Darcie Tegerdine is a BA (Hons) Music Production student, and a flourishing music artist. She recently released a brand new single and here talks about her music, the course and what her future plans are. 

Course: BA (Hons) Music Production

Tell us a bit about yourself, why you chose to study your course and what interests you the most about the subject area? 

I’m Darcie Tegerdine, otherwise known as Darcie T. I'm originally from a little town called Whittlesey in Cambridgeshire. For as long as I can remember I’ve been singing and writing songs, but I kept it to myself. However about three years ago, I decided I was going to take the leap and record my first track, ‘How’. This really started the fire in me to start creating music more seriously. After Covid I was supposed to continue my journey travelling, however the new rules and restrictions limited me, so one week before the semester started I applied and moved to Leeds.

I chose Music Production as I wanted to be able to make the ideas in my head come to life, and this course has given me the skills and enabled me to do so. Music is so key for me as I want to create a career out of it, whether it’s helping create other people’s ideas or my own. As an artist I’m so interested in relating to people and situations that just need to be talked about, so I use music as my means to accomplish that.

What have been your highlights of the course so far? 

The highlights of my course have been improving my critical listening skills to first acknowledge and understand the basics. Other areas I have enjoyed are working within the studios - using the software to create original tracks, then having them reviewed by peers and lecturers to improve them. 

Can you tell us about your music and the release of your new single earlier this year? 

My music represents everything I stand for, so each track I make will relate to different topics and different genres. My main aim is to talk about things I’ve learned throughout my life, whether it be experiences I have had or my family or friends, and then create a piece of music that does the situation justice. My most recent single is a tongue in cheek way of talking about the pressures of the cost of living crisis and the horrible situation most of us in the UK are facing right now. Although my go-to genre isn't rap, I definitely had enough to say about this topic so I felt that the genre really suited it.

I am also currently working very hard on an EP expected sometime in the summer of 2024 and an album that’s coming in a couple of years. Other releases coming up include a pop song about owning your inner devil and a song that will bring you to tears if you let it! Another thing I have really been working hard on is my confidence with live performances so I’m super proud that I’ve been given the opportunity to perform at Live at Leeds festival.

How is Leeds Beckett supporting you with your music career? 

Leeds Beckett runs online competitions all the time and through these I won a free music video. The company I worked with, Film Buddy, were super lovely and I’ve made a really good rapport with them and continued working with them on various projects.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about studying your course at Leeds Beckett? 

I would say university is a great option to consider when thinking about further education but if it isn't necessary for what you want to do as a career or you are undecided, do take time to think about it. The Leeds Beckett university facilities are amazing, they have top notch studios with everything you could possibly need to make amazing music. Being a student does take a lot of commitment and it can sometimes be overwhelming. So just take everything into consideration before making your decision.

What are your plans for the future when you leave university? 

When I leave university my plan is to continue working as a solo artist creating music and preforming. I am also looking forward to keeping up with some of the audio work and other production and mixing I am doing for other people. I have some big goals I want to achieve so I am going to work very hard.