I recently reviewed a song by a lad I went to secondary school with – a beautiful, soulful song I can’t get out of my head. I’ve since had the pleasure of interviewing Mr Alfie Sharp and learning more about what makes him tick!
I was pleasantly surprised to find a thoughtful and down-to-earth singer just beginning to make his mark on the world. It was lovely, especially having gone to the same school, to hear how he’s making a career out of his passion. Be sure to check him out on Spotify and YouTube.
So, give me the rundown. What would the trailer to your life be?
My name’s Alfie, I grew up in a really musical family in Clifton, Nottingham. I’ve been surrounded by music throughout my whole life and childhood. Family events, birthdays, and Christmas are all spent around the piano! That’s just how it’s always been. We get together and jam. I’ve never known anything other than music and it’s always been what I’ve wanted to do.
School was a confusing time for me because I knew nothing else! Here we are now and I do music full time! I signed my record deal two years ago with Island Records. I’m lucky to be able to make music all the time and get paid to do it!
Who have been your biggest inspirations?
I’m a huge fan of Nina Simone and everything she stood for. Generally though, my inspiration has always come from people – everyday people.
My family are a massive inspiration to me. I love this question because I have inspirations but not role models. I don’t like to have role models, I don’t like the way we glorify people. Normal everyday people inspire me!
How does being a member of the LGBTQ+ community influence your work?
There’s always a time and a place for argument and standing up for something. I’m not particularly focused on politics but I always stand up for LGBTQ+ people and represent with my work. I just see it as normal, and I guess that’s why I’ve never felt the need to push my views on other people.
I lay low and don’t get into heated conversations about stuff because I don’t want to upset people, and I don’t really know what I’m on about if I’m honest! I’ve written songs about being gay I suppose. There will be a body of work at some point which highlights that.
Do you have any words of wisdom to impart? What would your advice be to young singers?
Honestly? Do whatever the fuck you want! If I could take my own advice years ago it would be to not listen to anybody! Not to be disrespectful, but your art is your art. People are always going to disagree, but do what you want and do it with conviction! Once you show confidence people leave you alone.
What will your mark on the world be?
I don’t really have a fear of dying, but I am afraid of leaving without a trace. I’m not sure what exactly my mark on the world will be at this minute in time, but I do want to have some sort of legacy. I suppose that’s the music, it’s there forever. If I can make music and tell my story then that’s my mark!
What are your thoughts on the state of the music industry?
The music industry is a really weird place at the moment. Music is basically becoming a glorified hobby for social media influencers. I’m not saying it’s entirely the case, but there aren’t ever going to be your Amy Winehouses, your Beyoncés, or all these amazing big-name musicians – I don’t feel like we’re ever going to get that again because it’s so watered down. I feel like it’s all about money.
What are you working on at the moment, and where do you think you’ll go next?
I’m working on a couple bodies of work, which will be released this year with any luck. There will be some music out over the next few months. There’s going to be a lot of gigs this year. My main goal at the end of the year is to just be happy!
Thank you, Alfie!
Without The Fear 