ShareCharlie Pughe, a 15 year old multi-instrumentalist, has been selected to go through to the Regional Finals of The Open Mic UK Competition 2014. Kevin Cooper caught up with him as he was busy rehearsing.
Singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist 15 year old Charlie Pughe is now through to the live shows for Open Mic UK 2014!
Hailing from Almondsbury on the cusp of Bristol, Charlie is a classically trained musician having already gained top grades on the Piano, Clarinet, and Saxophone. Alongside this he has also pursued the contemporary side of things. Teaching himself the Guitar back in May, he is already writing songs and performing them on the Piano and Guitar. He is strongly favoured by the judges of the Open Mic UK 2014 as a hot contender.
At only 15 these are clear beginnings of something very special and with such a vast musical background of talent, this new opportunity to move his career forward to a National scale can only be the next obvious step for him!
This is what he had to say to Kevin Cooper:
How did you start in music?
When I was at Tockinton Manor School, they insisted that each pupil had at least one instrument lesson per week.
Which instrument did you start playing first and which do you prefer now?
Piano, followed by Clarinet, Sax and now Guitar. Although I am more proficient on Piano; Guitar is my favourite because it is portable and I can compose almost anywhere.
How would you describe your music?
Quite varied; I like most current modern music.
How did you become involved with the Open Mic Competition?
As far back as I can remember I have always wanted to be involved in singing and performing. My mum picked up the details from a Facebook friend.
Will this be the biggest audience that you have performed in front of?
Yes, by double and a bit more(laughter).
You are in the Regional Final of The Open Mic competition this weekend, what song will you be performing?
I performed Holiday Romance at the Audition. I will be performing a new composition called “I’ll Be The One Laughing”.
Will you also be playing an instrument?
Keyboard.
Singing or song writing; which do you prefer?
All of it; there is something really special about singing and performing one of my own compositions that people like. It gives me a real buzz.
Who has been your biggest musical influence so far?
Influences have to be my dad’s favourites, Lionel Richie and Sir Elton John (laughter), but more recently Ed Sheeran, Imagine Dragons and George Ezra.
Who have you been listening to growing up?
All the music my Dad likes really, although I did get into Counting Crows, particularly the album ‘August and Everything’.
What was the first record/download you ever purchased (legally)?
Black Eyed Peas- The Beginning.
If you win the £5000 prize money, what will you do with it to enhance your musical career?
I would make sure to use it wisely; work with a good producer, plan my first release, and start touring. As you can see, I’ve got huge plans (laughter).
Finally, when you become rich and famous, will you still have to tidy your own bedroom?
(Laughter), that’s a difficult one. My mum helps me now so hopefully she will be so proud of me that she might well carry on. Or I could have so many bedrooms that I could regularly move between them (laughter).
And for the benefit of our younger readers; do you have a girlfriend?
Sort of, but I’m much too young aren’t I (laughter)!
Good luck at the weekend, let us know how you get on!
Thank you very much for this opportunity.