible. I am an example.
It’s my job at this stage in my career to ensure that the 17-year old me is represented.
He said “unless people start young”, “it’s impossible to get our version of Beyonce or Michael Jackson”.
“The UK is a place where boy and girl bands have thrived for years.
I think this is a great time to start, and it’s more than just a pop song. “It’s all about community building.”
