Ahead of Off The Record in Kilmarnock on Saturday (28th June), we spoke to Halina Rifai (Olive Grove Records / Podcart) about life in the music business...

Q: "How did you get your start in music?”

A: A Northern Irish graphic designer called Will McNeilly had been following my blog writing, he approached me and asked if I had thought about starting my own site and the rest is pretty much history. Podcart was born. Olive Grove came 2 years later and I asked Peenko if he wanted to start a label. To be fair, Lloyd Meredith a.k.a Peenko works a lot harder with the label than I do. I have since started doing free online PR for people such as RM Hubbert and others.

Q: "What is best thing about your work?"

A: This is going to sound really f*cking cheesy, but it is always about listening to the music. Getting that excitement that you might lose control because something is so uplifting, affecting etc. I would never want to lose that.

Q: "Give us one tip for anyone looking to work in music"

A: Never let anyone tell you that you cannot do something, keep a strong passion for what you do. Push the boundaries and work your arse off. People will take notice and it will open doors for you.

Off The Record takes place at The Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock on Saturday 28th June for 14-25 year olds. Tickets are £2, and include free lunch and a release with EmuBands worth £25! Find out more & book tickets here.