Singer/guitarist Karl Schilg proves he has brain as well as brawn with his debut single.

The blond-haired muscle-bound hunk from Minster on the Isle of Sheppey has created some touchingly gentle lyrics for his acoustic song Dancing In The Rain.

It was released by the former Minster College pupil on Thursday and is already being tipped as a new feel-good party anthem after he swapped powerful pecs and press-ups for chords and a plectrum.

He said: "The song is about meeting someone special on a night out and discovering wonderful experiences together which build into a happy and long-lasting relationship.”

He added: "A lot of people who have heard it say it sounds like a cross between George Michael's Faith and Ed Sheeran's Shape of You."

That would be no surprise as the musician admits he is influenced by Sheeran along with Johnny Cash, Eminem and, surprisingly, opera star Pavarotti.

Karl was classically trained and has toured the UK with Kent Opera as Escamillio in the all-male production of Carmen directed by Sheppey's own Dr Colin Morris.

Before the coronavirus lockdown he could be seen trying out new songs at Minster’s Seacliff Holiday Park open-mic nights on Thursdays when not cavorting about the stage as part of the Adonis team of male dancers.

Karl, 28, qualified as a personal trainer after leaving school but also studied music and drama. He said: "I have always loved dancing. Adonis approached me and within two weeks I was headlining in London with them.

“It’s not a sordid show. It’s more of a comedy cabaret. It’s a full theatre production. We all have a 20-minute solo spot. Even my mum has seen it.”

Since making his singing debut at the Sheppey Pirates Festival he was given his own solo spot at the Faversham Hop Festival and went on to appear in a comedy sketch on The X Factor.

He said: "They hired me to sing in the bathroom topless for Caroline Flack to walk in on me for the season 12 opener."

This is his first self-produced single which was recorded in his home studio during the Covid-19 lockdown.

It is part of a five-track EP which is being released in stages.

Watch out for I'll Be There on September 15, Every Songs Been Sung and Don't Leave in October and Souls in November with the whole EP released on December 4 in time for Christmas.

For more details visit www.karlschilg.com

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