Shells

Meet Cyprus-born UK Open Mic performer Shells:

Shells

Hi Shells, 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?

Cyprus

Where did you grow up?

Enfield

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

I grew up in a melting pot where people didn’t speak up about the issues they were facing and it made me adamant to have a positive impact and encourage change through sharing and communicating about their experiences.

Where are you based now, and why?

After living abroad and then outside of London in the UK, I’m back in Enfield, where I feel most at home, except I have the courage to speak up now.

What got you into making music in the first place?

Spoken Word was a form of therapy and meditation for me, giving an outlet to my emotions, and eventually it helped me connect with the people around me.

What instrument/s do you play?

Rapping

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

Norah Jones, Joss Stone, Miss Dynamite, Jess Glynne, Emeli Sande, John Legend, Aloe Blacc, Jessie Reyez, Beverley Knight

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?

I start off with a stream of consciousness type method, and then go back and keep editing after reading it out loud. Rhythm and rhyme are important to me, so that my performances connect with people not just through meaning, but also through sound. I want people to feel like they have to move when they hear me.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

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

Firstly, they are a great source of inspiration – they keep me going. Secondly, I love meeting other people who are creative and enjoy performing- I learn so much from them. Finally, they force me out of my comfort zone and give me courage to keep sharing what I do.

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

Practice loads, and not just on the day

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

A lot of people leave straight after they perform, so people performing near the end don’t have much audience support.

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’m working full time and that doesn’t leave me enough time to focus on writing and performing,

Shells

Meet Cyprus-born UK Open Mic performer Shells:

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

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

How old are you?

Where were you born?

Where did you grow up?

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

Where are you based now, and why?

What got you into making music in the first place?

What instrument/s do you play?

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

Do you write your own songs?

How many years have you been writing songs for?

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

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

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

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

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

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

What do you currently find the hardest and biggest obstacles to moving your music career forward?

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

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

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

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