Cymatic Artists - Interview with Alana Hepburn
You may have seen her frantically dashing around at a festival. Always upbeat with a sprightly spring in her step… but who is she and what does she do?
We’re talking of course… about Alana Hepburn; a pivotal cog in Scottish HipHop development. With over 12 year’s experience in event management, Alana is no stranger to the live sector and has been attributed to some of the most pinnacle events in Glasgow; from High Focus to Ultramagnetic MC’s, Wu Tang members to Jurassic 5, Tion Wayne & AJ Tracey.
It’s so often that these unsung heroes fly under the radar but we’ve decided to shine a spotlight on her, as she embarks on her latest venture, “Cymatic Artists”.
Widely known as the main trail blazer for hiphop events in Scotland… how did it all come about?
My first run in with Hip Hop first came about when I was 14, I got the Louis Slippaz £10 Bag album and that’s what grew my love I then went onto American acts like Eminem, Wu-Tang, Biggie, Cypress Hill though it was UK hip hop that first got me hooked.
When I first started Hip Hop events in Scotland, I had very little knowledge about running events. I felt that rap wasn’t being represented and there was a whole underground culture of performers looking for somewhere to play and build on their music careers. The first UK hip hop event I ever done was with Children of the Dammed: I had a good relationship with them and we struck a “mates-rates” deal to get them here that I couldn’t refuse – Lee Scott, Bill Shakes, Rekwles, Grub, Salar – I think even Tony Broke made it to that one!! Big ups to the Blah gang.
At what point did you decide that you wanted to pursue event management professionally?
When I released that I couldn’t do a normal job! I just never felt that shop work or call centre work was me, I always felt different growing up, that there was more to life than the average 9 to 5.
Wise words… I think everyone can relate to that!
I understand you’ve got a Bachelor’s Degree, was that a natural progression or was running events part of the coursework?
I had perused a Bachelor’s degree and gained a 2:1 with Honours in Commercial Music –to support my music knowledge and experience. I am dyslexic, I wanted to prove that someone from the scheme could push themselves to have credentials and be considered an academic. I was already running hip hop events at this point I just felt that no one would take me seriously in music unless I had some sort of education behind me.
We briefly touched on some of the artists you’ve brought to Glasgow but can you tell us a bit about some of the events that you’ve put on?
From UK to American artists – Dirty Dike, Jam Baxter, High Focus, Split Prophets, Chester P task force, Skinnyman, Phi Life Chypher, Klashnekoff, + more… Wu Tang members – Ghoastface Killah, GZA, Rekwon – Pete Rock and C.L Smooth, KRS-ONE the Pharcyde, Jeru the Damaja, M.O.P, Mobb Deep, Jurassic 5, Lords of the Underground, Souls of Mischief, Tabli Kweli, Big Daddy Kane.. + more Grime & drill events, at the time working with Josh at J-Bone collective, Skepta, Tion Wayne, Giggs, Ms Banks, Suspect, Wiley, AJ Tracey, Bugzy Malone.
I’ve also got an event announcement coming very soon for 7th July 2023 -A classic 90s Hip Hop act who have never been to Scotland before! Hold tight!!!
What is THEE best event you’ve ever put in or been part of?
Ahhhh everything!! All events have something amazing happen. Getting to meet Pop Smoke before he passed, De La Soul, Prodigy of Mobb Deep… working with Nas and Skepta was life changing.
What’s the most random rider you’ve been asked to provide… and did you sort it or abort it?
I’ve been asked for allot of crazy riders – it’s the ones that aren’t advanced that are the most annoying!! I guess the most random thing was to provide a tattoo gun on stage for one of the Defenders of Style had lost a bet and they were to get a live tattoo… Sadly due to health and safety we were not able to provide this – Aborted.
But it’s not just rap events is it? You’re also a familiar face at a festival. Can you tell us about some of the festivals you’ve been involved in?
I’ll be about as your friendly Artist Liaison or Stage Manager at Love Saves the Day, Kelburn, Nozstock, Boomtown, Woodlands Dance and hopefully a winter festival which I can’t announce yet! Ill also be attending Park Life for my Birthday in June!! Gassed for that!!
Running any stages this year?
Running full throttle at the Garden Stage at Nozstock The Hidden Valley Festival. Crazy to think its my 12th Year!?!?
Tell us a bit about Cymatics, how it came about, where it’s at, where it’s headed?
Cymatics is a management and events company, I am managing and representing a few acts – shout outs Psweatpants, Melroze, AJForty7, Kleo, Casement and Afu-Ra. Also shout outs I.D, Ms Chrissy Rose, Wendy, Bdon.
The aim of cymatics is to provide our artists with industry development and a platform to have their music listed to on a UK level!!
Recently in 2023 organised the Glasgow part of the Laughta Tour and 3 sold out dates with Jordan McCann. Showcasing some of our artists on support at these events. We are planning on getting Jordan back later this year! And a few other gigs will be announced soon!!
How have you found Management so far? Has it been exactly as you thought it would be or has there been a lot more unforeseen obstacles?
Managing acts has been ideal, I have managed a few acts over the years though never really had any deals or contracts in place with them, I used to give my secrets and ideas away to everyone now I just give it to the ones I represent.
Who should we be keeping an eye on coming from Scotland?
Everyone on Cymatics!!!!
Where can we find out more about Cymatics?
We are on Instagram @cymatic_artists
Lastly… any shout outs ?
Mad love to the whole Rap/Hip Hop/Drill & Grime community of Scotland!! We need you all to keep pushing!! - Special shout outs to up2stndrd & Hip Hop Scotland!!
Alana, Thanks for your time!
