Meet Sutton, London-born UK Open Mic performer Carteljaime:

Hi Carteljaime, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

Do you play solo only, or also in a group?

Solo

How old are you?

49

Where were you born?

Sutton, London

Where did you grow up?

South London

How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)

From as far back as I can remember, I have always been passionate about creativity in any form. Singing, rapping, DJ, dancing, writing music,. Self taught guitarist and electronic keyboard.
I was born to do this.

Where are you based now, and why?

Based in South London. I have always lived in London area.

What got you into making music in the first place?

As I said before, I was born to do this, I cannot remember not ever wanting to be creative artist with a passion and message to share.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Rapping
Rapping
Guitar
DJ
Writing songs

Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?

Erica badoo. Ray blk. Debbie. Prince. Michael Jackson. Louisa marks. John holt. Biggie. Tupac. Mary j blige. Faith Evans. Rihanna.
Cold play. Vogue. The list is endless!

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?

I’m usually dancing to a song, I listen to the lyrics and usually write something or start freestyling.. I could be anywhere and see or hear something. That sparks something in my head or heart.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

0

Why did you get into playing them in the first place?

I want to build up my confidence and this is a great way to start.

What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?

Enjoy it

What’s the hardest thing, for you, about playing open mics?

Confidence which I’m still working on, so open mic nights is a great way to build up on this.

What’s the most bizarre, or fun, open mic, or gig, you’ve ever played, and why?

291 club, Hackney empire..

If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?

Yes

What do you currently find the hardest and biggest obstacles to moving your music career forward?

I tend to get opportunities, and I self sabotage, which I put down to low self-esteem . After a traumatic experience on stage, 291 club, Hackney Empire, Channel 4 on a Friday night. I done a favour for a friend. As one of my many creative passions .I rapped salt and pepper for their theme tune. ” let’s talk about sex baby ” Hackney empire weren’t having it! A guy came on the stage like Tarzan. Swinging from a rope with a stuffed animal and took us off the stage whilst hearing the roars of boooooiiinng. Actually I think that it is the first time in a long while that I have approached this experience head on. Thank you, kind regards Jasmine.

What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?

That I am the whole package.

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?

Have a WhatsApp group called music Asetian promotions, I have artist’s, producers from all around the world in my group. I have written a song, I’m researching for the right beat or I may have to create one myself.
I have applied for BGT and the voice.
My boxing match will be in December UWCB.

Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGe12jCdf/

We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?

No thanks!