Meet India-born UK Open Mic performer sushi:

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

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

Solo

How old are you?

18

Where were you born?

India

Where did you grow up?

Sheffield/ London

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

Didn’t really know much about music early on since I didn’t know English that well but growing up in my area really influenced the music I was exposed to and my love for playing it/singing.

Where are you based now, and why?

Ilford, London. I go to a sixth form in this area.

What got you into making music in the first place?

I went to a religious primary school and I’d always be asked to sing the prayers in the morning and at lunch which got me hooked on music, even though I wasn’t really that good. My old headteacher, though, used to play Here Comes The Sun by the Beatles or This Little Light of Mine every morning before assembly and I think that’s what influenced me to start playing it the most. He made me fall in love with listening to people play, and this might be a little cheesy, but I want to build up my confidence enough to make other people feel the way I used to.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Guitar
Guitar

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

My mum is probably number 1 and my old headteacher is number 2. I don’t think I have any musicians that I admire enough for them to influence the way I play, but I really like Paul McCartney or Phoebe Bridgers. I can’t sing with much emotion, but I’d love to do it like they do.

Do you write your own songs?

No

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

0

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

I want to be able to put emotion into what I sing and rebuild my confidence. I used to be very happy singing in front of people but recently I’ve kind of lost it, not sure why.

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

Try remember why you signed up in the first place and use that as motivation if you get nervous. Enjoy the moment even if you mess up, it doesn’t have to be technically perfect as long as you’re getting the emotions you want across.

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

Getting over the nerves and not beating myself up when I make a mistake.

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

I’ve sung at 10 Downing Street before. (Crazy !!!) It’s only because I went to a Hindu Faith School and the Prime Minister had Diwali Celebrations that we were invited to sing prayers at but it’s such a surreal experience that I felt like I dreamed it.

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

No

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

I can’t dance for the life of me. (I’m usually bouncing off the walls every chance I get so people normally find it a little weird when I try to dance and look awkward as hell)

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

I’m organising a Battle of the Bands Tournament at my school!

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

https://www.instagram.com/sushisucks101/

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

No thanks!