Meet Redhill-born UK Open Mic performer Matt Bawtree:

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

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

Solo

How old are you?

21

Where were you born?

Redhill

Where did you grow up?

Canterbury

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

My mum is a music teacher and my dad plays organ at Rochester cathedral. Not sure making pop music was quite the route they thought I’d go down though.

Where are you based now, and why?

Between London and Manchester. Lived up there for 4 years and now I’m expanding.

What got you into making music in the first place?

I’m in a band called South by Zero and I’ve just decided to go solo and try it out.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Guitar
Guitar

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

Fleetwood Mac are a huge influence as well as the talking heads and Tom Waits. I’m just trying to say something that hasn’t been said before wrapped up in a catchy hook.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

5

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

5

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

I used to host a few open mics in Manchester City centre.

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

Make lots of friends.

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’m in a function band and that is my full time job so I sometimes find it hard to get creative after a whole day of playing covers.

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

https://www.instagram.com/mattbawtree?igsh=ZXljeWNvenJ6dzI1

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

No thanks!