Nye Jones
Meet Redhill-born UK Open Mic performer Nye Jones:
Hi Nye Jones, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:
Do you play solo only, or also in a group?
Solo
How old are you?
19
Where were you born?
Redhill
Where did you grow up?
South Devon
How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)
Since moving from the coast to a small town near London I’ve always struggled to fit in, leading to insecurities to mount. This lead me to find comfort and a new passion in songwriting and performing- something I have felt has helped me feel connected to the place I grew up.
Where are you based now, and why?
My parents divorced when I was younger, and I ended up moving to East Surrey with my mum
What got you into making music in the first place?
My love for music. Not only this, but also trying to impress my first crush- she liked my best friend who played guitar, causing me to think I could impress her by learning play too (it didn’t work, so I was then stuck with that)
What instrument/s do you play?
Singing, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Percussion, Music Producer
Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?
Coldplay and Damien Rice- the two first Artists I listened to and grew up with (and two of my first memories- listening to their albums in the baby seat of our car)
Mumford & Sons and Ben Howard- two of the main artists that inspired me to learn guitar
Ed Sheeran and Stevie Wonder- the two main artists that made me want to start writing songs
Sam Fender and Arctic Monkeys- two Artists that created my love for guitar music- now a main genre I write with and listen to the most
Loyle Carner and Red Hot Chili Peppers- two artists that very differently created my love and inspiration for strong rhythmically centred music- both in melodies and delivery of lyrics, as well as grooves in the instrumentation.
Do you write your own songs?
Yes
How many years have you been writing songs for?
about 5 years
What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?
Honestly can be anything- melodies may come to me randomly and then I’ll write something using those ideas, sitting down and try to create something musically interesting and roll off that etc.
But can be so many different methods!
How long have you been playing open mic nights?
3
Why did you get into playing them in the first place?
I loved the rush it gives you, which is made even by the fact I am getting it from showing people something I created (sounds cheesy but it’s true)
What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?
Just go for it and throw yourself in there with consistency- the worst part about it is the pre-show nerves, but you get over them so quickly when you start to push yourself by doing the more often. Doing this is also great practice, and the easiest way to improve!
What’s the hardest thing, for you, about playing open mics?
At the moment it is just about learning how to control and win over different types of crowds; from loud groups of drunk people to two old guys in a pub who don’t care about your music- always and fun task but a struggle
What’s the most bizarre, or fun, open mic, or gig, you’ve ever played, and why?
Hard to say- most open mics and gigs I play I always love, but one bizarre one that sticks out to me is a gig I was opening at in Brighton, and the drunk guitarist of this band I was opening for saw a guy outside the venue, smoking crack and playing a harmonica. The guitarist thought it would be fun to get the guy up on stage and play something before his band went on. It was so strange to watch but very funny and completely mad!
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?
To be honest, it is mainly just a lack of opportunities at the moment- be that gigs or features etc. however this is more of a problem with maybe not doing it long enough yet as I’ve only been doing this properly and intensely for about 6 months.
What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?
That I actually sing and play guitar- most people when they first meet me seem surprised!
What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?
My upcoming E.P. ‘Footprints’ which have some of my favourite songs I’ve ever written on it that I am so excited about showing everyone!
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?
https://www.instagram.com/_nyejones/
What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?
Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube
We’re done! Anything else ou want to share before we go?
Just cheers for sharing a spotlight on up and coming artists!