Pearce Martins

Meet Dubai-born UK Open Mic performer Pearce Martins:

Pearce Martins

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

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

Solo

How old are you?

Where were you born?

Dubai

Where did you grow up?

Dubai

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

I have grown up and lived in Dubai throughout my entire childhood before flying to London for university. I have grown up listening to various artists and bands like Elton John, Billy Joel, David Bowie, The Beatles, ABBA, Queen, Meat Loaf, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Jones, Bond songs, etc. Most of my inspiration for song writing comes from these singers.

Where are you based now, and why?

London

What got you into making music in the first place?

I grew up with the talent of having a natural singing voice, and I started learning and playing the piano at the age of 10. I was taught how to play my favourite songs before I’ve started playing various chord progressions and melodies on the piano. I even have a good ear when it comes to learning songs on the piano.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Piano
Piano

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

In alphabetical order because it is very hard to rank them all:
ABBA
Adele
Aha
The Beatles
Billy Joel
Bonnie Tyler
Bruno Mars
Chuck Berry
David Bowie
Dolly Parton
Duran Duran
Elton John
Frank Sinatra
Gloria Gaynor
Heart
Jerry Lee Lewis
John Denver
Kiss
Little Richard
Louis Armstrong
Meat Loaf
Michael Jackson
Queen
Rick Astley
The Rolling Stones
Shakin Stevens
Shawn Mendes
Shirley Bassey
Slade
Stephen Sondheim
Stevie Wonder
Tom Jones
Wham!
Whitney Houston
Wizzard

I am mostly swayed by the music of the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s as they were the tunes you could bop to. Even though I wasn’t born during that time, I feel a connection with the past and a sense of nostalgia, and it made me realise that songs with meaningful lyrics and catchy tunes is what makes great music.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

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

It depends from time to time, I either start writing the music first and then the lyrics, or vice versa. I would think of an idea or feeling I want to convey in a song.
Sometimes I would think of a tune in my head or I would sit by my piano and play some chords or melodies.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

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

As a way to get my music and my talents known to a wide audience.

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

Having to perform to a bunch of strangers, I feel I need the support of people I know – like friends and family.

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?

Networking and trying to find a sense of community or belonging has been difficult for me. Especially since the covid-19 pandemic where I have lost ties with people that have supported me for my music.