Emerging DJ to open Big Weekend dance stage

DJ Boo has been announced as a Tees Valley Artist of the Year

An emerging DJ who will play at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend has spoken about the challenges some artists face developing their careers.

Boo, from Teesside, believes musicians in the North East have to work "10 times as hard" to be noticed and there were "no access points" to break into the electronic music scene.

On Sunday, she will be playing one of the biggest gigs of her career, opening the dance stage at the event in Liverpool.

"I've worked so hard so to have moments like this is so special," she said. "It's such a huge opportunity."

The artist described how difficult it has been trying to progress her career.

"It's felt like I've been in a video game and I haven't been able to get past level one for a really long time," she said.

"Coming from Teesside, we don't have those networks for electronic music.

"There's been no access point, everything I have done has been through trial and error."

Sam Fender will perform at the Big Weekend on Saturday

Boo said for her, the key was to just release music and "slowly being introduced to certain contacts and networks".

"It takes a lot more time and a lot more effort," she said.

"I do feel like you have to be 10 times as good for anybody to take notice."

Two weeks after playing Liverpool, alongside fellow north-east performers like Sam Fender and Jade, she will be partnering with Relentless and Mura Masa at The Georgian in Stockton-on-Tees.

The DJ explained how becoming a Tees Valley Artist of the Year has already had a huge impact on her career.

"Having that level of mentorship and development, especially coming from a working class background, is really life-changing," she said.

Jade takes to the stage on Sunday

Boo started to upload her music after the first lockdown and then progressed through the BBC Introducing scheme.

"The BBC has been so supportive. I never thought that I would be playing to such big crowds this soon afterwards," she said.

"I'm so excited, I have never played in Liverpool before. It is a huge opportunity.

"It just shows that hard work and perseverance pay off eventually."