Meet Switzerland-born UK Open Mic performer Nah3ma:

Hi Nah3ma, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

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

Solo

How old are you?

31

Where were you born?

Switzerland

Where did you grow up?

Switzerland

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

Not at all. London is my home, it is where I started writing music. Life experiences have given meaning to the lyrics, but in terms of the style, it has very little to do with where I grew up.

Where are you based now, and why?

London. It felt like home immediately from the moment I first stepped foot in it. Something about the open mindedness, the creative force, the big melting pot of cultures, ideas, possibilities.

What got you into making music in the first place?

Music has always been a way of expression for me. A way to move emotions through my body, a cleansing and ritual.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Guitar

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

I prefer not to think of them as influences, because I am not interested in copying anybody. I love listening to other people’s music, and it inspires me and opens my mind, but I can’t say I’m influenced by any particular artist.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

1

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

For me it is a type of channelling. Usually when I experience a very strong emotion, I start to hear a chorus playing in my mind, about the thing I am feeling. Then I sit with it, and let the words pour out of me. I almost never plan in advance what my next song will be about, I just suddenly feel inspired, and start writing. I find that trying to plan what to write in advance and forcing my brain to come up with words doesn’t work, it feels counterproductive and uninspired. I have to catch it when it hits me, organically.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

1

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

At first to practice performing, and test the waters. Now I try to sign up to as many as possible, to gain exposure, and continue practising settling the nerves.

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

Just go for it, practice as much as you can, to as many diverse audiences as you can. Develop thick skin, and keep going for what you want.

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

The nerves, though they get a little better with every performance.

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

Not bizarre, but really fun: the Retro café open mic in Fulham. Sadly it doesn’t exist anymore, but the vibe was unbeatable. The host would dance with the crowd, and make everyone smile and have a jolly good time.

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?

Honestly I am just very new to the game, and not exactly sure what the steps are. Open mics are my first step.

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

The journey that lead to where I am.

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

My latest song, because it is completely out of my comfort zone in terms of the lyrics and the guitar pattern. I am excited to experiment with new and different things.

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

https://www.instagram.com/nah3ma?igsh=cHVyeGdjN2p1NmZo

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

No thanks!