Mercedes Ferreira-Dias

Meet Miami, FL-born UK Open Mic performer, Mercedes Ferreira-Dias:

Hi Mercedes Ferreira-Dias, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

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

Solo

How old are you?

Where were you born?

Miami, FL

Where did you grow up?

Miami, FL

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

Most of my original music explores themes of family, grief and growth! So, the beautiful landscape and culture of Miami is woven into every song of mine!

Where are you based now, and why?

I am currently based in Boston, Massachusetts!

What got you into making music in the first place?

I’ve been performing and writing ever since I can remember. I think I always had thoughts and emotions, even as a kid that I couldn’t quite articulate. But, music has always felt like the most natural space to learn about myself and feel safe! I can’t quite describe why, but it’s been like this ever since.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing, Piano, Guitar

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

Macie Stewart, Lianne La Havas, Jeff Buckley, Mitski!

Do you write your songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

About 14 years

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

I live on my notes app! Not a day goes by when I don’t write a thought, a clever joke, a quote, or a sentence story in my notebook or phone. This usually informs my songwriting process! It gives me this endless treasure chest of experiences and observations that I can stick my hand into and turn into lyrics!

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

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

Open Mics are the most comfortable and kind spaces to test out new songs and get inspiration. They are always full of music lovers who are either eager to share or excited to listen.

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

I would say: The stakes are low! Open mics are some of the most relaxed and compassionate musical spaces around, so no matter how it goes, you will be recieved with warmth. I say, go for it and play selfishly! Play that song that’s been stuck in your head all day, or that original that you never get to play at gigs because it feels too personal! Open mics are opportunities to get better, stay in musical shape and meet inspired people. And all of these things will become clear the second you push through the nerves and share your gift!

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

I never know what to perform!

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

Yes

Mercedes Ferreira-Dias

Meet Miami, FL-born UK Open Mic performer, Mercedes Ferreira-Dias:

Hi Mercedes Ferreira-Dias, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

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

How old are you?

Where were you born?

Where did you grow up?

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

Where are you based now, and why?

What got you into making music in the first place?

What instrument/s do you play?

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

Do you write your songs?

How many years have you been writing songs for?

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

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

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

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

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

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

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?

What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?

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