Meet Cumbria-born UK Open Mic performer Phil Lewthwaite:

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

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

Solo

How old are you?

64

Where were you born?

Cumbria

Where did you grow up?

Cumbria

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

Cumbria is a very scenic place. I have found a lot of inspiration for my music in the people and places here.

Where are you based now, and why?

Cumbria. My work and family are based here, however, I have a lot of free time which enables me to travel to London a lot.

What got you into making music in the first place?

I grew up in a musical household and I think that seeped into my DNA.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Piano
Piano
Guitar

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

Coldplay – they make great melodic and emotional intelligent music.
U2 – love the depth of their lyrics and they have written some classic songs full of power and emotion
Genesis – (1976 – 1980 period) such innovative musicians who wrote complex and interesting pieces
Yes – fathers of progressive rock. Symphonic, arty, spacey and altogether outstanding virtuosos.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

40

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

I often receive inspiration from something I see or hear and make a note of it. I’ll then proceed to develop the lyrics or if a piece of music comes first, I’ll work on that and then combine the two.
Sometimes both lyrics happen together.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

10

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

An open mic is a place where you can play original music and people are genuinely interested to hear new music which isn’t a cover.
People are very welcoming too

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

Just do it! People are routing for you and want to see you debt and succeed. And don’t be frightened if you make a mistake we all still do.

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 am the age I am

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

I’m working on a project for a concert I’m doing in March. It’s in a beautiful old church and will be a multi media show combining my music with a band, video projection, dance and spoken word performances.

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?

instagram.com/phillewthwaitemusic

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

facebook.com/phillewthwaite" target="_blank" rel="noopener">facebook.com/phillewthwaite

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

No thanks!