Meet London-born UK Open Mic performer, Harry White:

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

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

Solo

How old are you?

24

Where were you born?

London

Where did you grow up?

Greenwich London

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

Being able to go to many live events in London and the sheer variety of music available influenced me to want to make music and perform.

Where are you based now, and why?

South west London (Tooting) as easily accessible via the northern line to central London and potential opportunities

What got you into making music in the first place?

I created some scores for short films and theatre shows during my time at drama school , and this turned into a passion for creating music and eventually adding vocals to original pieces. Releasing a few albums and singles now I’m very passionate about sharing these songs live. This, alongside my lifelong love of listening to music like nick cave, the national and credence clearwater Revival, ennio moricone, I’ve always loved putting on headphones and getting lost in an array of different music genres.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing, Piano, Guitar

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

Top 10 now I would say:
Nick Cave
The National
Credence Clearwater Revival
Fontains DC
Deadmau5
Hans zimmer
Max richter
Sigur ros
Taylor swift
Kings of Leon
All have contributed to the indie/ambient folk style I’ve created with my albums and upcoming singles. The often melancholic lyrics have helped me through many hard times and also uplifted and inspired the songs I’ve made.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

8 years

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

I almost always start with the instrumentals, fundamentally the piano, and then later usually around 8 more instruments over this first on the piano/keyboard. Once a tune is made that I’m happy with I’ll write some lyrics/poetry and sing over the layers I’ve made. It often comes from a tune I’ve had in my head or just spur of the moment while I’m improvising on the piano.

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

I received positive feedback from people I played to, and that meant a great deal to me. Then, in loving the process of creating songs I became very passionate about them, and so sharing them live became very meaningful to me and thrilling at the same time. It also became therapeutic to play them privately as they were often about personal things.

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

Don’t hold back and go for it, if you’re passionate about it people will be engaged.

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

My first headlining gig was a big deal for me at the Star in Shorditch, and having things like professional photographers wanting press shots as well as a larger crowd of people listening was quite overwhelming and bizarre for me as I never anticipated I’d have the opportunity so sook after releasing my music. It was a real joy and butterflies in my stomach feeling that I hadn’t had since my time as an actor at drama school.

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?

Creating passionate fans who will be constantly engaged with things you release. And finding opportunities to showcase the music to reach new fans.

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

I only started playing guitar and singing properly a year or so ago. But piano since I was 8.

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

My upcoming album ‘Elvera’, which will have 9 songs (one of which has already been released as a single- ‘From the Sea’). These songs would be the main elements of each setlist I perform and will hopefully intrigue people to albums for late summer release this year.

Do you have your own music video, channel or playlist you’d like to share?

Do you have music on streaming? What’s you main streaming channel to send people to?

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

https://instagram.com/harry.white98?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==

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

No thanks!