Ragsy
www.CastingNow.co.uk/ragsy
Ragsy
Presenter Musician Extra
- 844 Profile Views
- www.CastingNow.co.uk/ragsy
Unique ID: ragsy
- Playing Age: from 28 to 40
Location: Cardiff
Gender: Male
About Me
My parents have always told me that I was singing from the moment I was born. I don't know what noises I was making back then but they couldn't have been all bad, and from that moment a passion for all thing’s music began to grow. I have always wanted a career in music and been dedicated to learning everything I possibly can along with making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
From a young age I have been excited about music and all areas of the industry. I love all genres of music but in particular loved musicians who wrote their own material and had passion and emotion in their songs. I would study the artwork that they produced, read the footnotes of albums and singles, and was an avid watcher of the Top 40 on Sundays. This passion led to me learning the guitar and looking after my voice to enhance my talent. I have also find a quiet calm in writing my own music. Expressing how I feel about major life events through lyric and note has been something that has helped me get through some difficult periods and enhanced the good times.
During my time in this exciting industry I have been involved in bands, duos and worked as a successful solo artist. I’ve created music and worked alongside a production team learning how good sound is produced effectively. I’ve organised events and built strong contacts with organisers. I’ve sold music and actively promoted everything I’ve been involved in as I have passion and am a grafter and work hard for anyone who gives me opportunities. This industry has given me a thick skin and I understand that failures happen; and I’ve learnt a lot from these. However, I have had a lot of success and my reputation, contact and fanbase is evidence of my work ethic, passion and drive.
I am self-motivated, driven and committed to everything i am involved in. I also work well along with others and believe building a good working relationship is important in achieving goals.
In 2012 I put my name forward to appear on BBC's The Voice UK. Out of over 35,000 applicants I made it to the final 36 and was mentored by fellow countryman Sir Tom Jones. I will always be grateful for this opportunity with the BBC's as this was the start of a new chapter in my life.
Not only did this opportunity give me a platform and exposure to become a self-employed Independent Artists but it also allowed me to achieve a personal ambition to record and release my debut album. I have also performed at many events, venues and festivals such as Glastonbury along supporting established artists including James Dean Bradfield, The Proclaimers and Max Boyce. I am now in the process of producing my second album and planning my new tour for 2019.
In 2016 being a passionate Welshman who couldn't speak welsh I set my self the challenge of recording and releasing one of my songs in Welsh. With the help of good friends, I was able to achieve this goal which led to me embarking on a journey to learn my native tongue. Since then I have released other songs in Welsh, attended various courses, appeared on The Victoria Derbyshire Show, Heno and was one of the 8 finalists on Can i Gymru 2018. This is an ongoing ambition to become fluent one day
I am currently recording my second album 'One More For The Road' which I am self funding and Co-producing.
Along with working as a professional musician I also present live on a local radio station once a week. As well as produce and present a show promote acoustic music once a month. I am extremely passionate about presenting and am eager to learn and develop in this area to become an established professional presenter
Presenting
Experience
Specialist Areas
Employment History & Experience
I am passionate about the music scene in Wales, and tour the country performing my own material and acoustic covers. My vocation is to watch the Welsh music scene grow and develop and so I co-present a radio show on GTFM which airs once a month. We play artists from Wales or with a Welsh connection who are writing their own music and want their music heard. We have a strong following and I am proud to have watched this show grow into what it has this year and know it has the potential to develop further.
I am involved in all aspects of our show. I am well connected in the music scene around Wales and so collect all content for the show. Often artists reach out to us, but it is important to research the artists to provide relevant information about them to give them the publicity they need. I will also contact festivals, events and venues to find new acts who are working hard to break into the music scene. We have a strong social media following and so will always post about the show, and I am responsible for marketing and promoting the show. Once all content is compiled and information sheets are typed the show is recorded and produced. After this my efforts go on promoting the show and the artists we are showcasing via social media outlets, and then we start work on the next episode.
It is a very rewarding part of my career, and I know GTFM have been very pleased with my professionalism, dedication and drive. I myself, thoroughly enjoy getting to know artists on a personal level, building relationships and being able to offer some assistance on their journey.
Music
Experience
Vocal Skills
Instruments Played
Employment History & Experience
I have been a singer-songwriter/ performer for most of my life and have worked in bands and as a solo artist. I am a keen guitar player and am passionate about my original music. After appearing on BBC’s The Voice in 2013 I started my own business as a professional musician due to demand.
I have found my true vocation in music and have shown passion and determination to achieve the goal of having my music heard and becoming a successful musician. I am not motivated by fame, but by my music and my drive to be able to continue to make it. Through my business I have had to learn fast how the music industry works and my responsibilities within it are varied and cover many areas such as:
Music Production: In this area of the music industry I am involved in the creative process of writing the music, managing diaries, organising studio time, booking session musicians, funding the projects, collaborating with the producers and musicians, co-producing the music, mixing and then to its completion of mastering.
Visual Production: The visual aspect is integral when it comes to promotion and selling music. Whether it be the song, album, event, festival or show, artwork and videos are essential. In this area of the music industry i work with photographers, graphic designers and videographers developing the right concepts for single artwork, album artwork, shows and tour posters (physical and online) as well as music videos. All of these aid in the continuation of exposure, more bookings, building a fanbase and music sales.
PR/ Marketing: It is necessary to contact various areas of the media industry such as Radio Stations to ensure getting airplay, live sessions and interviews. I contact publications, submit tacks and videos to vloggers for reviews and interviews. Along side this I have to promote my music, which involves ensuring all distribution outlets, i.e. Cd’s and Vinyls, Downloading and streaming sites are all in place with the correct information along with any merchandise. Through this I have to ensure I work to a budget and ensure that my company is successful.
Social Media / Website: Social media and websites are another vital tool for any business. The responsibilities here are to make sure that all social media platforms are up do date with the correct information whether it be for promoting music, shows or tours. All visual material photos, banners, posters need to be positioned correctly and uniform to each outlet. Also regular posting along with replying to any comments or messages is key to growing and building a strong online fanbase.
Live Performance: I love performing to an engaged crowd. It is so rewarding when fans request my own songs or sing along, and it makes this incredible journey I am on worthwhile. This area of the industry involves making sure all songs are rehearsed, booking rehearsal rooms, contacting agents, event organisers, venues, managing diaries, negotiating fees, booking accommodation, insurance, transportation, equipment and itineraries.
Along with the area mentioned above there is also making sure the accounts are in order and submitted on time, collecting payments, making sure along songs are registered correctly with organisations such as PRS and PPL along with perusing and searching for any avenues in the music industry.
Extras Work, Partipant, Contestant
Experience
Employment History & Experience
I appeared on TV Shows such as The Voice, Heno, Can i Gymru and Noson Llawen. I have also performed on Jingles, appeared in Music Videos, Magazines and I have also appeared and presented on various Radio shows.
Physical Details
Languages Spoken
Experience & Qualifications
General Experience
Singer - Songwriter / Performer
Radio Presenter
Former Chef
With some acting experience
Other Information
Relevant Skills
I can sing, perform, write songs, play guitar, present, cook
Interests & Hobbies
Although music has been a dominant figure in my life, my love of food and especially cooking began at an early age. Cooking with Nan and my mother was a regular thing to do. This sparked another passion that was probably an equal to music. Over the years I have worked in various kitchens professionally as a qualified chef. I use the term chef loosely as i was more of a cook. As my full-time job is music now, cooking has become more of a hobby and passion. Over the years I have collected Welsh Cookery books and have around 150 to date which is another passion or maybe obsession.
I have interests in all things creative from pen & Ink drawings, photography to creative writing and poetry. I like to have a go at anything creative, but also enjoy seeing all the wonderful works that other artistic people design and make.
Family and friends are very important to me. I do like days especially with my fiancée and the little one out sightseeing, visiting exciting landmarks, Simple things like a picnic in a park or on a beach, or a wonder around a historical building such as a castle or old ruin. Also enjoy playing dolls with the little one.
I try to keep fit by cycling and do enjoy my mountain bike when I get the chance to get out on it.
I like to read, especially self-help books and biographies when I get the time. I enjoy a good film either at home or a cinema. As well as getting to watch a good band or artist when possible.
Miscellaneous Information
I can drive, have a full clean current drivers licence and my own car