Meet Jersey, Channel Islands-born UK Open Mic performer, Shea:

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

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

Solo

How old are you?

25

Where were you born?

Jersey, Channel Islands

Where did you grow up?

Jersey, Channel Islands

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

I wasn’t aware of a space for R&B or Pop in Jersey when I was growing up, it was mainly focused on Indie/Rock/Folk with bands being a focus. However, when I moved back in 2019 I joined the Jersey Songwriters Society and started performing original music at their events which led to a network of musicians and producers. I’ve developed my live performance style through these experiences.

Where are you based now, and why?

London as there are more creative opportunities. I was flying over to London this year to record my EP and this cuts out the cost and travel time.

What got you into making music in the first place?

For as long as I can remember I’ve been singing and making up songs. I only started writing some down in my 20s and from 2019 began to look at music as a potential career. I’d say it was listening to vocalists that we’re doing things with their voices I didn’t know you could do that got me interested in developing my own voice and style. Music is universal and the fact it can move people to emotions, make them dance or even start important conversations is so powerful.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing

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

Christina Aguilera was one of the first voices that made my jaw drop – I didn’t realise how much you could do with the human voice. The vocal agility, strength, tone and range combine to create a weapon of music. Christina inspired me to become a perfectionist when it comes to my vocals, particularly runs.

Ariana Grande has definitely influenced my songwriting style and even production ideas for when I’m in the studio. I think she is an example of a great voice that also gets the business – she’s in the vocal booth recording harmonies, comping her own vocals and takes an active interest in her music from concept to final piece and delivery. This has influenced how I approach my own brand and music.

Queen (the band) – I dont think I consciously tried to learn any of their songs, they just sunk in and are timeless, people still sing along in bars. This to me is creating amazing music that stands the test of time. So I would say Queen influenced me both in terms of visuals and performance but also songwriting wise and demonstrating how to use range.

Michael Jackson – his music not personal life! As a kid I was brought up listening to MJ and his music moved me – either physically or mentally. His visuals were always top quality, the choreography was always so precise and different to what I’d seen before, his vocals are out of this world. I think vocally he influenced me to try different things with my voice and mouth/jaw, to try ad-libs and hit the high notes.

Jessie J was a massive influence of mine for years. Again, another singer with an incredible voice – range, tone, vibrato, runs – but she really inspired me to play with songwriting and delivery. She mixes up the way she performs her music and after seeing her live I was more captivated. Jessie reminded me to be raw and real with my music even if that means going outside my comfort zone.

Destiny’s child / Beyonce inspired me to play with harmonies and probably got me into R&B music. The beats, the vocals, the performance… it’s all executed with perfection. The choreography/routines they had also interested me and I approach Pride gigs from the same sort of standpoint – 3 performers.

JP Cooper is a more recent musical influence. I’ve been asked before “who are you like in the music industry?” and I never had an answer but once JP was on my radar I used to use him. We have very different visuals and target audiences but vocally I can definitely draw some similarities and I love watching his lives. He plays with music so well and I love that he has a wholesome, feel good vibe.

KINGSY – who is another independent artist/producer/writer from Jersey. He encouraged me to write and record my first song which became a duet we released for Pride (Superstars). Before working with KINGSY I had tried to keep my sexuality out of my music for fear of being stuck in one genre but he helped me to embrace it and make music out of it, which feels so authentic and natural. I also love his production ideas and we often co-write.

Whitney Houston – there’s a trend here of female singers with powerful voices but I couldn’t not put her down as an inspiration. Since I first watched The Bodyguard I was obsessed and then discovered more of her music. I like vocalists who do amazing things with their voices, and have soul tones, and when I try to sing along to Whitney I feel like my whole body is working to create that sound. Her songs are a challenge and also timeless.

Black Eyed Peas – I was obsessed with them as a teenager and knew all the words to their first album. I loved the mix of rap and song, and the poignant and often political lyrics were so casual, almost understated, yet powerful and hit hard. They felt important but also cool and that for me is always a consideration when writing. Its hard to pinpoint how they influenced me but I think from a songwriting perspective they have seeped into my brain.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

15

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

I often start with a theme or concept and work out what the message is I want to get across and then lyrics usually start flowing out, something with melodies already formed and sometimes without. Other times a melody hits me first and I’ll be singing around the flat and have to run to record myself on my phone. I often collaborate with others and will send for feedback even if just written myself. I am a perfectionist and won’t rest if a particular lyric doesn’t feel right. I’ll also often ad-lib vocals, harmonies or runs to see how we can elevate the song.

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

I wanted to share my music and meet other original songwriters. Also for performing experience and just as an outlet – singing heals the soul!

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

Start with just one gig, rehearse for it including what you think you’ll say – it’ll make you feel more prepared on the day. Always do a sound check and make sure you’ve warmed up / already played through your songs – it feels even easier on stage knowing you’ve done it a few hours before and smashed it. Always stay and watch / listen to the other musicians as you learn just as much from doing that, and it’s polite and you’ll network. Ask for feedback or try to get someone to record you so you can watch back. Then make notes on how to improve for next time and get your next gig!

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

It depends on the space, the sound tech and the crowd. I’ve had gigs where no one has listened because the space was odd, the sound was bad and the crowd was drunk and just wanted a singalong. The intimate gigs are my favourite as people really listen and take on your music.

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

I performed on the main stage as part of Birmingham Pride 2023 earlier this year and it was so much fun. I had a real moment of being completely present for a few seconds as I looked out on the crowd. My family had come to support and I met so many other lgbtqia+ performers!

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?

I can’t afford to have more songs produced right now so I’m looking into funding options. Apart from money I’d say promoting new music has become so difficult – the algorithms of social media make it even more complicated and it feels like a bit of a beast!

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

At one point I couldn’t sing in front of anyone! It was only in my early to late twenties that I started to put myself out there.

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

I have my debut EP being mastered at the moment so songs should start dropping at some point in the next six months. I also have a music video (for my last single) in post production so that will be released very soon.

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

https://youtube.com/@sheamusic1?si=d7_XoTakxJfVnbqe

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

https://spotify.link/vgT18M8TWDb

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

https://instagram.com/sheamusic?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

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

www.facebook.com/sheamusic1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.facebook.com/sheamusic1

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

No thanks!