So, kid, you want to be a star?

Doing things her way: British talent Katy Shotter has come out of the reality TV machine stronger and more in control of her career

And the long queues at X-Factor auditions show us that it is not only the stuff of childhood dreams: indeed, the idea of becoming the next Madonna or MJ is so potent many chase it without talent or passion for music itself.

Having a career in music though, is often far from a dream. Few of the world’s many talented songwriters and musicians attain stardom or even make a living from their music. And whilst it's always been a tough business to crack, the word backstage is that now it is tougher than ever, with record companies having less money to invest and being less willing to take risks.

The old fashioned way

"They say the industry doesn't have money anymore and, sure, that's going to have an effect but there's always been, and always will be, good music," says Bobby Long. The British singer-songwriter is set on making his mark the old fashioned way: tirelessly touring small venues and using word of mouth to build a fanbase. "You only get better by playing," he explains, "and if I'm successful I want to have done the work to back it up."

After a gruelling 80-date tour across the States in 2009, it appears Long's strict work ethic is paying off. Already under his belt is a publishing deal, a song-writing credit on the Twilight soundtrack and a forthcoming debut album produced by Liam Watson (of The White Stripes' Elephant fame); and now interest from a major record label. "I'm doing something that's become a bit unusual: going on such a long tour, doing things on my terms and moulding myself as opposed to being moulded." He points out that, in the era of the manufactured Tween star, there's an appeal to someone who isn't a pre-made, pre-dressed product: "I dress myself," he jokes. "And I wrote my songs in my bedroom. I think people still want to believe that you can do it like this. I mean, I'm only doing a variation of what my music heroes were doing years ago."

No amount of talent or determination guarantees success in this business though. "Luck matters," nods Katy Shotter, "and that's the hard thing: to know that you have everything going for you and it can still not happen."

Although Shotter is only at the start of her career, the 22-year-old has already experienced extreme highs and lows. Back in 2007 she won Chancers, a British TV talent show for fledgling hip hop and R'n'B artists. Her prize was to play support to Beyonce on her UK tour. The American superstar then invited the girl from Croydon to continue touring with her in the US and Canada. A management deal in the bag, it appeared as if Shotter was flying towards fame and fortune when suddenly it all fell apart. "I got caught in the middle of a lot of industry politics and decided to end my deal, take time out," she confesses.

It was only by being away from the business that she could remember why she wanted to make music. "When you go through a bad experience it's easy to be put off. You have to remind yourself that music is supposed to be a roller coaster. My heroes - Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles - had to struggle to make it too."

Sunny by nature, Shotter believes her early troubles have been for the best: "I have more control over my career now than I would have done if I had gone down that Pop Idol route. Also if I get signed, have a number one or win a Grammy, I'll appreciate it more because I know how hard it is to achieve."

Perhaps it won't be long before these fantasies are a reality for the soulful singer, who is currently writing and recording her debut album in New York with P Diddy cohort, Jack Knight. "I can't imagine not making it," she shrugs, "I've got tunnel vision and if it doesn't happen I don't know, I'll… shrivel up and die!" At this she laughs, nervously.

Both Shotter and Long understand that Midem offers valuable exposure to the industry. As Long points out, "There's a lot of suits here and it's those suits who put the records out." The likes of Amy Winehouse and Razorlight showcased here before they were famous and the event is known to back future stars.

Doing it his way

"Midem's about selling something," agrees fellow rising star, King Charles. "There are passionate people present but passion doesn't override money, not in any business. It all comes down to what you're selling. I'm part of that, I've got something to sell. But I also want to be different: I don't want to be like the rest of the music industry."

Like the other young musicians at Midem, King Charles wants to do things on his terms. "I don't want a classic record label set up because I want to produce my records, I want control over everything."

"I'm here to promote my album," he says, "but that's because I want people to hear my music more than I want to be rich or a celebrity. I see myself primarily as an artist so I'm not like [adopts squeaky voice and jazz hands] 'I wanna be a star and I wanna be famous' although, of course, I do want to be a star and I do want to be famous," he laughs. "This makes sense: I'm making music because I want people to hear, understand, think and talk about it."

And the reality?

So far, so arty and admirable but if Sony Records was to approach the 24-year-old Londoner and offer him a record deal worth millions would he honestly say no? Would any young, aspiring musician? He smiles wryly, "I'm not closed to anything and I'm not open to everything. It could work, it may be beneficial but it may not be. The bottom line is that I'm not going to let anyone take control of me or my music.”  Hannah Marshall

Check out Bobby Long, Katy Shotter and King Charles on My Space:

www.myspace.com/kingcharlesuk

www.myspace.com/musicbobbylong

www.myspace.com/katyshotter