Becky Hill: ‘Grassroots music venues desperately need our help’

Becky Hill found fame by appearing on the first season of The VoiceUK. With a little help from her friend Jessie J, she reached the semi-final in 2012 and has gone on to achieve a number one single with Gecko (Overdrive) and two top 10 albums, won two Brit Awards for Best Dance Act, has supported Katy Perry on tour, collaborated with Chase & Status, David Guetta, Self Esteem, Gary Barlow and Little Simz and releases her third studio album REBECCA later this year. 

But before she found fame, she found her feet as a performer at local independent venues in and around Worcestershire, where she grew up. Now she’s returning to her roots for a special sold-out show at the Marrs Bar where she first performed age 16, as part of Everywhere at Once, powered by the National Lottery. Hill joins Fatboy Slim, Tinie Tempah, Master Peace, Brooke Combe, Toddla T and Inspiral Carpets, plus thousands more artists lighting up local venues. 

Big Issue: Why did you want to be part of the Everywhere at Once Festival?

Becky Hill: It was a bit of a family affair for me! My husband is a music booker by trade and was asked to book some of the line-up. He’s very passionate about working with grassroots venues and also works with Save Our Scene, which is another organisation supporting small live venues. I immediately said yes and showed him a video of a 16-year-old me standing on stage at the Marrs Bar and asked if we could support that venue in particular. It’s not often I get to play venues that had a part to play in my career and I jumped at the chance.

What do you think about the idea of a festival happening at grassroots music venues across the country?

I think it’s a genius concept. Especially falling on the Glastonbury fallow year weekend. This is everyone’s chance to go to their local venue and support the artists they’d go to Glastonbury and support, but in grassroots venues that so desperately need our help.

What have local independent grassroots music venues done for you?

They gave me a platform and experience I never would’ve had as a teenager. They were so important! Without a show to play at, our garage rehearsals were just a bit of meaningless fun. I got to write songs in my bedroom, rehearse with my band and then take them to the stage where my family and friends could hang out, as well as local people.

Read more:

• ‘Meltdown averted for now’: Grassroots music venues’ relief at Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement
• ‘We haven’t done enough’: Why arenas need to step up and support grassroots music venues
• ‘Anything that helps to promote the very existence of these grassroots music venues is welcome’

What are your earliest memories of playing at the Marrs Bar in Worcester?

I was 16 when I played the Marrs Bar! That’s 16 years ago, so it’s quite difficult to recall the show. But if you look hard enough on YouTube, you’ll be able to find a couple of original compositions performed there.

Sometimes independent grassroots venues and TV talent shows are almost set against each other – as two rival ways into the music industry as an artist. But you did both. How did your grounding in the local live music scene help and inform your journey on The Voice UK?

I was in a band when I was 15-17 years old. I wrote all the music and we used to go round open mics and small venues in Worcestershire playing to people. It gave me the beginnings of experience and nurtured my passion for performing ahead of my The Voice UK debut when I was 17 or 18. It also gave me a community of other musicians who were all on the circuit, one of whom sent me the talent show’s application form and encouraged me to go. Without that experience and community, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.

Do you feel the career you are building spans both worlds – the leftfield and the pop world, bringing them together? I’d definitely say the dance world and the pop world. I don’t know if I’ve ever been leftfield. That’s album four, ha ha!

Who have been the biggest influences on your career?

The reason I got into any of this in a more serious way was down to a man I met in Bewdley called Andy Brown. He had music management experience and completely took me under his wing, recorded my songs, took me to my first studio, paid for singing lessons and bought me a new guitar. Andy totally believed in me and expected nothing in return. We’re still very good friends and I keep him involved in my music. He’s got the best pair of ears I know and always gives me opinions on my music.

How would the teenager who first performed at the Marrs Bar feel about the career you are having?

I think she’d be pretty blown away. Music wasn’t ever something I thought I could make a living from. I wanted to train as an electrician when I was a kid as I thought it was a stable job. Kids like me don’t land it lucky as a pop star and I think teenage me would think I’m the coolest person ever.

Which of your achievements would excite your younger self the most?

I was a little drum and bass bedroom raver when I was a kid! I hit my first massive achievement when I worked with Wilkinson on Afterglow and heard my song throughout 13 years in raves all over the world. Glastonbury was also a massive pinch-me moment, and I did well not to just sit on the stage and cry my eyes out.

What do you hope the Everywhere at Once festival achieves in terms of reminding people about the brilliant
music that happens in your neighbourhood every week?

I hope it inspires people to go out and see a name they haven’t necessarily heard of before. I hope it gives promoters the confidence to book new talent and be confident they’ll draw a crowd and can survive. I’m certain that small venues and new talent are what make our British culture so rich. It’s something we need to protect.

What can the lucky Marrs Bar punters expect from your show?

I’m still figuring out the set at the moment, but I’m so excited to be in a small, intimate venue that’s the closest show I’ll ever play to my home town! I’ll definitely be up there thinking of that 16-year-old who was there all those years ago!

How would you describe your new LP REBECCA – and how are you feeling about sending it out into the world in September?

It’s my most authentic work to date. I loved every second of writing this album and I’m so excited for people to hear a new side of my artistry! I wanted to show off my personality on this album, so I used guitars and more band-based sounds to go back to my roots of where I started making music. I might play some new stuff at the Marrs Bar – I’m just a little nervous!!

What is your current big issue?

I’ve just started working with Surfers Against Sewage following the Dirty Business documentary on Channel 4. I’m furious at the amount of illegal activity our water companies are doing and have been doing for years. They’ve single-handedly destroyed our rivers and seas and made a whole load of profit in the process. I’ll be spreading Surfers Against Sewage’s message across all my shows this year and helping out as much as I can.

Becky Hill plays at the Marrs Bar in Worcester on Sunday 28 June as part of Everywhere At Once

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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