BB Diamond is a West London based Popstar whose music is influenced by RnB and Dance. We heard that she was appearing at Radio 1's Big Weekend so thought it would be good to catch up with her and learn how BBC Introducing has assisted her in her quest to pop stardom, here's how we got on....

You’re called BB Diamond and you’re playing at this year’s Radio 1 Big Weekend - Tell us a fascinating fact about you that not many people know….

Ummm...I guess not many people know that I am tongue-tied (yes it's really a thing!) It basically means that the tip of my tongue is attached to the bottom of my mouth, so if you ask me to stick my tongue out I won't be able to poke it out very far! Ha ha! Random but true fact about m

You’re playing the BBC Introducing stage at R1BW on Sunday 29th May, how did you feel when you heard?

I was over the moon. I've always dreamt of playing in front of big audiences such as R1's Big Weekend so when I got the email through I went nuts and called all my family and mates up screaming down the phone to them!

How did it all come about?

I sent my music into BBC Introducing via the uploader online and after a few weeks I got a notification through saying BBC Kent had listened to my track and were going to play it on their show. I was so made up. It was the first time I'd ever heard my music on the radio, so it was a massive moment for me.

How have BBC Introducing helped you as an artist?

They've been incredibly supportive and have followed my career as it's been progressing. I recently got invited to play at BBC Introducing Kent's birthday party gig which was amazing, and Abbie McCarthy in particular has really backed me which I'm so appreciative of. 

Off the back of the introducing support, Sarah Jane Crawford made my first release 'Instinct' her track of the week on 1xtra, Clara Amfo has been a massive support and played my single, and myself and Shift K3Y performed 'Gone Missing' on the Live Lounge during her show which was crazy. Trevor Nelson and Mista Jam have also been really supportive, it's incredible just how much support has come off the back of BBC introducing. 

At such an early stage of your career, having people believe in you is what keeps you going as it makes you feel like you're on the right track

Who are YOU most looking forward to seeing live at R1BW this year?

Oh man, there are so many people I want to catch! I'm playing on the Sunday so I really want to try and catch The 1975, Ellie Goulding, Iggy Azalea, Coldplay, The Weeknd, Jack Garratt.....so that's basically everyone! Ha ha

Your music is upbeat and poppy with a hint of Disco about it, tell me how you approach the whole songwriting process?

It can be different each time I write a song, sometimes I'll have seen a film in which the story or a character has inspired me, or I'll see a couple on the tube having a row and put myself in their shoes and try to write from that. 

A lot of the time I'm inspired through listening to other music, new and old, listening through headphones so I feel really absorbed in it.

Which band or artist made you want to be a performer?

It was Michael Jackson that made me want to be an artist. I remember so vividly how I felt when I saw Moonwalker, it completely blew me away. I loved the way he sang and danced and projected his music, I was completely in awe, I wanted to sing and dance just like him.

It’s a jungle out there, so many bands and acts, what do you do in order to try and stand out from the rest?

In all honesty, I just try to be myself. I think people will see through you very quickly if you try to act like someone you're not. I think hard work and determination, really having the drive and passion to follow your dream and do what you love. 

All I can do is create music that I love and hope that people connect to it and see that what you're producing is from your heart.

What advice would you give to an artist or band who is thinking of getting in touch with BBC Introducing?

Go for it!! It's such an amazing platform for new artists and it's great to be able to get feedback on what you're doing and see how other people are feeling it. 

And finally, please would you give us the name of another BBC Introducing act that everyone should be checking out?

I'm a big fan of Wolfie, she is incredible so go check her out. I also recently did a gig with KYKO and he's got a beautiful voice so him too. 

I'm looking forward to catching all the other acts performing on the BBC introducing stage, it's going to be ridiculous! 

We'd like to thank BB Diamond for taking the time to chat to us, we wish her every success in the future and look forward to seeing her kill it at the Radio 1 Big Weekend in Exeter. Please spare a few minutes and check out her social media channels, they're listed below, all you need to do is point and click!

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Interview by Steve Muscutt