Meet Rising Star Alfie Sheard as he releases his single ‘Wished You’d Missed Me More’ which is out now, Alfie recently spoke to Music Promotions about his current single, Performing on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Busking, Performing at the O2 arena and the Royal Albert Hall and much more.
What is the story behind your single ‘Wish You Missed Me More’?
I wrote ‘Wish You Missed Me More’ after a heartbreaking phone call with my (now ex) girlfriend whilst we were stuck in quarantine 150 miles apart. To deal/cope with the pain of not being together, I locked myself in my home studio & flooded my days with constant work! I put her & the relationship to the back of my mind. Eventually, we broke. I will never forget the moment she cried, “It’s all good saying that you love me, I just wish you missed me more”.
You started off busking, what was it like busking on the streets of Doncaster and do you miss that now?
I remember the first time I played music on the streets: I was 14 years old and for the first time in my life, I felt like I had superpowers! Strangers that I’d never met before would take time out of their day to watch me sing! The idea that my music can make someone smile, cry or simply pull out their phone to film me still blows my mind. I’ll never get used to it, forever grateful!
What was it like appearing on the ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’?
Still to this day, I struggle to put into words what it was like to appear on The Ellen Degeneres Show! It was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. I could literally feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins the entire trip! I still remember how it felt the moment I strummed that final chord on my guitar. OVERWHELMING JOY… “OMG, I actually did it! I didn’t screw up!!!”. I’ll never forget it.
How do you manage with any pre-show nerves?
I just remind myself that this is what I love to do and as long as i have FUN, everything will be okay! What’s the alternative? I run off stage and go cry in a toilet… Haha, I already did that when i was 13… No thanks.
When you are writing and recording what is your creative process?
Personally, I have to write about what I know. There’s no use in me trying to create a story for the sake of it. Yes, I use my ‘poetic license’ here & there to make things more creative… But overall, I do believe it’s incredibly important for a song to be rooted in truth… If not, people tend to see straight through it.
Have you always wanted to be a singer?
I use to be OBSESSED with the army! I remember dressing up as a soldier and shooting enemies (my little brother) with a toy gun! I still can’t recall the EXACT moment I fell in love with music. I just remember one day asking my mum for a guitar for christmas – thankfully, she got me one! I still love the idea of being a cool secret agent though.
Who inspires you musically?
I am a HUGE fan of The Beatles, Oasis & Ed Sheeran! I remember 11 year old me watching YouTube videos of them all playing live and just being fascinated!
How was supporting James Blunt at the Royal Albert Hall?
I’m still not over it! All of my heroes have played The Royal Albert Hall and to be able to tick that off the bucket list is an absolute honour. I got the call 3 days before and to tell the truth, a part of me wanted to say no. I didn’t think I could do it. But I knew deep down that I had to step up to the challenge otherwise I would have regretted it for the rest of my life!
From performing the Royal Albert Hall to the London O2 Arena, do you have a preference on the type of venue you performing? How was it for you standing on two very different and iconic stages?
This question made me chuckle! Whether it’s a street corner, the local open mic night or one of the most iconic venues in the world… I am incredibly grateful to be able to play my music anywhere that will have me!
Do you have an album or Ep coming soon?
I’m starting off by putting out a few singles first, however I’m certain these will eventually make up my debut EP!
Anything else live coming up?
With the release of my debut single just last week along with the Covid restirctions easing up… I’m hopeful my first tour isn’t too far on the horizon!
