Meet Chichester-born UK Open Mic performer Ollie Hutton:

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

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

Solo

How old are you?

20

Where were you born?

Chichester

Where did you grow up?

Emsworth

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

Traditional British singer songwriter roots (folk songs), Christian school singing hymns

Where are you based now, and why?

Portsmouth/London

What got you into making music in the first place?

The love of music and creativity

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Percussion, Violin, Harmonica, Music Producer

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

Matt Bellamy (Muse)
Thom Yorke (Radiohead)
Chris Martin (Coldplay)
Bono/The Edge (U2)
Damien Rice
Jeff Buckley
George Michael
Lennon / McCartney
Chopin / Debussy
Tupac Shakur

Off the top of my head this is my top 10… because they all at least at some point showcase emotive and inventive melody writing, and intwine beautiful lyrical messages within their songs. Which in my opinion is the art of songwriting

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?

Sit at a piano about 11pm at night and begin with the chords and pick titles that I constantly note down in my phone to begin the song idea, after this the melody and lyrics come naturally.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

4

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

Playing blues music from Stevie Ray Vaugh and Jimi Hendrix

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

Be your self and hit the scene as soon as possible you’ll make so many new friends, that will help nurture you and your music.

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

Nothing… I love them

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

N/A

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?

Social media and creating content that feels forced and takes away from the reason of creating music

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

I was born with three thumbs

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

Spanish inspired pop song (not that exciting :D)

Do you have your own music video, channel or playlist you’d like to share?

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWKdjfHXDcYlJzDsCxvQYSw

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/olliehutton_/

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

www.facebook.com/olliehuttonmusician/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.facebook.com/olliehuttonmusician/

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

Nah, but thank you though