Every month Brave Island runs a Young Creative of the Month fund, where we spotlight a local young creative with an interview on our blog, and support them with funding of £100. For October it’s musician Rhi Rhi. This fund launches at the beginning of every month, you can apply to be Young Creative of the Month for November here.

Please can you tell us about your creative practice?

I am a singer/songwriter from the Isle of Wight. I started writing songs in my bedroom as a teenager (sort of as therapy!) and just never stopped. I think there’s a real honesty that comes with writing music, especially lyrics, and the fact I get to share them with the world and maybe make other people feel things too, is truly magical. I have loads of ideas at the moment – and after a little bit of a hiatus, I’m hoping to be back with some new music soon.

Who or what is your biggest musical inspiration?

There are so many people who have impacted me and my music. I have always been a big lover of musical theatre ballads, along with the Beatles (I have been told you can hear their influences in some of my tracks!) but I think my biggest inspiration is probably an artist called Dodie. She was my favourite songwriter when I started writing music at around 13/14, and she has had a massive impact on the way I word my lyrics. She’s just a wonderful musician, and a good person too. I think it’s really important to be a good, kind person in this industry.

What is your favourite performance that you’ve been a part of so far?

I have performed many gigs where I have had to stop for a moment and think “wow – this is my life?” but I think the most prominent one would be when I performed at The Half Moon in Putney, London. It was a wonderful atmosphere, it was really ‘professional’ for me at the time and knowing I was standing on a stage where Kate Bush, The Rolling Stones and Nick Cave had played, was definitely a good feeling. Another honourable mention would be the gigs I’ve done with Charlie Smith – he got me my first ever mainland gig and every time I’ve played one of his gigs, it’s been the best time. Go support local musicians !!!

Where can people find your work if they’d like to support you?

I’ve just started a new instagram account for a little bit of a fresh start – it’s @rhirhi.music. My website is www.rhirhi.co.uk and you can find my music under ‘rhirhi’ on streaming services! I’m currently booking some cover gigs, so if you know anyone looking for some acoustic covers, a wedding singer or just to be serenaded – feel free to send a quick message on my socials!