Main Feature Artist Development- PLANNING

Main Feature Artist Development

Artist: Zara Leigh

Modelled by: Amber Wickens

Zara Leigh

The person I have selected (and requested) to be my main feature artist is Amber Wickens- Amber will be playing the role of Zara Leigh who is a very quirky, eccentric character with a penchant for style. I have concluded Zara Leigh will be an upcoming solo artist who is new to the music industry and also to the public. The purpose of Zara Leigh doing an interview is to spread awareness/promote her new album, as well as being introduced to the public and creating some familiarity. Her interview will include a lot about her personal life e.g. upbringing, where she grew up, how she was discovered, etc.) I feel Amber reflects the music genre of my magazine Indie Rock/alternative because she has both an ‘individual’ style to her and reflects what my target audience aspire to be like – fashionable and free minded, not afraid to share an opinion on certain topics that may prove controversial or unapproved by others. I feel due to Amber having an ‘indie’ look my target audience will aim to look like her and find her again incredibly aspirational, which in turn would encourage females to buy the magazine. Amber also has elements of rock to her due to having naturally pale skin which contrasts with her dark clothing (leather jacket, skinny jeans etc.) and often deep red or purple (berry coloured) lipstick. Using Amber as a model will enable me to achieve the correct representation of a music artist to my target audience - when figuring out a costume (that is of an indie style), makeup, setting etc. (mise-en-scene) I feel Amber will easily fit the role and what she is wearing (costume) due to having a similar style genuinely. Through using Amber as my model for Zara Leigh I feel she will attract individuals from my target audience to read the magazine as teenage girls and slightly older girls who like indie rock music and style/fashion will enable them (as such) to become attracted to Amber as the model - through her look and style. In terms of male appeal, I feel Amber (Zara Leigh) will be considered a very attractive female from male readers due to her naturally good looks and loud, rebellious character. When considering Zara Leigh's potential look I feel Amber reflects her as an artist- being an alternative rock artist through both her music and style- Amber reflecting both of these, portraying the desired image of an indie rock artist. 

Background information of Zara Leigh:

Zara Leigh is a 20 year old upcoming solo artist from a small town called Leviselle in Leeds.  From a young age Zara has always had a penchant for music, learning how to play the guitar, piano and trumpet at the age of just 7 years old. Zara was inspired by artists such as Taylor Momsen, Alice Glass, Hayley Williams, Blink 182,  London Grammar, etc. to pursue her passion for singing through Vlogging on YouTube at the age of 18. Zara would perform covers by the likes of Oasis, All Time Low, Revolver and Brides vs Bullets using her musical abilities (guitar, piano). Zara was soon spotted by a successful recording company named 'Vibes'. Vibes has signed other artists such as All Time Low, Charlie XCX, Kids in Glass Houses, Revolver and Brides vs. Bullets, many of them which Zara had performed covers of their songs - which is how Vibes came across her. After hitting 200K subscribers on YouTube Vibes signed Zara for a debut album; the album kicked off better than expected and she was soon offered a UK tour due to high demand where extra dates had to be added to her tour due to high interest from fans. Zara didn't have an easy upbringing; her father being an alcoholic and mother who couldn't cope, meaning the parental role was down to her to care for her two younger brothers, Jared, 17 and Rian, 14. Whilst witnessing events no young girl should see, Zara would spend each day trying to prevent her family from breaking. Zara's experiences have enabled her to create lyrics that are extremely heartfelt relating to what she has witnessed and her emotions that have been hidden by dark times - which is a huge contribution to why audiences like her. Zara is genuine but speaks her mind to what she feels is right and wrong. Coming from such a small town Zara is adjusting to being in the spotlight/public eye, also appearing quite vulnerable to the media who are keen to learn about her past.

A mood board for my artist - giving a feel of the personality and interests the artists has. I believe my mood board shows a clear vision of what the artist looks like with an alternative style and overall 'rock' look with smokey makeup and big, volumised hair.