Meet London-born UK Open Mic performer Poppy Smallwood:

Hi Poppy Smallwood, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

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

Solo

How old are you?

183

Where were you born?

London

Where did you grow up?

Wadhurst

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

Rolling Sussex hills and quiet country lanes hold a dear place in my heart. I hope you can hear them in my music.

Where are you based now, and why?

Berlin. It’s a great city to be a creative in.

What got you into making music in the first place?

I’ve loved singing for as long as I can remember, and had a couple of inspirational teachers along the way.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Guitar
Guitar
Piano
Cello
Harmonica

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

Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, Molly Drake, Fleet Foxes, First Aid Kit, This is the Kit, Lucy Rose, Loreena McKennit, Enya.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

12

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

Embracing spontaneous moments of inspiration and not letting go.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

10

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

To get out and show the world my songs.

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

Give it a go, and I promise you’ll have a rewarding time.

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

Not knowing what the vibe will be in advance.

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

I played the cello for a band who turned out to be a Christian pop group, which I hadn’t realised in advance! It turned out fun anyway.

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

Yes

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

I’ve got my EP launch coming up early next year.

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

https://www.instagram.com/poppysmallwoodmusic/

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

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

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

No thanks!