Meet Dorset-born UK Open Mic performer Kailem Winter:

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

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

Group

What’s the name of the group?

DJTK

How old are you?

21

Where were you born?

Dorset

Where did you grow up?

Dorset

Where are you based now, and why?

Lambeth, London

What got you into making music in the first place?

My mother

What instrument/s do you play?

Guitar
Bass
Bass
Music Producer
Beat Making
Singing

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

D’angelo
Maxwell
Ericabadu
Daniel Ceaser
Dean Blunt
Lauryn Hill
Cleo Sol

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

0.5

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

Follow my ear, emotions and utilise music theory where necessary.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

0.5

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

We are artists and this is the first step

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

Practice before performing. And if you’re shy, go to an open mic where knowone knows you.

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

People

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

N/a

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?

Having acceptionaly good music to break into the mainstream

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

I’m stupidly open

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

Putting a neo-soul/jazz band together.

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

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauryn_Hill

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

No thanks!