Introducing #165 - Clarissa Mae
Let us introduce you to Clarissa Mae, an eighteen year old Scottish-Filipino musician from Bromley in Kent, who has just released her new track ‘Locked Down’. Having been crowned ‘UK Busker of the Year’ at the age of thirteen, Clarissa has performed at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Trafalgar Square and the F1 Grans Prix - this track is her first original song.
She took a moment to talk to us about her music.
Hey there Clarissa Mae, how are you? So your new track ‘Locked Down’ is out now - can you tell us what it is about?
Hi, I am great, thank you! Just finished all my sixth form exams so I’m pretty happy about that. Yes, my song Locked Down is out! It’s my first original song that has been released. The thought of one of my songs, which I only sing in my room, being properly made and produced and is now shared with everyone, just makes me so happy. The song is about missing someone you love due to lockdown caused by the global pandemic and realising how you wished you didn’t take advantage of having the freedom you use to have ie: going and hanging out, spending quality time with them. I wrote this song after having a conversation with my best friend about how we shouldn’t have taken the old times for granted and the realisation that I wasn’t going to physically meet and see my friends and family for such a long time, missing the Christmas & New Year celebrations with them, which for me is important.
You are based in London - what are your favorite things about the city? Where do you go for adventures?
Yes, I just live in the suburbs of London, Bromley to be precise, this borough is home to quite a few famous musicians like David Bowie, Fatboy Slim, Pixie Lott to name a few ( Fun-Fact, for sixth form, I studied at the same school where David Bowie studied!)
What do I love about London? Ooooh where do I start, I’d say Central London is a very ‘pretty’ city- it’s got a great atmosphere at any and every time of day, the city doesn’t sleep. Especially the architecture? I feel like the main character just walking through Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street. The diversity of people that visit and live in London is great too, it’s like no one is the same and everyone has their own story. The accessibility is another thing- especially with our efficient public transport, which is my only means of travel, by the way, is outstanding compared to the other big and popular cities I visited. London also has great museums, attractions, and entertainment, and a lot of them are free. It’s such a vibrant city, there is still a lot of exploring for me to do!
Where do I go for adventures? I just turned 18 in April, so you could imagine I couldn’t really do much alone since the lockdown lifted in May. Pre-COVID, for the last 5 years, I have just been busy with school and music but I would consider my busking and other gigs adventurous as I am lucky enough to busk around iconic places in London and popular train stations, not to mention some festivals I get invited to perform at and private corporate gigs here in the UK and abroad. I get to see and be at famous landmarks and meet new people, for me, that’s like an adventure.
When we come out of this pandemic and to the so-called new world, although I will be busy with University this time, busking and my booked gigs, I promised myself to explore not just London but the UK in general, especially with my friends!
You were crowned UK’s Busker of the Year at the age of thirteen - what makes up your ideal set list?
My ideal setlist based on covers and is mainly acoustic. However, I try as much as possible to re-arrange the cover songs to fit my sound and style. Also, when you are a busker you really need to be versatile with your song choices as these songs should cater to different types of audiences. My setlist has a specific order though, I would normally start off with songs that won't wear down my voice, songs that are easy, then it gradually builds up with a few songs at a higher range, then backs down again for the last few songs on my set. One thing I can guarantee you is that, unlike other buskers, I won't repeat any of my songs at any given set when I perform. You can be assured that you will hear a few ’70s, 80’s RnB, Pop, Country, Jazz, and brand new tunes on any of my sets.
What are your key influences when it comes to your music?
My key influences in terms of my original music have to be the early 2000s and Katy Perry- I used to listen to her a lot when I was younger and even to this date. She carries a lot of wit in her songs and has this heavy pop/rock sound which I really want to incorporate in all my original songs. In terms of singing, I do branch out and listen to as many artists from different genres to study their style and try to make my own sound- my influences can go from Doris Day to Billie Eilish!
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
I would like to say that my own music and genre fall into Alternative Pop. I always enjoy experimenting with sounds and I always start with the melody before the lyrics when creating a song, hence the reason why I’m a bit particular with the instruments needed to be required for the song. I have a few songs all ready to be produced and if I had my own way, some of them would require an orchestra/ensemble which realistically I can't afford even after a lot of busking!
(Hey If you are a producer reading this, maybe you could help make my dream come true :D We could create good music to share with everyone!)