Meet Blizzard, a rising star of the UK underground scene and advocate of independent label, ‘Launchpad Records’. Born in Manchester but making waves throughout the country, Blizzard hasn't been held back by living outside of the capital and has built his reputation steadily over the last eight years.
He was originally associated with the ‘Mayhem Crew’, before winning an EA competition that saw him record a professionally edited video that charted at number 1 on Channel U in 2005 when he was just 11. Channel U, now known as Channel AKA, focuses on playing up and coming UK music and has helped the breakthrough for acts such Roll Deep, Tinchy Stryder and N Dubz. Despite Blizzards young age, he was able to follow up his debut success with a number of tracks that again charted on Channel U.
Blizzard’s success did not go unnoticed as after many years of consistent good work, his efforts were rewarded when he was offered a spot on the prestigious 'Warm Up Sessions' on the UK’s leading online youth broadcaster SBTV, he took this opportunity to film two freestyles, a Grime one and a Rap one which amplifies his diversity. Blizzard followed up with many more videos on the likes of SBTV and Don’t Flop which saw one particular video become a viral success. The video featured Blizzard exchanging lyrics in a battle against Mark Grist, an English teacher. Whilst the battle was surprisingly handed to the talented educator, the video showcased the sheer amount of talent that Blizzard has and as a result of his rising presence he now holds over 5 million YouTube views emphasizing his already considerable credentials.
In 2012 Blizzard recorded his debut EP ‘Sooner Than Never' which reached #18 in the iTunes album chart and #3 in the Hip-Hop charts. This success then led him to garnishing support from mainstream radio in the form of BBC Radio 1 and 1 Xtra including gaining a spot on Charlie Sloth's 'Fire in the Booth', whilst also gaining support from fellow artists such as Ed Sheeran, Rizzle Kicks, Misha B and Chip to name a few.
Not only is he a severely skilled vocalist, Blizzard has found a talent in producing too. The multi-instrumentalist is who produced the 'Soundbwoy Killer' instrumental which was vocalled by grime maestro Wiley in 2011.
In 2011 Blizzard released a five track instrumental EP appropriately called 'Talk Less' that showcases the skills that Blizzard possesses on the buttons. The sheen and talent present in 'Sooner Than Never' reappears in this EP, but with the focus on the musicality.
The turn of 2013 saw Blizzard as one of the ‘Hot 10 for 2013’ as selected by the listeners of 1Xtra and also saw 'We Love Grime part 2' being B-Listed on the station alongside RIO, C4 and Marger. Blizzard is now set to follow up with a second EP as well as continuing the live shows around the country.
Not being satisfied with just music Blizzard is also an ambassador for the very prominent Diannas anti-bullying trust which helps combat the issue that destroys so many lives in this country. As an ambassador, Blizzard has helped children on the receiving end of some of British society’s endemic problems in the form of a rap workshop; allowing victims to vocalise their feelings about bullies and bullying, helping them to build their self expression.
Blizzard has been lorded as one of the greatest talents to come out of Manchester and is rising through the UK music scene, and it's not just because of the unique skill he carries when it comes to words but because what surrounds him, what he stands for!
