Michael Green Interviews... Alex Mutucumarana
- Michael Green
- May 15
- 3 min read
Here is a Q&A with performer Alex Mutucumrana. He talks about his experiences in music.
1. How did your journey in music begin?
My musical journey started just before my 40th birthday. I realised that most of the things I’d done in life were within my comfort zone—I had confidence in them and rarely pushed myself to try something new that I wasn’t already good at.
So, I decided to take some singing lessons from a friend. He gradually encouraged me to sing in public, and shortly after my 40th birthday, I performed my first full night with a band he put together.
2. Who have been your biggest musical influences or inspirations?
This is an easy one. From an early age, I’ve always loved Michael Jackson’s music and dancing.
Closer to home, I really enjoy the Ashton Jones Project’s album Toast. He’s a fantastic performer local to Ipswich. Ollie Lepage-Dean is the singer who inspired me to start singing in the first place, and his album Home Sweet Home is still one I listen to regularly.
At the moment, I love listening to RAYE, Jalen N’Gonda, and Leon Bridges. So I guess soul music is really at the heart of my passion.
3. How do you decide which songs to cover — what draws you to a particular track?
This varies depending on mood, time, and energy.
Kiss the Duck once tried to cover an Ashton Jones Project song called When You’re With Me. It’s a beautiful track with amazing lyrics, but quite complicated—we’ve only performed it twice.
Right now, our setlist is evolving. We’re focusing on songs that are easy to play, crowd-pleasing, and offer a nice vocal balance with the opportunity to include a rap section.
I particularly enjoy performing American Boy by Estelle and Not Letting Go by Tinie Tempah for this reason.
4. How important is it to keep up with current music trends while also learning from the past?
Music is constantly changing, but at the same time, good music is simply good music.
It feels like there are a few major artists getting most of the attention and income, while many incredibly talented musicians go under the radar.
I think it’s just as important to stick with what makes you happy and what you genuinely enjoy as it is to keep up with trends.
Kiss The Duck
5. Do you think it’s valuable for artists to watch other acts perform or attend live shows regularly?
I always find it interesting when artists thank people for coming to their shows. I understand why—it’s great to perform for an audience that’s there to support you.
But I sometimes feel it’s the other way around. Watching live music is a privilege. Seeing people put themselves out there to entertain is inspiring, and I always feel like I learn something.
I go to live shows because they’re an amazing experience—and the learning is a bonus.
6. What advice would you give to someone just starting out with live performances?
Go for it.
It’s incredibly nerve-wracking getting up on stage for the first time, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll quickly get hooked. People are generally very supportive, and there’s a real sense of community.
It also helps if you can laugh at yourself—being resilient to embarrassment is key!
Find out more about Alex and Kiss The Duck at https://www.thekisstheduckband.co.uk/
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