What is your name?
Mike Petri
What is your genre of music?
Indie Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
Mike Petri is a new and exciting singer-songwriter from Guildford. His debut single ‘Come Back to Me’ immediately grabbed the attention of BBC Introducing and has been streamed thousands of times across all major streaming platforms. Following the success of ‘Come Back to Me’, his eagerly anticipated debut EP is due for release later this year. Mike Petri is often found performing to crowds in London, has performed during a long haul flight at 35,000 feet and is also the cover boy of the 24th issue Image 34 Lifestyle magazine
What made you go into music?
I went into music because I feel it’s the only field that makes me truly happy and I can see myself following this career for the rest of my life. I want to be able to write songs or albums that can potentially be played in the far corners of the world.
Are you a signed?
No im not
You released your new EP ‘What If’, tell us more about the EP.
I wanted this EP to show my ability to write in more than one style. I wanted to show the listener that they are moving between different sub genres of pop eliminating the feel of a monotonous vibe. I feel that there is a song for everybody in this EP. I wanted the overall theme to be something that anyone can relate to hence why I chose to write about love and friendship.
What is the meaning behind the EP?
The meaning behind the EP is that I never want to live my life by thinking what would’ve happened if I followed that path. I never want to say ‘What If’ I did this, I want to be able to just do it and give everything I’ve got.
Describe each track in two words.
‘Got To Be Me’ – Motivational, Uplifiting
‘Find Your Way Home’ – love, seeking
‘Not Alone’ – friendship, uplifting
‘Rose in Our Lives’ – romantic, powerful
What was the writing process like?
To be able to write new material I always like to be in the same place which is sat at my piano next to a window. When I sit there, I get so much creativity and it just comes naturally to me as I play the keys. What I struggle the most is when it comes to the lyric writing, but I always carry my notebook with me as you never know when the right words hit you.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process is one of the best parts, this is where you can see your creation come to life; from that piano at home to a fully produced track. I feel like the studio gives me a second wave of creativity and inspiration as more melody lines are created then. The studio gives me a wider range of possibilities of how the track can result in. This is because you have a vast range of different compressors, filters etc to work with compared to the one sound I have at home.
Who did you work with on the EP?
I had a very talented producer called Chris Hall at RS Artists in London that worked on the whole EP.
Will we see a music video for any of the tracks?
Yes, There is a music video for ‘Got to Be Me’ being released on 29/11/2019. I is a compilation of videos from my trip travelling round the Rockie Mountins in Alberta, Canada.
Do you have any shows coming up?
I will be doing Open Mic Shows
If so where will you be heading?
They will be all around Edmonton, Canada
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Yes of course! They can send an email to mikepetrimusic@gmail.com
Do you play any instruments?
Yes, I play the guitar and piano.
Who are your influences?
John Mayer, Shawn Mendes, Lewis Capaldi
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I always try to put myself in that position and think of how I would feel in that situation. My cousin got married this year and couldn’t find the perfect song for her wedding, So I was asked to write one for the first dance. I imagined how I would feel when I get married someday and the words/notes just started to flow. This song has been put on the EP – It is called ‘Rose in Our Lives’
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I see myself travelling to more places while writing and recording more music! I want to meet more people and play in the most interesting places around the world.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
In February I decided to go to Australia for only 2 months to travel the east coast. I brought my guitar along which allowed me to play in the most unusual places meeting the most incredible people. Every person that played my guitar signed their name on it and now this has resulted in my instrument to be a collage of names. This has been the best time of my life which is why 9 months later I am still away from home and have ended up in Canada where Im currently residing in. I found a new passion about myself; writing and playing my own songs while having the liberty to travel across the world.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
The song that changed my outlook of my future was Free Fallin’ (John Mayer cover). I saw the live version on youtube and the way he managed to captivate an entire audience of thousands of people by just playing his guitar and voice alone. There were no visual effects or dancers just a raw powerful performance. I saw that and I knew I wanted to do just that someday – sing and play my guitar for the rest of my life.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Never give up on writing new content, inspiration hits you when you least expect it.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Don’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
‘Comparison is the death of joy’ – Mark Twain
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
The local pubs that play live music as the local musicians are full of talent!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Guitar, water bottle, phone, tuner, company (friends, family)
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
Facebook
