Mimi Rose is a captivating jazz singer whose talent wowed guests at a private event hosted at Fetcham Park last Christmas.

Introduced by Wislocki Music, since performing at the House Mimi has returned with her band to shoot several promotional videos. Fetcham Park’s classic elegance and stunning interiors complement Mimi’s rich, soulful vocals, glamorous style and bright energy.

In this Profile, Mimi talks to us about the importance of authenticity, branding and marketing for performers, shares a few of her favourite career moments, and tells us what’s next.

“I had the most wonderful experience working with the extremely accommodating team at Fetcham Park to organise a video and photo shoot in the stunning house and grounds. Every staff member I met was warm and friendly and welcomed our small crew with open arms and plenty of coffee!” – Mimi Rose

FP: What inspired you to pursue a career in music Mimi, and how did you get started?

I have always loved performing and music in general. Both my parents love music and I grew up listening to soul, Motown and rock classics. It wasn’t until later in life that I fell in love with musical theatre and eventually found my true happy place singing jazz. Around age 9, I performed in a musical play in school, which is where my passion for musical theatre began and it was from that moment I decided to pursue a career in theatre. I studied musical theatre at college, university and a year intensive course at drama school, The London School of Musical Theatre. A few years after graduating and relentless auditioning I joined a close harmony jazz trio and found my vocal tone particularly suited this genre of music and I have never looked back!

FP: How has your sound or style evolved over the years, and what’s influenced those changes?

Since singing jazz my sound has certainly changed, but in a way that makes me feel like my authentic self. I have always had a mature vocal tone that made me sound older than I looked (back when I was 21 at drama school) and I almost tried to mask this to create a brighter “musical theatre” vocal quality. I feel like I have really found my feet signing jazz and I have so much more freedom musically and technically to get creative with my sound. I’ve certainly been influenced by jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Billie Holliday, and more recent icons such as Amy Winehouse and Raye.

“The stunning decor at Fetcham Park takes my breath away every time. I am so happy with the classy and elegant look of my new music videos. I could not recommend Fetcham Park highly enough for anyone looking for a beautiful and very versatile venue!” – Mimi Rose

FP: Building a brand is crucial in today’s music industry. As an artist, how do you manage your personal brand?

Branding is so important and unfortunately this is something a lot of musicians don’t consider when marketing themselves. I really learnt about the importance of branding whilst working with my husband who is a contemporary artist, I helped with planning exhibitions and creating marketing content. I have tried to apply this to the way that I run my business as a jazz singer, with my presentation and online presence being a clear example of exactly what you will get when you book me. I try to channel classy, glamorous old school vibes and I try to market myself as luxury entertainment by investing in good quality promotional material, such as my recent content filmed at the beautiful Fetcham Park in Surrey.

FP: In what ways do you balance the artistic side of your career with the business aspects, such as marketing, promotions, and contracts?

It’s really important not to let the business side of things take away from your passion as a creative. That said, making a business out of a passion is incredibly rewarding and for this reason, the business side of things needs to be continually nurtured to allow creativity to prevail. As a musician it can be tough to find time and motivation in the daytime to get behind your laptop and knuckle down with admin when you’ve been out gigging the night before, but you can’t have one without the other. I personally really enjoy the business aspects of my career and love focusing on marketing and promotions to push myself further.

FP: How do you navigate the music industry’s ever-changing landscape, particularly with streaming and social media trends?

I have not yet ventured into this area of the music industry…I guess I am what you would call a function musician rather than an originals artist. I mostly work in the events and luxury venue sector and have not yet released any streamable music. That said, I have bits of original songs floating around my head that I would love to put together one day, but a lot of research is needed first to navigate this ever-changing industry!

FP: What role does collaboration play in your career, both creatively and from a business perspective?

Collaborating with other businesses is something I love to do, especially in a way that allows both parties to gain potential business and online exposure. A recent example of this is a dress company that offered me a discount on a beautiful gown in exchange for the use of professional content and promotion on my social media – it’s a win win!

FP: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your music career, and how have you overcome them?

As much as I absolutely love what I do, it can be hard to find a life/work balance when you are working most weekends. It works both ways as I often feel guilty for missing social occasions to prioritise work, but I also feel like I’m missing out when I turn down lovely gig offers to maintain a social/family life. Striking the balance can be challenging but it’s really important!

FP: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Do what you love and never work a day in your life! Cheesy, but very true.

FP: What advice would you give to aspiring artists trying to break into the industry?

I would advise someone starting out to find their niche and really lean into it, as it can be tricky at first to find exactly where you fit in. Having an authentic identity is so important. The next thing is to invest wisely in good quality promotional material and to focus on branding and how you present yourself.

FP: What are your long-term goals as a performer, and how do you see your career evolving in the future?

I would absolutely love to perform in a concert with an orchestra one day, also a big band! Ronnie Scott’s is on my bucket list too, of course. I also feel like I have unfinished business with musical theatre and would love to revisit this industry in the future.

FP: Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or performances that you’re particularly excited about?

I am currently approaching the end of an amazing short contract on the world’s largest cruise ship, performing as part of a jazz trio in a super classy supper club. It’s been such an incredible experience! Next year will involve a lot more globetrotting, so watch this space!

Find out more at mimirosesinger.com

Private & Corporate Entertaining at Fetcham Park

If you’re hosting a private event and looking for a sophisticated backdrop, catering and entertainment, Fetcham Park’s list of suppliers has been carefully curated for over a decade.

We work with outstanding people and services who know and love the House with the experience of hosting exceptional events that complement our beautiful setting.

Find out more about our Event Spaces & Venue Hire near Leatherhead or contact the team on hello@fetchampark.co.uk