Ahead of the Great Estate Festival which takes place at Scorrier over the Jubilee Bank Holiday Queen’s extra long Coronation thingy weekend, we chatted to a wonderful Bude based musician called EZMAY GRACE. We covered loads of topics including her musical influences, her humble beginnings into the world of music and her dream festival lineup, for all of this and more, read on….

When did you start your musical journey? 

I always loved to sing as a child, but I started piano lessons when I was 6, singing lessons when I was 9 and started teaching myself guitar when I was 12! But it was only after failing sciences at A-level that I made the decision to do music as a career instead of a hobby. I then ended up with a BA (Hons) degree in Music, and I now do it full time. I teach singing, run a choir, run singing workshops, do session work, write and record my own music, and gig all over the South West. Dream come true!

You're a solo artist based in Bude (North East Cornwall), do you play live solo or are there more band members involved?

I only ever play solo. I did dabble in bands during college and uni which I really enjoyed, and it's something I'd definitely think about in the future. But for now it's just little old me. 

What style of music do you play?

I call it 'contemporary folk', but I play anything from folk to singer-songwriter to bluesy numbers to Americana!

Who would you say are your musical influences?

Joni Mitchell is my number one influence, but artists such as Kate Rusby, Ben Howard, Bon Iver, Novo Amor, The Wailin' Jennys and John Mayer all provide me with inspiration.

Do you know what day/time/stage you're playing at the Great Estate Festival?

I'm playing on The Cornish Orchards Woodland Stage at 7:30pm on Sunday 5th June

What can the audience expect from your live show - I hope you'll be throwing in a few originals as well as crowd pleasing covers?

I'll be starting out fairly chilled with a pretty even mix of covers and originals, then gradually upping the pace to finish on a high! Expect dreamy folk, bouncy blues and some singalong classics. 

I see that you have some amazing merch available, I hope you'll be selling it at the festival?

I will definitely be bringing some along! I have tote bags, CDs and cute little badges up for grabs. 

The bill is looking pretty good for this year, who else would you recommend the festival goers make a beeline for?

Haunt the Woods for SURE. The Big Sets are also brill, and Louella Jade Eke is not one to be missed. They're all fantastic musicians, and I can't wait to hear some new artists too!

There seem to be more Cornish festivals popping up all over the county these days, what is it about them that keeps people coming back year after year?

I think it's the incredible locations where we're able to hold these festivals. We live in such a gorgeous county with some incredibly talented local musicians around. That makes a killer combo for an incredible festival. 

Tell me a funny story about a festival/show that you've attended in the past....

As a teen, I travelled all the way to Cardiff by coach to see a band called A Day To Remember. They told us while we were queuing that the show was cancelled! Determined to make the most of the journey, we decided on a fun night out in Cardiff. Unfortunately, it had rained all evening, and on my way into town I slipped, did the splits (I can't do the splits) and pulled a muscle in my groin! I was carried back to the hotel by two of my friends. Not a day to remember... 

Give me 3 bands or artists that you would like to headline at your own festival (you can choose ANY band/artist dead or alive)

Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac and The Wailin' Jennys. 

Please tell me about any new music that you have in the pipeline and when can we expect to hear it?

I am in the very early stages of putting together a body of original music... that is all I can say for now! But watch this space….

Lastly, tell me your top festival survival tips? 

1. Drink LOTS of water (and alcohol)

2. Try something from every single food stand

3. Go with friends who love to boogie, and finally…..

4. I don't care what the forecast says, take boots or wellies! 

We’d like to thank Ezmay Grace for sparing her time to chat to us between her vocal coaching lessons, we wish her all the very best for the festival and her future musical endeavours. If you’re attending the festival already, you can catch her performance on The Cornish Orchards Woodland Stage at 7:30pm on Sunday 5th June. If you aren’t currently attending, final tickets are available HERE

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