It can be a tough word to navigate these days, for musicians who are just getting started. With venues being ever-thinner on the ground, streaming platforms paying peanuts, and the cost-of-living crisis keeping more and more people indoors, it seems like the right time to hear some words of encouragement from a couple of people who have been a part of the music business for quite a while.

Suzi Ashton is a musician who plays regular gigs with her tribute band Reasons for Admission. As well as this, she also goes it solo, taking her guitar and her voice to many venues across the midlands. She spoke to MOSH about how she got into the industry, and about overcoming some of the obstacles she faced along the way.

Jamie Russon is also a musician, but many in the Black Country will know him more as the owner of Build my Song recording studio. He has helped many midlands bands and artists mix their songs over the past few years, and offered some tips for budding artists.