The 21-year-old indie musician, son of football icon Sir David Beckham and Spice Girl-turned-fashion-designer Lady Victoria Beckham, has opened up about the guidance that has shaped his burgeoning career. Appearing on SiriusXM Hits 1 Miami, Cruz reflected on the lessons his parents have imparted as he prepares to release his debut EP next month.

Without their influence, he admitted, he doubts he would have the assurance to perform in front of crowds. “They’ve taught me throughout the years to just work on your craft and hone-in and make sure you’re the best version of yourself at what you’re doing,” he said. “So, you know, if they didn’t teach me that, I don’t think I’d be able to get up on stage and play guitar and be confident enough to show what I’ve been working at for a long time. You know, I feel like it’s just, yeah, it’s just working and working and becoming the best version of yourself, I think.”

Given his mother’s experience performing in one of the most successful girl groups in history, Cruz said her advice carries particular weight. “She’s just like, ‘Well, you’re going to do it anyway, so make sure you do it the best of your ability,’” he recalled. “And you know, I understand that she’s definitely played for a ridiculous amount of people, so I trust her opinion a lot, heavily. And, yeah, she just tells me that it’s all going to be okay. Just relax. And I mean, she didn’t have to play guitar on stage, though. So, I’m just saying I have that. I do have that.”

Cruz is set to release his debut EP, Wear and Tear, on August 21. Later that month, he and his backing band, The Breakers, will make their festival debut at Reading and Leeds. The appearances follow a successful first UK headline tour, which included performances at grassroots venues such as King Tuts and Komedia, culminating in three sold-out nights at London’s Courtyard Theatre.