In an exclusive new video, south London songbird Summer Pearl – fresh from Wandworth’s infamous BRIT school – displayed her dextrous vocal abilites to a decidedly jaw-slackened Wonderland.

Summer Pearl: please introduce yourself.

I’m a 16 year old singer/songwriter, originally from Wembley. I studied musical theatre at BRIT but then left to focus on my music, which is my ultimate passion.

Who or what are you main musical influences?

Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and Janelle Monae. There are so many more. I just try to be honest in music: if I can’t feel it, I can’t sing it

You’re very young. Are you at all concerned about being another female teen in such an over-subscribed industry?

No, I don’t think there are many vocalists my age who are in the same genre as me.

You’re an ex-BRIT school student, an establishment famous for producing some of the most successful female singer/songwriters of the last decade. What did you learn there?

At the BRIT school they introduced us to a lot of aspects of the industry – also [we were] surrounded by other talented, creative, positive students. It was an amazing experience. I loved being there.

What can we expect from Summer Pearl for the remainder of the year?

This year I have a few live dates, and I’ll be realising a few little surprises along the way. I’m really concentrating on getting my mixture out there for you all to hear, so hopefully that should be completed by the end of the year.

Words: Shane Hawkins
Film by Tom Starling.
Edited by Kevin Morosky.
Images by Kevin Morosky for Gloria Loves Valentine