On the hunt for new music stars - without Simon Cowell
F
OR Milly Allen, listening to the manufactured pop of The X Factor is her worst nightmare.
So the budding music promoter, the daughter of former Tottenham Hotspurs midfielder Paul Allen, is on her own quest to find new talent.
Every month, 23-year-old Milly showcases her latest finds at Proud Camden in the Stables Market, off Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm.
So far, the Milly's World event has featured up-and-coming artists such as the rapper G FrSH and a band called The Paris Riots - who have just supported Bob Dylan at a festival.
Milly, who grew up in Chalk Farm, said: "I have always really hated The X Factor. I find it really manufactured and superficial. The contestants don't even write their own songs - and I don't think there is any longevity in the acts.
"I went to Sylvia Young Theatre School and everything was a bit showbizzy. It really put me off - if I ever see jazz hands again, I will vomit.
"This is something I can do on my own that is not manufactured - and that doesn't involve jazz hands!"
Milly's World first started out on the internet, with Milly uploading interviews with her favourite new artists on to YouTube and MySpace.
She said: "When I came up with the idea, I approached MTV - but they turned me down saying that kids are not interested in up-and-coming artists. But there are lots of underground artists who are really massive."
One of the first artists featured in Milly's internet films was Eliza Doolittle - a singer now signed to Parlophone. Another was the now famous hip-hop band N-Dubz.
Now Milly's World has transferred from virtual reality to the real world with a monthly night at Proud Camden.
Milly said: "The response has been really good. A lot of people from the industry come along to support the night, which is really good for me."
Growing up as part of a footballing family - besides her father, other relatives include former Spurs players Clive and Les Allen - Milly could easily cash in on her name (Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has already expressed an interest in her musical ventures). But Milly prefers to go it alone.
Milly, who is still a firm football fan, said: "I wanted to do something independent. I would rather take my own credit for it, even if it goes wrong." - MEYREM HUSSEIN
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