Meet Xabia, Spain-born UK Open Mic performer Nick Monks:

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

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

Solo

How old are you?

29

Where were you born?

Xabia, Spain

Where did you grow up?

Xabia, Spain

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

I was born in a seaside town in Spain. During summer many people from different countries (UK, Germany, Australia.) came there, so we had the chance to meet many people. Thanks to those fun times I discovered the world of music and rock from a young age, and decided to try out some singing. Turns out I really loved it, and made the artist I am nowadays.

Where are you based now, and why?

London.

What got you into making music in the first place?

My brother is 11 years older than me, and he played drums, guitar, singing, etc. I basically grew up listening to him and his music (basically rock metal), and I started learning how to play the guitar from him. When I was 16, I decided to try out some singing in highschool and ended up my favourite hobby.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing

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

Panic! At The Disco
Fall Out Boy
Bruno Mars
One Ok Rock
Queen
Led Zeppelin
Michael Jackson
David Bowie
My Chemical Romance
Official Hige Dandism

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

3

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

Usually first coming up with a melody and a these; maybe I start with the chorus, how the song should be name and start develop from there a story.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

1

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

I want to learn how to sing in public, since I don’t have much experience and I’m a bit shy.

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

Yes

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

I went to X Factor.

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

https://www.instagram.com/nick_monks_/

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

www.instagram.com/nick_monks_/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.instagram.com/nick_monks_/

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

No thanks!