Monty and Ali
Meet 2002-born UK Open Mic performer Monty and Ali:
Hi Monty and Ali, 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?
The Ramsden Riddick Duo
How old are you?
23
Where were you born?
2002
Where did you grow up?
Somerset , Suffolk
How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)
Growing up in the countryside fostered a deep connection to folk and country music. Nature was key part of our upbringings and our earliest were small intimate local artists playing folk and blues on an acoustic guitar.
Where are you based now, and why?
Ealing, because I live there
What got you into making music in the first place?
Expression of self, love for the instrument and idolising the greats.
What instrument/s do you play?
Singing
Guitar
Guitar
Harmonica
Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?
John Mayer, BB king, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Micheal Jackson, Bill Withers, Bruce Springsteen, Albert King, Niel Young, Buddy Guy. These artists play with honesty, their music connects to the soul in a raw honest manner and I really resonate with their ability to speak in way that connects truthfully with the human experience.
Do you write your own songs?
Yes
How many years have you been writing songs for?
2
What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?
It’s different each time and depends greatly on the influence. I try and write lyrics first focussing on the importance of story-telling and put music to it later, but sometimes if the song is riff focused then lyrics follow the arrangement.
How long have you been playing open mic nights?
3
Why did you get into playing them in the first place?
Meeting musicians, becoming better through connections, it’s a nice relaxed way to share music and dip your toes into scenes.
If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?
Yes
What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?
Working as an acoustic duo, producing our own individual EPs and working as full time teachers.
Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?
https://www.instagram.com/the_ramsden_riddick_duo/
What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?
www.instagram.com/the_ramsden_riddick_duo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.instagram.com/the_ramsden_riddick_duo/
We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?
No thanks!