Meet Glasgow-born UK Open Mic performer Sandy Hendry:

Hi Sandy Hendry, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

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

Solo

How old are you?

57

Where were you born?

Glasgow

Where did you grow up?

London

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

I grew up in the 80s with disco, ska, Reggae, Rap, new romantic and goth influences. I loved the smart lyrics of Billy Bragg, Madness, Public Enemy, the Smiths, Blur etc.

Where are you based now, and why?

London

What got you into making music in the first place?

There are so many reasons I shouldn’t bother but it’s just what I love doing.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Rapping
Rapping
Piano
Drums
Music Producer
Beat Making

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

Japan, Simple Minds, Madness, Billy Bragg, UB40, Public Enemy, Smiths, Cocteau Twins, Gary Numan, Bauhaus.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

13

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

Words and idea first then atmosphere and music usually. Can be reversed.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

0

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

First time

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

No idea

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

Playing piano and singing at same time.

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

There were a rugby team mooning my band as they enjoyed our music and one player did a duet with us.

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

No

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

Tuned In jam of Wimbledon library is writing songs for a series of albums and I am helping. I have performed at four of their gigs. Learning stop motion animation.

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

https://youtube.com/@funtervention-music?si=E3id1YmmqtzEp_Kk

Do you have music on streaming? What’s you main streaming channel to send people to?

https://on.soundcloud.com/gDVHkx7ayaJRlobsVT

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

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CEau1cTaA/

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

No thanks!