RISING Redditch solo artist Xavier Reeves says he’s elated after his debut gig at the Birmingham O2 Institute, writes Sophie Wheeler.
Supporting Redditch vocal quartet The Violettes on Saturday, the 21-year-old took to the stage to entertain the 100 plus crowd in the venue’s Room 3.
It was his biggest gig to date and he performed a half an hour warm up set the crowd before girl group The Violettes.
Xavier said: “I fed off the crowd and it encouraged me to perform better than I had ever before.
“It has really raised my confidence and I really enjoyed it. I was really nervous throughout the day but once I started singing the crowd where really responsive and there was a brilliant atmosphere.”
Even though he has been singing since the age of 12 it has only been since August last year and performing at the Morton Stanley Festival that he began to take it seriously.
Xavier said: “I’m quite chuffed and proud that I’ve managed to do it as I always suffer with nerves and I always will.
“I had never been in Room 3 at the institute before and I wasn’t sure what to expect but the adrenaline kicked in and I really enjoyed it.”
After performing covers of songs at the Institute Xavier now plans to sit down and start writing his own songs with the help of his band and backing vocalist.
Both Xavier and The Violettes have grown out of Redditch organisation Indigo Arts, which is based in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
The Violettes will be performing this Sunday, April 8, at a fundraising to beat bowel cancer at the White Hart between 12noon and 4pm.
