Kate Nash was speaking to an audience of 18 to 25-year-old musicians at The Roundhouse’s Artist Network series.
The event at the Chalk Farm venue featured an expert panel talking about how to grow your fanbase, with Nash as headline speaker.
She told the audience: “Never stop driving the ship.
“You decide ‘I want to make an album like this, I want to do shows like this’. Don’t rely on other people to guide you. You should be at the forefront of it.
“Just believe in yourself is probably the most powerful thing you could come away with. Walk out there and go ‘I’m going to be an artist. I deserve to be, I’m talented, I have something to say, I’m cool. I’m worthy and I’m never going to give up’.”
Nash rose to fame in the early noughties with her hit single Foundations and debut album Made From Bricks, scooping the 2008 Brit award for best female artist.
She released her fifth studio album 9 Sad Symphonies last year but has talked openly about selling content on OnlyFans to offset losses from her tours under the slogan Butts For Tour Buses.
The Artist Network was created for music artists seeking to develop their careers, understand the mechanics of releasing music, and grow their support networks.
It is aimed at 18 to 25-year-olds who are about to release music or have already done so and want to make it pay.
The network offers advice from artist mentors and panels of industry experts sharing encouragement and practical advice including at the event tips on posting on social media, live streaming, the importance of community and collaboration in promoting gigs, funding opportunities and applying to perform at festivals.
Resident artist mentors Bishi, Shao Dow and Roxanne de Bastion stressed the importance of building up a fanbase organically and forming connections with fellow artists.
Roxanne said: “It’s been such a joy to see young artists so engaged and enthusiastic about learning the ins and outs of the industry.
“I really feel for young artists in particular who are having to navigate a very difficult landscape post Brexit and post pandemic.
“It’s been equally heartwarming to see how professionals from across the music industry are jumping at the chance to be a part of the Artist Network, giving back to the community by sharing brilliant, hands on advice to the next generation of artists.”
The Roundhouse itself is a legendary music venue where legends including David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and Jimi Hendrix have played.
