After moving to Corralejo, Fuerteventura back in 2018, musician Kirzy is heading back to the UK to start a new chapter in his personal and professional life. Born in Brighton, the young solo artist made the Canary Islands his new home, performing at various different bars and venues throughout the picturesque Corralejo, building a fanbase and performing to holidaymakers and local residents almost every night. Now, Kirzy is on his way to York and we sat down with him to chat about his time on the island and what drove him to move back to England.

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What is the live music scene like in Corralejo?

Kirzy: There is a lot of music. There are so many bars with music, loads of great venues and it’s almost every night. I was saying to a friend recently that every night is like a Saturday night because so many people are on holiday here. You can walk down the main strip and there is music, then another 20 minutes further on there is even more music. It’s crazy really.

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Is there a particular venue or spot you enjoy playing the most?

Kirzy: It depends what you are looking for. I love Rock Island. It’s a really intimate acoustic bar, they’ve got great sound and it’s really cozy. They are picky with who they have on so you know it’s going to be a good night. 

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What is the personal experience like performing at these venues and on the island as a whole?

Kirzy: You get looked after really well. It depends because I do events where you get a rider and they set up everything for you but in a lot of bars they have their own equipment so you can plug in a go, some others you need to bring everything. 

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Does having the freedom of playing multiple venues and having your own equipment give you the freedom to make each show different?

Kirzy: I suppose so. Each gig is different. I don’t need anything too crazy, but it is nice to have your set up. I do think I am a terrible musician to work with as I am always getting the sound guy to tweak things. I like to be in control but in terms artistically, not so much. 

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What is the recording experience like while living in Fuerteventura?

Kirzy: I produce and record all of the stuff I release myself. In my previous apartment I built a home studio. It was during covid where I learnt to record and produce and became obsessed with it. I just record at home, some sound treatment in the room and some microphones. You feel very proud of it as you’ve created the song from nothing.

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As you are playing to new people of all different backgrounds and nationalities, is the reception the same from everyone or does it vary?

Kirzy: When I am playing a place that is more Spanish themed, I do try more Spanish songs or just songs I know they will like. If I am playing to a more English crowd it can be easier to connect just with banter really. The jokes don’t always fall right depending on the nationality. Although there is a mix of people, everyone is super respectful. It is a cool place to be as everyone is welcoming.

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Do you get approached after a set by people who have watched you perform?

Kirzy: For sure. Pretty much every gig. Especially if they know my own music, we chat about the songs and what they want to see next time for example. You end up meeting people from all over the world. Living in Corralejo, I’ve made friends with people from all over Europe and even further. It’s a great way of meeting people.

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You announced that you are moving back to the UK in February. What drew you to York specifically?

Kirzy: Over the last three years, my girlfriend who plays violin, we’ve been travelling around England, Scotland and Ireland. We noticed a lot of places have really strong music scenes and fell in love with a lot of places. We wanted to do something new and kept our eye out for a place to move to. We loved York, and visited it again in the summer. We had such a great time, so many great venues, busking is great. It’s got tourism so it’s busy all year round. So it is the place we are going to give it our shot and try to break into the scene in York.

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While you travelled around the UK and Ireland, were you performing too?

Kirzy: We try to perform to get a feel for each place, but it’s mainly street performing or busking, as we are always on the move.

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Do you have a specific goal you are looking to achieve when you come back to the UK?

Kirzy: When I first arrived in Fuerteventura, I was so happy to be doing music full time, and I still am, living as a musician. In the last couple of years I have felt very comfortable, so I am excited for new opportunities and being able to play venues like Fulford Arms. Whereas in Fuerteventura, I had those dreams and now I’ve done it. The main thing is just having more opportunities, to recreate what I already have but in York and the UK as a whole.

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Will there be anything from Fuerteventura you will miss one you move away?

Kirzy: The weather, especially in February when I move. I will definitely miss the people, there is a strong community. You feel part of something, so I will miss that. Even though I am excited for new opportunities, I will miss the stability for sure. I am expecting there to be a grind. 

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Your last single ‘Good Company’ was released back in January 2025, are there plans for new music anytime soon?

Kirzy: In the next couple of months probably not just because of the move. I am definitely excited to get back to it when I am in York. I have lots of songs written, I just haven’t got round to recording yet. There are some songs I am really proud of coming out for sure.

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Are you planning on collaborating with other artists or even producers once you are in the UK?

Kirzy: When we were travelling, I felt so inspired seeing all the new musicians and all the different places. So I am sure when we are in York, meeting other artists and even the people passing through from different cities, I am definitely going to be inspired by those. It has an impact on yourself as an artist. It amps up creativity. You see people performing and it makes you want to be better.

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Living in Corralejo, you have built up a fanbase that has followed you round to different venues over the last 8 years. What message do you have for them?

Kirzy: It has been amazing. I would have never expected it. When I moved to Corralejo, I was happy just getting by and playing music. What it has turned into, from people singing my own songs and travelling to see me, people planning their holidays when I am playing, to those people I am super grateful. Hopefully when I do visit again I will see those people again or if they are happy to come see me in York, they are always welcome.