Meet Cheltenham-born UK Open Mic performer, Starry Ray:

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

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

Solo

How old are you?

41

Where were you born?

Cheltenham

Where did you grow up?

South east London

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

It was rough in Peckham and my dad was a criminal so my songs are deep about my life

Where are you based now, and why?

Kent

What got you into making music in the first place?

I was left alone as a child a lot and needed an escape

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing, Rapping, Guitar

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

Madonna; she is authentic and knows what music trends are coming before anyone else.
Dolly Parton; incredible stage presence and charisma
Otis Reading; perfect pitch and beautiful tone

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

30 years

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

They come to me as downloads or I can be inspired by a conversation I hear.

Why did you get into playing open mics in the first place?

I haven’t played a lot of open mics tbh I always tour, but feel it will be good for me to gain a new audience

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

Just don’t be afraid to be your most authentic beautiful self

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

Hoping the sound man is gonna be good

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

I played a gig in Maidstone prison involving inmates and outsiders

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 have no obstacles

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

I gave five children

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

I’m just about to release my album and touring thus summer

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

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

No thanks!