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ACM Graduate Charlie Holmes has been enjoying chart success after producing for popstarlets 'The Saturdays'. The track, entitled 'Died In Your Eyes' features on the quintets new album 'Headlines' which is currently sat at number 3 in the UK Album Charts!
Charlie started at ACM when he was only 16 and now, at only 19, is well on his way to a successful career in the music industry. Charlie involved himself with every opportunity available at ACM, including the production of several tracks for the various ACM Taste of the Talent CD's. He also became one of the top student producers, getting requests from many ACM bands and artists wanting him to recorded and produced their tracks.
Congratulations to Charlie on his recent success and we wish you the best of luck with your career in music!
Big congratulations to Music Business graduate and now Law graduate Louise Sargeant. Louise is now about to start her career after gaining a much coveted training contract, with a leading media law firm Lewis Silkin.
Louise said, "My music business degree helped in so many ways to prepare me for law school. The law unit studied at ACM was invaluable for showing me the sorts of things a lawyer might deal with in a practical environment. Probably most important of all was the networking skills that I was encouraged to build. The value of networking is something I will appreciate throughout my career as a lawyer."
ACM graduates Paul Frazer (guitar), Dennis Ng (music production) and Stuart Henshall (bass) now perform in electro, metal, dubstep outfit Subsource. Formed four years ago, Subsource have waged war on the so-called live dance acts pretending behind laptops and rock acts with more substance.
With a CV as connected as a nuclear power station, Subsource is starting to turn a few heads. Studio sessions with The Prodigy and Akil from Jurassic 5, mosh-pit inducing shows at 15 summer festivals in 2009 and sold-out gigs in Berlin and Paris prompted support from media as diverse as Metal Hammer, Eddy Temple Morris, BBC, LTD Magazine, Radio 1's Nihal and The Metro Newspaper.
Subsource's debut album 'Tales From The Doombox', released earlier this year, gave rise to their two singles 'The Ides' and 'The Reason (Parasite)' and praise from music icons and respected industry sources. 'Jaw-dropping power, soul and perception' - The Fly, ‘The best cyberpunk riot since The Prodigy’ - The Metro and ‘Amazing vocals’ - Liam Howlett (The Prodigy)
The band have just been signed up by Surgery Production to make the first ever 'Dubumentary' feature film. We wish them well.
ACM vocal student Jazz Morley's career has started to blossom this year with support slots of Kate Walsh, Chesney Hawkes and Ben Montague. Her rich, warm, emotive voice has gained her a short-listing at the final of the Shure Songwriting Award 2010, judge by Paloma Faith, which has opened up songwriting opportunities with several Top 40 credited artists and one Grammy Award winner.
Jazz Morley will be performing across the south of England this aumtum so check out her webstuff to see what afoot.
ACM is beaming with pride this month at the success of students gaining further industry experience. After their success on BBC One entertainment show ‘Last Choir Standing’, the ACM Gospel Choir is still performing with big names within the music industry. This year alone the choir featured on chart topper Gabriella Cilmi’s new album, ‘Ten’, on the track ‘Let Me Know’, as well as having recently recorded for X-factor runner up, Olly Muirs, for his debut album.
In addition to these appearances, the Gospel Choir has showed support to the England football team by featuring on the 2010 release of ‘Three Lions’ with Robbie Williams and Russell Brand. They also recorded ‘Hope’ by the late Siphiwo with Nelson Mandela earlier in the year.
Other recent appearances have included ITV’s ‘Ultimate Movie Toons’, performing alongside Michael Ball, and their second performance for the Queen at Royal Windsor Tattoo in May.
ACM Gospel Choir Director, Mark De-lisser said, "I am still so very proud of the ACM Gospel Choir and how much they have developed and grown into a formidable act and exceptional individual performers who are now being recognised more and more by the industry. My desire is that they continue with this passion and always live their dreams in music."
ACM Music Business degree student Nick Blinkhorn has been recruited to work in the A&R department at Three Six Zero Group. This prestigious dance agency are responsible for acts like Calvin Harris, Plump DJs, Stanton Warriors, DeadMau5, Ms Dynamite and loads more.
By now, everyone knows the Yardbirds legend, if not their music; the band graduated three of the great Ph.D.s of rock guitar: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. And now, pray silence please, for their latest recruit; ACM bass graduate David Smale (pictured second from left).
David is a brilliant new generation bass player and his introduction to the Yardbirds brings both power and imagination to an all important rhythm section. Catch them out on tour this year.
Former ACM students Richard Bennett (Bass) and Nigel Gardner (Guitar) have been busy developing and promoting what's shaping up to be a very promising career for rock quintet "Dress to Kill".
The band recently qualified for the regional finals for the UK Live & Unsigned competition and are serious contenders at the forthcoming Exposure Music Awards.
To add to a busy live schedule, Dress to Kill are soon to release their debut album 'Life and Times' which has been produced and engineered by Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombs.
With all this and more planned, 2010 is fast becoming a busy year for these boys!
ACM Music Production student Marco Giuliani aka Last Japan has exploded on to the dance scene in the last year.
The last 12 months have seen the 20 year old grow from knocking up bootlegs in his bedroom to one of the hottest and most in demand remixers. With his profile growing with every remix and production it was only a matter of time before the Majors would want a slice of the action. Atlantic, Sony and Universal have already enlisted Last Japan to rework their priority artists to give them exposure in the dance arena.
Now working on his debut artist album it could be said that this 20 year old is close to having ‘the world at his feet’.
Vocal graduate Lucy Randell recently landed a top session gig performing backing vocals on the brand new 'Gorillaz' album 'Plastic Beach'.
www.gorillaz.com
She has also been rubbing shoulders with some of the music industry's heavy-hitters with appearances on Jools Holland, The Electric Proms and The South Bank Show with 'The Streets'.
www.skinnermike.com
"The Streets were a band that I'd always loved and grown with," said Lucy. "It was a dream come true."
She is also heavily involved in several other live acts including Step 13, a drum'n'bass, rock and soul inspired 7 piece that are set to hit the festival scene this summer.
www.myspace.com/step13 | www.step13.com
Lucy also writes and performs as part of The Three Radicals, a dub, reggae, electro, soul trio featuring MC Ishu and Nick Maule aka DJ Bustawidemove from Step13. The group originated after Lucy and DJ Bustawidemove had their first single 'Soul Sound Murder' played on Radio 1 and Radio 1 Extra by Annie Mac. Check out the video below and grab yourself a copy from iTunes if you're digging the tune.
Here is another of Lucy's songs co-written with Koby Israelite, set to a stunning animation by Daniel Burke.
Former ACM Drum student, Toby Couling, has just landed a gig, touring the UK with the Noisettes (famous for ‘Don’t Upset the Rhythm’ and ‘I’ll Never Forget You’) over February and March 2010, adding to the many industry sessions Toby has landed over the last few years.
Toby is also a recurring session drummer for Mercury Music Award winners Speech Debelle, who will be touring again soon.
Zildjian are delighted to welcome Ben Kennedy to their family of worldwide Artists; former ACM drum student Ben is currently drumming with New Zealand born/UK based pop/dance sensation Ladyhawke.
Ben says "Zildjian for me are incomparable. I'm delighted to be part of the family who have served many great drummers for years."
Ladyhawke, aka Pip Brown, whose debut album has gone gold in the UK, Australia and New Zealand recently swept the board at the New Zealand Music Awards 2009 by taking home six awards including 'Album of the Year' and 'Single of the Year'.
After their Australian/New Zealand tour Ladyhawke are performing at the Aria Awards in Sydney, where they are up for several awards again.
Congratulations to Vocal Diploma student Sally Keeler for securing the chance to perform in front of a capacity crowd at the O2 Arena in aid of children in need of adoption.
The concert was set up by children's charity Voice in a Million, a new project set up to raise awareness of the need for adoptive parents in the UK, in conjunction with the British Association for Adoption and Fostering.
Sally, who is herself adopted, will be singing her track Golden Child supported by a 4,000-strong children’s choir, representing the 4,000 children waiting to be adopted in the UK today.
The London O2 Arena concert will be held on January 28th from 7.30pm.
1st year Degree student Chris Luyendjik has been hard at work with one of the UK's largest dance labels Quosh Records as a session guitarist on a series of forthcoming projects for the dance masters.
Quosh, who have released material ranging from happy hardcore to down tempo have been so happy with the results of the sessions that they have already asked Chris to session for them on future projects.
Earning a Brit Awards nomination in the British Male Solo Artist category at The Brits is ACM’s very own graduate Newton Faulkner. Sadly Newton missed out on the award with the top honours going to producer-extraordinaire Mark Ronson.
Former Vocal Degree student Molly Smitten-Downes has found herself riding high at the top of the Uk single & album chart by teaming up with German DJ/Producer Sash! to record her version of the 90's chart classic 'Encore Une Fois', entitled 'Raindrops'.
More congratulations are in order. This time – for Music Business student Claire Paxton-Rider who has been offered work experience at Warner Music Group.
WMG became the only stand-alone music company to be publicly traded in the United States. With its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, Warner Music Group is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Bad Boy, Cordless, East West, Elektra, Lava, Maverick, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Rykodisc, Sire, Warner Bros and Word.
ACM are thrilled to announce that former Music Business Degree student Alex Bewley has successfully navigated his way into a full time job with talent and literary specialists William Morris Agency.
Congratulations to ACM Guitar student Phil Birch for his recent work experience placement at legendary hard rock label, Roadrunner Records.
Based in Ealing, West London. Roadrunner have become one of the countries most successful rock labels with acts like Slipknot, Machine Head, Kids in Glass Houses, and Nickelback driving the hard rock and metal industry and leading the way for many.
ACM Vocal student Bernadette Ryan has been busy writing with song Writing/production company Zebra 1. Headed by Tim Hawes, who created hits for Hearsay, Zebra 1 have enjoyed huge success over waters with number ones in various territories across Europe.
More Business and Artist Development Centre auditions saw yet more students into industry, this time courtesy of independent London-based creative music business consultancy Domino Effect.
The Domino team held in house auditions for a number of ongoing song writing and development projects, which have resulted in five of ACM’s students being selected for future projects.
This is a very exciting development for ACM/Domino relations and we are looking forward to more placements and relationships as more and more students start to experience success through the Domino Effect!
Uber-talented songwriter and performer Rokhsan Heydari is one of ACM’s tips for the top this year. She has had one of her songs (Bubble Bath) chosen and featured on the Aretha Franklin CD on the Sunday Express, of which 2.1 million copies were sold.
She also made the finals of the 2007 MBF Songwriting Awards and was selected as a finalist for the BBC 2 New Talent Songwriting Academy, which involved a song-writing masterclass at BBC Marlybone and a chance to win studio time with UK Top Songwriters. More recently, Rokhsan has enjoyed a whirlwind summer, with awesome sets at Beachbreak Live, as well as a highly memorable performance on the BBC Introducing Stage of this year’s Glastonbury ‘08 Festival.
The icing on the cake however is the recent representation by management giants Crown Management, who look after, amongst others, The Sugababes.
Congratulations to ACM graduate Ben King for successfully landing his dream job as a fully fledged member of legendary psychedelic outfit, The YardBirds. Ben was chosen from a cast of guitarists to join the band by bassist and singer, John Idan who taught Ben whilst tutoring at ACM.
Bens first task as a Yardbird was to play to a massive, open air concert in Ohio to thousands of adoring fans on his 21st birthday. Not a bad birthday present!
Alice Cooper’s guitarist and ACM tutor Pete Friesen said, “Ben was a great student and a fast learner. I’ve every faith that he is going to be met with huge success in the years to come and would like to wish him the very best”.
ACM drum graduate and all round top chap Toby Couling, currently performing with The Noisettes, appears in Drummer Magazine's September Issue which hits the stores this month alongside Foo Fighters drum wizard Taylor Hawkins. Check out more info at the drummer website below or grab yourself a copy of Drummer mag. Nice work, Toby!
ACM Vocal Graduates Natalie and Charlotte Hamson, Laura Brophy and Rachael Alderson have signed to Universal / Decca Records as organic, acoustic, folk vocal harmony group Victoria Park.
The stylistic and visual concept was developed by the girls six months ago with an incredibly professional market insight. This approach and professionalism is a real testament to the ACM environment, culture and ethos. It is also very evident that the girls experience in the ACM Gospel Choir further accelerated their combined experience in vocal arrangement, harmony and performance. Good luck, one and all.
ACM Gospel Choir and ACM Vocal Graduate Paul Humphries (now performing as Paul Lewis) has signed to independent music publisher Bucks Music Group - an international and independent music publisher.
Paul has been developing his writing talent over the past 3-4 years and travelling all over Europe to work with some of the world’s best song writers including JLS, Lee Ryan, Blair Mackichan (Lilly Allen, Will Young), Shepard Solomon (Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears), Ali Tennant (Lemar), DEEKAY (Blue), Wayne Hector (WestLife / JLS), Richard Stannard (Spice Girl), Erica Nuri (Jason Derulo), Mark Fiest (Destiny's Child), P*Nut (Amy Winehouse), Mads Hauge (Natasha Bedingfeild, Pixie Lott), Track&Field (Nelly Furtado) and Metrophonic.
Paul will not only continue to write for other artists but is piecing together a selection of his own music as a solo artist. Good luck, Paul.
Congratualtions to ACM vocal and music business graduate Chiara Guardascione (pictured left) who has joined the team at the 02 as Senior Marketing Executive.
Oli Sussat (Business Degree lecturer) took MMR and Degree students to the British Music Experience at the O2, where students got the chance to enjoy an interactive music day, learning about the history of music, radio communications and media developments.
ACM also secured 25 exclusive free tickets for our students to attend the acclaimed Tomorrow Never Knows panel debate, featuring some of the music and digital industries most influential players. These inspiring speakers included: Jeff Taylor from the BPI, Stephen Godfrey from Rough Trade, and Guy Moot from EMI.
ACM vocal graduate and member of the ACM Gospel Choir Kirsten Joy Gill has teamed up with songwriter Mike Stock (Stock/Aitken/Waterman, Steps, Kylie, Jason Donovan, Rick Astley, Bananarama) and director Carole Todd (Dreamboats & Petticoats, Elvis The Musical, Buddy, Dancing In The Streets) as a singer / performer in the children TV show extravaganza The GO!GO!GO! Show.
The show is packed full of music, dancing, jokes, magic and a story that all the family can enjoy plus brand new pop songs, five young performers - who come together to form the pop band GO!GO!GO! Together (sort of like Captain Planet but with music) - and a sock-stealing Fluffalope. Yes, that's a Fluffalope.
If you want to see Kirsten in action, and find out what a Fluffalope is, then The GO!GO!GO! Show is on in the West End now. Break a leg, Kirsten.
ACM Creative Sound Design - CSD - student Stuart Mannell recently landed some work experience at Hackenbacker, an Audio Post Production Company that worked on films and TV shows such as Hot Fuzz, Dead Set, Spooks, In Bruges, Four Lions etc.
Another ACM CSD student Joe Watkinson has also found work experience at Reelsound, a Pinewood based company that provide audio post production services to the film industry. recent projects have included The Basement, Dorian Gray, In The Night Garden, St. Trinians etc.
And thirdly Ben Bell recently completed some work experience at Mayfair Studios and is currently working at Red Light Mastering.
If you've been following the Download Festival interviews on YouTube this year, then you may have seen ACM guitar student Adam Elouadihi chatting with acts such as Coheed and Cambria, Killswitch Engage, Megadeth, Deftones, Airbourne and Stone Sour.
Adam won the opportunity to hang out backstage at Download 2010 and interview all these great acts by sending in a 30 second video of himself introducing one of his favourite bands. After an online vote Adam made it to the final six and then entered a live interview, presentation and Q&A before scooping the top prize.
"It was one of the best weekends of my life. It was a great way to gain my first experience as a TV presenter and it definitley has to be one of the best jobs in the world!"
Check out Adam interviewing Killswitch Engage.
Former ACM students Alex Crawford and Paul Baker have cemented themselves within the dance music industry as highly respected production and DJ outfit 'The Others'.
Signed to Caspa's 'Dub Police' label, the duo have worked tirelessly, producing tracks for one of the hottest labels in the dubstep scene. Working under the aliases D-Code and DeXterous, the pair have DJ'ed at legendary clubs 'Fabric and Ministry of Sound', as well as giant street carnivals, playing to over 250,000 party goers, and all major dance music festivals.
More recently, the production duo have secured a clothing endorsement with New York clothing label 'Mishka NYC', and have recorded podcast mixes for the brand.
The new EP entitled Gravity is out now, and is set to be a massive seller! Check out this exclusive ACM interview at their East London-based studio.
Music Production and DJ School graduate Anthony Peters aka Subscape has climbed the ranks of the UK dubstep scene, to become one of the biggest names on the circuit.
since leaving ACM, Anthony built a strong foundation in the scene with fellow label-mates, and ACM students D-Code and DeXterous. Signed to Caspa's 'Dub Police' label in 2008, the producer has a busy schedule of regular DJ slots at some of the scenes biggest promotions, as well as remixing, and future projects.
More recently, Anthony was the featured artist in the February 2010 issue of Computer Music Magazine, offering up an exclusive video masterclass for his production "Nothings Wrong".
www.myspace.com/uksubscape
Also, former Vocal Higher Diploma student, James Craise sang backing vocals for Robbie Williams at the Brits live show. He is currently managed by Clive Black and Trevor Horn and is high up on the industry radar right now. For more info on the night click on the links below.
ACM Vocal and Business student and rising star Camilla Kerslake, is set to become a household name after she secured a deal in 2009 with Take That front man Gary Barlow’s new record label, Future Records.
The first act to be signed to the star’s new label, Camilla’s debut album went ‘Silver’, selling in excess of 60,000 copies in November 2009. Produced by Mike Hedges, it features singles ‘She Moved Through the Fair’ and the Take That hit ‘Rule the World’, as well as her own material.
This album has also earned Camilla a nomination for Album of the Year at the Classical BRIT Awards.
Big congrats to ACM Drum Higher Diploma graduate Toby Couling in becoming a Barclaycard Mercury Music Award prize winner!
Toby, who is the drummer for South London newcomer Speech De Belle secured the award for debut album 'Speech Therapy' at this years awards ceremony held at Grosvenor House Hotel in central London.
Last year Elbow walked away with the award for their album 'The Seldom Seen Kid'. This year however was the turn of one of the UK's most freshest and inspiring acts proving that the UK music scene is paving the way for new music and artists.
Neil Simpson, Business and Artist Development Centre Manager at ACM said; "Toby’s ascent has been fantastic through incredible attitude, personality, musicality he is really getting to an incredible level in the game."
ACM Drum alumni Jon Harper has been hard at work with Brazilian maestros Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS) who recently released their highly anticipated second album entitled 'Donkey'.
After finishing up a very long year on the road at the end of December '08, the band had well earned rest before heading out to Australia to play the Future Music Festival with N.E.R.D, Bassment Jaxx and Grandmaster Flash. Then they jetted off to play All Tomorrows Parties hosted by The Breeders, and then on to the Selector Festival in Krakow with Orbital, Dizzee Rascal and Franz Ferdinand.
The year ahead looks just as busy for the band with shows in Casablanca, and Summersonic Festival in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan to keep them on their toes!
To add to Jon's ever expanding career, Jon is now a fully endorsed artist of cymbal giants Zildjian.
Former ACM drum student Ben Kennedy has been busy touring with artist of the hour LadyHawke, who is currently enjoying huge success for 2009 with the single 'Paris is Burning' topping the play lists on all national radio stations.
Supporting US star Katy Perry, the drummer is already looking deep into his diary with LadyHawke as she and the group will be appearing at Glastonbury '09, as well as all the other major festivals featuring this summer.
With all this, including dates in the US and Australia in the future, it seems Ben has a great career ahead of him.
Signed to Crown Management, The Sugababes, with former vocal student, Amelle Berrabah, have established themselves as one of the driving forces in today's music industry. Now on their fifth studio album, the babes have had no less than five UK number ones, selling over 2 million singles, and 5 million albums on label giants, Island Records.
ACM guitar graduate Ben Harrison and his band; Aquila’s Kiss have made the grade by achieving a top 5 spot in celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s ‘Unsigned Bands’ Competition that saw thousands of hopefuls compete for the chance to play a special London gig in front of the A & R Exec from Mercury Records; Stephen Ferrera.
Music Business student Lisa Wheeler has been lucky enough to land her dream job, working full time for Sony linked production company Extreme Music.
Another successful work experience placement saw Music Business Degree student, Alex Spain start at South West London record label One Little Indian Records.
The label’s current artist roster includes; Alabama 3, Rocket from the Crypt, Skunk Anansie, Sneaker Pimps, Shamen and BjÖrk.
Brand new Down Boy Records priority Jon Harrison came to ACM in search of a band – and found one!
The newly formed ensemble, consisting of ACM students; Matt Child, Tom Kenrick, Tom Warner and Yiannis Sachinis have already started rehearsals for the bands forthcoming European tour dates with none other than 80's sensation, Kim Wilde. The guys are set to make huge waves in the music industry as the act are being guided by the same team that look after Polydor priority Bryn Christopher, who also shares an ACM link in band members Luke Higgins and Sam Odiwe.
ACM Music Production student Nick Benton was successfully selected to join Ed Larrikin from Brit rock sensation Larrikin Love in his new project The Pan I Am.
Similar to Larrikin Love, The Pan I am project is rooted in Irish folk and bluesgrass but has been injected with a distinctive electronic element.
Managed by Scottish music industry mogul and musician Alan McGee, the band are setting up shop for a string of live dates and recording sessions in the months to come.
Congratulations to drum student Tom Smith for being chosen to join emerging success story Five O’clock Heroes. Tom auditioned for the job through ACM’s Business and Artist Development Centre.
Two parts British and two parts American, the Five O’clock Heroes’ sound, although influenced by, is clearly not limited to the New York rock scene. Tour dates are booked across Europe and you can be sure that these heroes will be making themselves known in the UK.
ACM Higher Diploma guitar graduate Marco Susino has developed an impressive career as a professional musician since leaving ACM in 2005. Marco's main efforts have been as a session musician for Brighton based outfit 'South Central', touring globally and gaining steady fanbase. Further to this, Marco's guitar style was deployed on commissions for three major label acts under South Central remixes; The Maccabees, Boy Kill Boy and Puppini Sisters.
Marcos other remix work with the same band include tracks for Metronomy and ShitDisco, both nominated NME Indie acts of 2007. This has also led to two of South Central's original singles, 'Nothing Can Go Wrong' and 'Castle of Heroes' being released, which have both recieved air play from all major radio stations.
OUR STUDENTS
Student Successes
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Read all about the latest Student Successes who are making their mark in the Industry. For more success stories, check out the archive. We'd love to hear what you're up to. Send us all the latest info, pics, tracks, videos etc to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Charlie Holmes Produces The Saturdays
ACM Graduate Charlie Holmes has been enjoying chart success after producing for popstarlets 'The Saturdays'. The track, entitled 'Died In Your Eyes' features on the quintets new album 'Headlines' which is currently sat at number 3 in the UK Album Charts!Charlie started at ACM when he was only 16 and now, at only 19, is well on his way to a successful career in the music industry. Charlie involved himself with every opportunity available at ACM, including the production of several tracks for the various ACM Taste of the Talent CD's. He also became one of the top student producers, getting requests from many ACM bands and artists wanting him to recorded and produced their tracks.
Congratulations to Charlie on his recent success and we wish you the best of luck with your career in music!
Louise Sargeant: I Am The Law
Big congratulations to Music Business graduate and now Law graduate Louise Sargeant. Louise is now about to start her career after gaining a much coveted training contract, with a leading media law firm Lewis Silkin.
Louise said, "My music business degree helped in so many ways to prepare me for law school. The law unit studied at ACM was invaluable for showing me the sorts of things a lawyer might deal with in a practical environment. Probably most important of all was the networking skills that I was encouraged to build. The value of networking is something I will appreciate throughout my career as a lawyer."
Subsource: Cyberpunk Riot
ACM graduates Paul Frazer (guitar), Dennis Ng (music production) and Stuart Henshall (bass) now perform in electro, metal, dubstep outfit Subsource. Formed four years ago, Subsource have waged war on the so-called live dance acts pretending behind laptops and rock acts with more substance.
With a CV as connected as a nuclear power station, Subsource is starting to turn a few heads. Studio sessions with The Prodigy and Akil from Jurassic 5, mosh-pit inducing shows at 15 summer festivals in 2009 and sold-out gigs in Berlin and Paris prompted support from media as diverse as Metal Hammer, Eddy Temple Morris, BBC, LTD Magazine, Radio 1's Nihal and The Metro Newspaper.
Subsource's debut album 'Tales From The Doombox', released earlier this year, gave rise to their two singles 'The Ides' and 'The Reason (Parasite)' and praise from music icons and respected industry sources. 'Jaw-dropping power, soul and perception' - The Fly, ‘The best cyberpunk riot since The Prodigy’ - The Metro and ‘Amazing vocals’ - Liam Howlett (The Prodigy)The band have just been signed up by Surgery Production to make the first ever 'Dubumentary' feature film. We wish them well.
Jazz Morley
ACM vocal student Jazz Morley's career has started to blossom this year with support slots of Kate Walsh, Chesney Hawkes and Ben Montague. Her rich, warm, emotive voice has gained her a short-listing at the final of the Shure Songwriting Award 2010, judge by Paloma Faith, which has opened up songwriting opportunities with several Top 40 credited artists and one Grammy Award winner. Jazz Morley will be performing across the south of England this aumtum so check out her webstuff to see what afoot.
Business Students at Midem
Each year the business school takes 20 of its young student entrepreneurs on subsidised delegate tickets to network at Midem - the industries biggest International Music Conference.
This year a song from 1st year degree student Anil Kishan made it into the final MTV synchronisation forum beating off over 5,000 entries. His song was one of only 5 selected for shortlist by Vice President of Creative Music Integration at MTV, Joe Coello. Anil secured a Sync deal for his band by submitting the track ‘Feel The Glow’ to the MTV competition to fit a particular scene for the show 'The Hills' .
Top companies such as Universal, iTunes, Sony, Ministry of Sound, MMF, PPL, MCPS and Peer Music attend Midem and it is with some of these organisations that our business school students find future employment. Alumni Claire Paxton Rider is one such example, she met Nick Flemming & Associates at Midem and impressed them so much that she was offered a permanent position within the company on graduation. Claire is now enjoying the life of a radio plugger!
This year a song from 1st year degree student Anil Kishan made it into the final MTV synchronisation forum beating off over 5,000 entries. His song was one of only 5 selected for shortlist by Vice President of Creative Music Integration at MTV, Joe Coello. Anil secured a Sync deal for his band by submitting the track ‘Feel The Glow’ to the MTV competition to fit a particular scene for the show 'The Hills' .Top companies such as Universal, iTunes, Sony, Ministry of Sound, MMF, PPL, MCPS and Peer Music attend Midem and it is with some of these organisations that our business school students find future employment. Alumni Claire Paxton Rider is one such example, she met Nick Flemming & Associates at Midem and impressed them so much that she was offered a permanent position within the company on graduation. Claire is now enjoying the life of a radio plugger!
Last Choir Still Standing
ACM is beaming with pride this month at the success of students gaining further industry experience. After their success on BBC One entertainment show ‘Last Choir Standing’, the ACM Gospel Choir is still performing with big names within the music industry. This year alone the choir featured on chart topper Gabriella Cilmi’s new album, ‘Ten’, on the track ‘Let Me Know’, as well as having recently recorded for X-factor runner up, Olly Muirs, for his debut album.
In addition to these appearances, the Gospel Choir has showed support to the England football team by featuring on the 2010 release of ‘Three Lions’ with Robbie Williams and Russell Brand. They also recorded ‘Hope’ by the late Siphiwo with Nelson Mandela earlier in the year.
Other recent appearances have included ITV’s ‘Ultimate Movie Toons’, performing alongside Michael Ball, and their second performance for the Queen at Royal Windsor Tattoo in May.
ACM Gospel Choir Director, Mark De-lisser said, "I am still so very proud of the ACM Gospel Choir and how much they have developed and grown into a formidable act and exceptional individual performers who are now being recognised more and more by the industry. My desire is that they continue with this passion and always live their dreams in music."
Nick Blinkhorn Goes Three Six Zero
ACM Music Business degree student Nick Blinkhorn has been recruited to work in the A&R department at Three Six Zero Group. This prestigious dance agency are responsible for acts like Calvin Harris, Plump DJs, Stanton Warriors, DeadMau5, Ms Dynamite and loads more.
David Smale Gets His Wings
By now, everyone knows the Yardbirds legend, if not their music; the band graduated three of the great Ph.D.s of rock guitar: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. And now, pray silence please, for their latest recruit; ACM bass graduate David Smale (pictured second from left).
David is a brilliant new generation bass player and his introduction to the Yardbirds brings both power and imagination to an all important rhythm section. Catch them out on tour this year.
Richard Bennett and Nigel Garner - Dress to Kill
Former ACM students Richard Bennett (Bass) and Nigel Gardner (Guitar) have been busy developing and promoting what's shaping up to be a very promising career for rock quintet "Dress to Kill".
The band recently qualified for the regional finals for the UK Live & Unsigned competition and are serious contenders at the forthcoming Exposure Music Awards.
To add to a busy live schedule, Dress to Kill are soon to release their debut album 'Life and Times' which has been produced and engineered by Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombs.
With all this and more planned, 2010 is fast becoming a busy year for these boys!
Marco Giuliani aka Last Japan
ACM Music Production student Marco Giuliani aka Last Japan has exploded on to the dance scene in the last year.
The last 12 months have seen the 20 year old grow from knocking up bootlegs in his bedroom to one of the hottest and most in demand remixers. With his profile growing with every remix and production it was only a matter of time before the Majors would want a slice of the action. Atlantic, Sony and Universal have already enlisted Last Japan to rework their priority artists to give them exposure in the dance arena.
Now working on his debut artist album it could be said that this 20 year old is close to having ‘the world at his feet’.
Lucy Randell records with the Gorillaz
Vocal graduate Lucy Randell recently landed a top session gig performing backing vocals on the brand new 'Gorillaz' album 'Plastic Beach'. www.gorillaz.com
She has also been rubbing shoulders with some of the music industry's heavy-hitters with appearances on Jools Holland, The Electric Proms and The South Bank Show with 'The Streets'.
www.skinnermike.com
"The Streets were a band that I'd always loved and grown with," said Lucy. "It was a dream come true."
She is also heavily involved in several other live acts including Step 13, a drum'n'bass, rock and soul inspired 7 piece that are set to hit the festival scene this summer.
www.myspace.com/step13 | www.step13.com
Lucy also writes and performs as part of The Three Radicals, a dub, reggae, electro, soul trio featuring MC Ishu and Nick Maule aka DJ Bustawidemove from Step13. The group originated after Lucy and DJ Bustawidemove had their first single 'Soul Sound Murder' played on Radio 1 and Radio 1 Extra by Annie Mac. Check out the video below and grab yourself a copy from iTunes if you're digging the tune.
Here is another of Lucy's songs co-written with Koby Israelite, set to a stunning animation by Daniel Burke.
Toby Couling and the Noisettes
Former ACM Drum student, Toby Couling, has just landed a gig, touring the UK with the Noisettes (famous for ‘Don’t Upset the Rhythm’ and ‘I’ll Never Forget You’) over February and March 2010, adding to the many industry sessions Toby has landed over the last few years.
Toby is also a recurring session drummer for Mercury Music Award winners Speech Debelle, who will be touring again soon.
Music Production Degree students supply music for 'Heroes; The Greatest War Movies Ever' DVD
Congratulations to first year Music Production Degree students Darren Jerome and Danny Owen for successfully securing a deal to supply top DVD distribution company Revolver Entertainment with the incidental soundtrack, & TV and online idents, for the release of fundraising DVD 'Heroes; The Greatest War Movies Ever'.
The DVD box-set, featuring movies such as Saving Private Ryan and Platoon, is on sale to raise funds to support the military personnel wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. All profits from the DVD sales will go to the charity 'Help for Heroes'.
The deal was set up by ACM affiliate publishing company Platinum Sound and is part of an ongoing agreement to place ACM student music into industry.
To add to the pair's success, the story has been covered by the music industry's leading publication, and ACM sponsor, Music Week.
Ben Kennedy gets Zildjian endorsed while Ladyhawke bag six music awards
Zildjian are delighted to welcome Ben Kennedy to their family of worldwide Artists; former ACM drum student Ben is currently drumming with New Zealand born/UK based pop/dance sensation Ladyhawke.
Ben says "Zildjian for me are incomparable. I'm delighted to be part of the family who have served many great drummers for years."
Ladyhawke, aka Pip Brown, whose debut album has gone gold in the UK, Australia and New Zealand recently swept the board at the New Zealand Music Awards 2009 by taking home six awards including 'Album of the Year' and 'Single of the Year'.
After their Australian/New Zealand tour Ladyhawke are performing at the Aria Awards in Sydney, where they are up for several awards again.
Sally Keeler
Congratulations to Vocal Diploma student Sally Keeler for securing the chance to perform in front of a capacity crowd at the O2 Arena in aid of children in need of adoption.The concert was set up by children's charity Voice in a Million, a new project set up to raise awareness of the need for adoptive parents in the UK, in conjunction with the British Association for Adoption and Fostering.
Sally, who is herself adopted, will be singing her track Golden Child supported by a 4,000-strong children’s choir, representing the 4,000 children waiting to be adopted in the UK today.
The London O2 Arena concert will be held on January 28th from 7.30pm.
Chris set to Quosh the opposition
1st year Degree student Chris Luyendjik has been hard at work with one of the UK's largest dance labels Quosh Records as a session guitarist on a series of forthcoming projects for the dance masters.Quosh, who have released material ranging from happy hardcore to down tempo have been so happy with the results of the sessions that they have already asked Chris to session for them on future projects.
Newton Faulkner
Earning a Brit Awards nomination in the British Male Solo Artist category at The Brits is ACM’s very own graduate Newton Faulkner. Sadly Newton missed out on the award with the top honours going to producer-extraordinaire Mark Ronson.
This recognition reflects what has been an incredible 12 months for Newton. His debut album; Hand Built By Robots reached the top of the charts and became one of the Top 20 selling albums of 2007. He is officially the 3rd biggest UK-signed debut artist of 2007 and has become one of the most talked about and accomplished live performers on the circuit today.
Newton Faulkner's tour dates will only get more intense as 2008 has fast become an astronomically busy year for the virtuoso, with headline sets at Radio One's, 1 Big Weekend 08', and his biggest performance to date at
Newton Faulkner's music has been described as soulful and heartfelt acoustic blues with a pop edge and a distinctively laid-back style.
Vocal Graduate Molly tops the charts with Super producer Sash!
Former Vocal Degree student Molly Smitten-Downes has found herself riding high at the top of the Uk single & album chart by teaming up with German DJ/Producer Sash! to record her version of the 90's chart classic 'Encore Une Fois', entitled 'Raindrops'.
Since the singles release, Molly has not stopped. With appearances on TV channels across the world and tour dates and future recording schedules locked down, the coming year is going to bring more success.
Sash! dominated the dance music scene in the late 1990's with hits including 'Ecuador', 'Stay' and 'Mysterious Times', which have helped to sell over 17 million albums worldwide and earn more than 65 Gold and Platinum awards.
Claire Paxton-Rider joins Warner Music Group
More congratulations are in order. This time – for Music Business student Claire Paxton-Rider who has been offered work experience at Warner Music Group.
WMG became the only stand-alone music company to be publicly traded in the United States. With its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, Warner Music Group is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Bad Boy, Cordless, East West, Elektra, Lava, Maverick, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Rykodisc, Sire, Warner Bros and Word.
Alex Bewley gets a job at William Morris Agency
ACM are thrilled to announce that former Music Business Degree student Alex Bewley has successfully navigated his way into a full time job with talent and literary specialists William Morris Agency.
The Agency represents clients in all segments of the entertainment industry, including Motion Pictures, Television, Music and Personal Appearances, Broadway Theatre and Theatrical Touring, Book Publishing, Commercial Endorsements, Sports Marketing, Corporate Consulting, Digital Media, and Video Games.
With principal offices in New York, Beverly Hills, Nashville, London, Miami Beach and Shanghai, William Morris Agency is the largest and most diversified business of it’s kind.
Phil makes some noise at Roadrunner Records
Congratulations to ACM Guitar student Phil Birch for his recent work experience placement at legendary hard rock label, Roadrunner Records.
Based in Ealing, West London. Roadrunner have become one of the countries most successful rock labels with acts like Slipknot, Machine Head, Kids in Glass Houses, and Nickelback driving the hard rock and metal industry and leading the way for many.
Bernadette Ryan works with Zebra 1
ACM Vocal student Bernadette Ryan has been busy writing with song Writing/production company Zebra 1. Headed by Tim Hawes, who created hits for Hearsay, Zebra 1 have enjoyed huge success over waters with number ones in various territories across Europe.
ACM get a taste of the Domino Effect.
More Business and Artist Development Centre auditions saw yet more students into industry, this time courtesy of independent London-based creative music business consultancy Domino Effect.
The Domino team held in house auditions for a number of ongoing song writing and development projects, which have resulted in five of ACM’s students being selected for future projects.
This is a very exciting development for ACM/Domino relations and we are looking forward to more placements and relationships as more and more students start to experience success through the Domino Effect!
Rokhsan Heydari
Uber-talented songwriter and performer Rokhsan Heydari is one of ACM’s tips for the top this year. She has had one of her songs (Bubble Bath) chosen and featured on the Aretha Franklin CD on the Sunday Express, of which 2.1 million copies were sold.She also made the finals of the 2007 MBF Songwriting Awards and was selected as a finalist for the BBC 2 New Talent Songwriting Academy, which involved a song-writing masterclass at BBC Marlybone and a chance to win studio time with UK Top Songwriters. More recently, Rokhsan has enjoyed a whirlwind summer, with awesome sets at Beachbreak Live, as well as a highly memorable performance on the BBC Introducing Stage of this year’s Glastonbury ‘08 Festival.
The icing on the cake however is the recent representation by management giants Crown Management, who look after, amongst others, The Sugababes.
Ben King joins The Yardbirds
Congratulations to ACM graduate Ben King for successfully landing his dream job as a fully fledged member of legendary psychedelic outfit, The YardBirds. Ben was chosen from a cast of guitarists to join the band by bassist and singer, John Idan who taught Ben whilst tutoring at ACM.
Bens first task as a Yardbird was to play to a massive, open air concert in Ohio to thousands of adoring fans on his 21st birthday. Not a bad birthday present!
Alice Cooper’s guitarist and ACM tutor Pete Friesen said, “Ben was a great student and a fast learner. I’ve every faith that he is going to be met with huge success in the years to come and would like to wish him the very best”.
Toby Couling appears in Drummer Magazine
ACM drum graduate and all round top chap Toby Couling, currently performing with The Noisettes, appears in Drummer Magazine's September Issue which hits the stores this month alongside Foo Fighters drum wizard Taylor Hawkins. Check out more info at the drummer website below or grab yourself a copy of Drummer mag. Nice work, Toby!
Victoria Park sign to Universal
ACM Vocal Graduates Natalie and Charlotte Hamson, Laura Brophy and Rachael Alderson have signed to Universal / Decca Records as organic, acoustic, folk vocal harmony group Victoria Park.
The stylistic and visual concept was developed by the girls six months ago with an incredibly professional market insight. This approach and professionalism is a real testament to the ACM environment, culture and ethos. It is also very evident that the girls experience in the ACM Gospel Choir further accelerated their combined experience in vocal arrangement, harmony and performance. Good luck, one and all.
Singer/Songwriter Paul Humphries signs to Bucks Music Group
ACM Gospel Choir and ACM Vocal Graduate Paul Humphries (now performing as Paul Lewis) has signed to independent music publisher Bucks Music Group - an international and independent music publisher. Paul has been developing his writing talent over the past 3-4 years and travelling all over Europe to work with some of the world’s best song writers including JLS, Lee Ryan, Blair Mackichan (Lilly Allen, Will Young), Shepard Solomon (Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears), Ali Tennant (Lemar), DEEKAY (Blue), Wayne Hector (WestLife / JLS), Richard Stannard (Spice Girl), Erica Nuri (Jason Derulo), Mark Fiest (Destiny's Child), P*Nut (Amy Winehouse), Mads Hauge (Natasha Bedingfeild, Pixie Lott), Track&Field (Nelly Furtado) and Metrophonic.
Paul will not only continue to write for other artists but is piecing together a selection of his own music as a solo artist. Good luck, Paul.
Music Business Internships
The Business lecturers and the BDC team continually help ACM students to arrange work placements. Here are some of the Business School success stories from last year, many of these internships have now turned into full time paid employment:
Nick Weston – Gulp Marketing
Ed Hardy & Karen Batliner – Universal (pictured)
Georgie Carter – Empire Management
Georgia Weyman – Solar Management
Greg Snowdon – Supervision Management
Anthony Howe – Wall Of Sound Records
Tom Saich – Stephen Budd Management
Matthew Monck – Minsitry Of Sound
Gareth Arnold - Houses of Parliament
Nick Weston – Gulp MarketingEd Hardy & Karen Batliner – Universal (pictured)
Georgie Carter – Empire Management
Georgia Weyman – Solar Management
Greg Snowdon – Supervision Management
Anthony Howe – Wall Of Sound Records
Tom Saich – Stephen Budd Management
Matthew Monck – Minsitry Of Sound
Gareth Arnold - Houses of Parliament
It Could Be You at the 02
Congratualtions to ACM vocal and music business graduate Chiara Guardascione (pictured left) who has joined the team at the 02 as Senior Marketing Executive.Oli Sussat (Business Degree lecturer) took MMR and Degree students to the British Music Experience at the O2, where students got the chance to enjoy an interactive music day, learning about the history of music, radio communications and media developments.
ACM also secured 25 exclusive free tickets for our students to attend the acclaimed Tomorrow Never Knows panel debate, featuring some of the music and digital industries most influential players. These inspiring speakers included: Jeff Taylor from the BPI, Stephen Godfrey from Rough Trade, and Guy Moot from EMI.
GO!GO!GO! with Kirsten Joy Gill
ACM vocal graduate and member of the ACM Gospel Choir Kirsten Joy Gill has teamed up with songwriter Mike Stock (Stock/Aitken/Waterman, Steps, Kylie, Jason Donovan, Rick Astley, Bananarama) and director Carole Todd (Dreamboats & Petticoats, Elvis The Musical, Buddy, Dancing In The Streets) as a singer / performer in the children TV show extravaganza The GO!GO!GO! Show.The show is packed full of music, dancing, jokes, magic and a story that all the family can enjoy plus brand new pop songs, five young performers - who come together to form the pop band GO!GO!GO! Together (sort of like Captain Planet but with music) - and a sock-stealing Fluffalope. Yes, that's a Fluffalope.
If you want to see Kirsten in action, and find out what a Fluffalope is, then The GO!GO!GO! Show is on in the West End now. Break a leg, Kirsten.
CSD and Production Work Placements
ACM Creative Sound Design - CSD - student Stuart Mannell recently landed some work experience at Hackenbacker, an Audio Post Production Company that worked on films and TV shows such as Hot Fuzz, Dead Set, Spooks, In Bruges, Four Lions etc.
Another ACM CSD student Joe Watkinson has also found work experience at Reelsound, a Pinewood based company that provide audio post production services to the film industry. recent projects have included The Basement, Dorian Gray, In The Night Garden, St. Trinians etc.
And thirdly Ben Bell recently completed some work experience at Mayfair Studios and is currently working at Red Light Mastering.
Adam Elouadihi Presents Download Festival 2010
If you've been following the Download Festival interviews on YouTube this year, then you may have seen ACM guitar student Adam Elouadihi chatting with acts such as Coheed and Cambria, Killswitch Engage, Megadeth, Deftones, Airbourne and Stone Sour.
Adam won the opportunity to hang out backstage at Download 2010 and interview all these great acts by sending in a 30 second video of himself introducing one of his favourite bands. After an online vote Adam made it to the final six and then entered a live interview, presentation and Q&A before scooping the top prize.
"It was one of the best weekends of my life. It was a great way to gain my first experience as a TV presenter and it definitley has to be one of the best jobs in the world!"
Check out Adam interviewing Killswitch Engage.
D-Code and DeXterous aka The Others
Former ACM students Alex Crawford and Paul Baker have cemented themselves within the dance music industry as highly respected production and DJ outfit 'The Others'.
Signed to Caspa's 'Dub Police' label, the duo have worked tirelessly, producing tracks for one of the hottest labels in the dubstep scene. Working under the aliases D-Code and DeXterous, the pair have DJ'ed at legendary clubs 'Fabric and Ministry of Sound', as well as giant street carnivals, playing to over 250,000 party goers, and all major dance music festivals.
More recently, the production duo have secured a clothing endorsement with New York clothing label 'Mishka NYC', and have recorded podcast mixes for the brand.
The new EP entitled Gravity is out now, and is set to be a massive seller! Check out this exclusive ACM interview at their East London-based studio.
Subscape climbs the Dubstep scene
Music Production and DJ School graduate Anthony Peters aka Subscape has climbed the ranks of the UK dubstep scene, to become one of the biggest names on the circuit.
since leaving ACM, Anthony built a strong foundation in the scene with fellow label-mates, and ACM students D-Code and DeXterous. Signed to Caspa's 'Dub Police' label in 2008, the producer has a busy schedule of regular DJ slots at some of the scenes biggest promotions, as well as remixing, and future projects.
More recently, Anthony was the featured artist in the February 2010 issue of Computer Music Magazine, offering up an exclusive video masterclass for his production "Nothings Wrong".
www.myspace.com/uksubscape
Simon Bettison’s a Rascal
Ex-ACM Degree Drummer, Simon Bettison, has been hired to play electronic percussion for UK Grime heavyweight and BRIT Award Winner Dizzee Rascal’s band. Simon will appear at Dizzee’s upcoming festival events, where he will also be working as Production Manager for the live band.
Previous industry experience for Simon includes Glastonbury Festival (2007), BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge (2009), and Later with Jools Holland (2009).
ACM at the BRITS !
Former ACM Vocal and Business student Camilla Kerslake has been nominated for the 2010 Classical BRIT Awards for NS&I Album of the Year and she needs your help to win!. Click here and place your vote now!
Camilla enjoyed a successful year in 2009; being the first official artist to be signed to Gary Barlow’s new label Future Records, her debut album went ‘Silver’ in November, and in December her version of the hymn ‘How Can I Keep from Singing’ featured on the Christmas ad campaign for supermarket giant Waitrose.
The artist has also recently performed at Buckingham Palace for Prince Charles and Camilla at a dinner to support ‘Children in the Arts’.
Also, former Vocal Higher Diploma student, James Craise sang backing vocals for Robbie Williams at the Brits live show. He is currently managed by Clive Black and Trevor Horn and is high up on the industry radar right now. For more info on the night click on the links below.
Camilla Kerslake signs to Gary Barlow's new label
ACM Vocal and Business student and rising star Camilla Kerslake, is set to become a household name after she secured a deal in 2009 with Take That front man Gary Barlow’s new record label, Future Records.
The first act to be signed to the star’s new label, Camilla’s debut album went ‘Silver’, selling in excess of 60,000 copies in November 2009. Produced by Mike Hedges, it features singles ‘She Moved Through the Fair’ and the Take That hit ‘Rule the World’, as well as her own material.
This album has also earned Camilla a nomination for Album of the Year at the Classical BRIT Awards.
For more info:www.camillakerslake.com
Toby Couling is a Mercury Music Award Winner
Big congrats to ACM Drum Higher Diploma graduate Toby Couling in becoming a Barclaycard Mercury Music Award prize winner!Toby, who is the drummer for South London newcomer Speech De Belle secured the award for debut album 'Speech Therapy' at this years awards ceremony held at Grosvenor House Hotel in central London.
Last year Elbow walked away with the award for their album 'The Seldom Seen Kid'. This year however was the turn of one of the UK's most freshest and inspiring acts proving that the UK music scene is paving the way for new music and artists.
Neil Simpson, Business and Artist Development Centre Manager at ACM said; "Toby’s ascent has been fantastic through incredible attitude, personality, musicality he is really getting to an incredible level in the game."
Jon and CSS march on
ACM Drum alumni Jon Harper has been hard at work with Brazilian maestros Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS) who recently released their highly anticipated second album entitled 'Donkey'. After finishing up a very long year on the road at the end of December '08, the band had well earned rest before heading out to Australia to play the Future Music Festival with N.E.R.D, Bassment Jaxx and Grandmaster Flash. Then they jetted off to play All Tomorrows Parties hosted by The Breeders, and then on to the Selector Festival in Krakow with Orbital, Dizzee Rascal and Franz Ferdinand.
The year ahead looks just as busy for the band with shows in Casablanca, and Summersonic Festival in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan to keep them on their toes!
To add to Jon's ever expanding career, Jon is now a fully endorsed artist of cymbal giants Zildjian.
Ben Kennedy working with LadyHawke
Former ACM drum student Ben Kennedy has been busy touring with artist of the hour LadyHawke, who is currently enjoying huge success for 2009 with the single 'Paris is Burning' topping the play lists on all national radio stations.
Supporting US star Katy Perry, the drummer is already looking deep into his diary with LadyHawke as she and the group will be appearing at Glastonbury '09, as well as all the other major festivals featuring this summer.
With all this, including dates in the US and Australia in the future, it seems Ben has a great career ahead of him.
The Sugababes
Signed to Crown Management, The Sugababes, with former vocal student, Amelle Berrabah, have established themselves as one of the driving forces in today's music industry. Now on their fifth studio album, the babes have had no less than five UK number ones, selling over 2 million singles, and 5 million albums on label giants, Island Records.
During her time at ACM Amelle won the co-sponsored ACM and Top Of The Pops Search for a Star competition. As a result she met top songwriting/production team Jiant, who were based at ACM. Through Jiant she came to the attention of the Sugababes’ management and record company and the rest is chart-topping history!
Aquila’s Kiss gives Jamie Oliver a taste of Talent!
ACM guitar graduate Ben Harrison and his band; Aquila’s Kiss have made the grade by achieving a top 5 spot in celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s ‘Unsigned Bands’ Competition that saw thousands of hopefuls compete for the chance to play a special London gig in front of the A & R Exec from Mercury Records; Stephen Ferrera.
Aquila’s Kiss is a 5 piece from West London who have been often described as a band with serious soul. Blending solid rock with R&B and pop.
Lisa Wheeler, taken on Full Time at Extreme!
Music Business student Lisa Wheeler has been lucky enough to land her dream job, working full time for Sony linked production company Extreme Music.
Extremes list of clients are a variable feast of industry giants, spanning every medium including; 20th Century Fox, Amazon, Apple, BBC, Bloomberg, Bravo. BskyB, CNN, Electronic Arts…. well-the whole world really!
Alex gets a placement with One Little Indian
Another successful work experience placement saw Music Business Degree student, Alex Spain start at South West London record label One Little Indian Records.
The label’s current artist roster includes; Alabama 3, Rocket from the Crypt, Skunk Anansie, Sneaker Pimps, Shamen and BjÖrk.
ACM student’s chosen for Jon Harrison line up
Brand new Down Boy Records priority Jon Harrison came to ACM in search of a band – and found one!
The newly formed ensemble, consisting of ACM students; Matt Child, Tom Kenrick, Tom Warner and Yiannis Sachinis have already started rehearsals for the bands forthcoming European tour dates with none other than 80's sensation, Kim Wilde. The guys are set to make huge waves in the music industry as the act are being guided by the same team that look after Polydor priority Bryn Christopher, who also shares an ACM link in band members Luke Higgins and Sam Odiwe.
Nick Benton Hooks up with Larrikin Love’s Ed Larrikin
ACM Music Production student Nick Benton was successfully selected to join Ed Larrikin from Brit rock sensation Larrikin Love in his new project The Pan I Am. Similar to Larrikin Love, The Pan I am project is rooted in Irish folk and bluesgrass but has been injected with a distinctive electronic element.
Managed by Scottish music industry mogul and musician Alan McGee, the band are setting up shop for a string of live dates and recording sessions in the months to come.
Tom’s a Five O’clock Hero
Congratulations to drum student Tom Smith for being chosen to join emerging success story Five O’clock Heroes. Tom auditioned for the job through ACM’s Business and Artist Development Centre.Two parts British and two parts American, the Five O’clock Heroes’ sound, although influenced by, is clearly not limited to the New York rock scene. Tour dates are booked across Europe and you can be sure that these heroes will be making themselves known in the UK.
Marco Susino
ACM Higher Diploma guitar graduate Marco Susino has developed an impressive career as a professional musician since leaving ACM in 2005. Marco's main efforts have been as a session musician for Brighton based outfit 'South Central', touring globally and gaining steady fanbase. Further to this, Marco's guitar style was deployed on commissions for three major label acts under South Central remixes; The Maccabees, Boy Kill Boy and Puppini Sisters.Marcos other remix work with the same band include tracks for Metronomy and ShitDisco, both nominated NME Indie acts of 2007. This has also led to two of South Central's original singles, 'Nothing Can Go Wrong' and 'Castle of Heroes' being released, which have both recieved air play from all major radio stations.
DAYS TO ENROL
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