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Student Successes
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
Phil Parsons - Experience Opens Doors in Music Production
Former Music Production Diploma, Higher Diploma and and Degree student Phil Parsons has come a long way since joining ACM. Such was his desire to work in a recording studio, he wasted no time in communicating this to John Gallen, who very kindly gave him a helping hand.
So after speaking with John Gallen, what happened?
“As it happened one of John’s friends (Paul Stacey) was in need of an assistant. He passed my number on, I received a phone call and began working with Paul straight away. Since 2008 I’ve worked with Paul on projects for artists including The Black Crowes and Fionn Regan.”
Any highlights so far?
“Most recently I got the opportunity to work on Noel Gallagher's solo album ‘High Flying Birds’, which recently became number 1 in the UK Album Charts.”
What else did you get up to while you studying at ACM?
“Since I left ACM I’ve had the opportunity to work with another fantastic producer/engineer called Gary Langan - we both got on really well and John even received an email from Gary explaining how much he enjoyed working with me - another definite highlight.
More recently I have been working with Emre Ramazanoglu, who runs a production company called 'Yo Video'. Emre is incredible at the software side of things as well as being a great engineer, producer and writer. So I am currently spending my time at Emre's studio in Queens Park honing my Pro-Tools skills in order to make me more employable as an assistant.”
Do you have any advice for any ACM students who want to work in a studio?
“My advice to any students would be to try and get some work experience as soon as possible. Learning the technical skills whilst at ACM, the way you need to conduct yourself whilst working in a studio is something that cannot be taught and you must find out for yourself and learn very quickly. You will also discover VERY quickly whether or not you are made for working in a studio due to the initial jobs you will be expected to do and the treatment you will receive.”
Our thanks to Phil for getting back in touch. He has certainly hit the ground running since his conversation with John Gallen.
If you’d like to share your ‘Student Success’ with us then get back in touch via
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. Please include as much detail as you can and a nice picture to accompany your story.
Word on the street is... Sons of Icarus
It’s always nice to hear from ACM students past and present, especially when it’s about a forthcoming release. Here’s what one recent reviewer had to say about Sons of Icarus’ forthcoming EP ‘You Want It All’.
"Normally I don't review EPs because most don't have enough meat on the bones to make it worthwhile. This is a very big exception, as it features a bunch of young up-start British hard rockers itching to give bands like Rival Sons a run for their money. Well actually that is a bit lame because Sons of Icarus sound like they come from the LA strip and Rival Sons (from LA) sound like they were part of the London scene in the 70s. Not surprisingly, this bunch of hard working young rockers have opened for Rival Sons as well as the other hard rock hope The Answer.
Despite the fact the band met at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, Surrey they have not ended up as a progressive metal band. Instead this is clever hard rock that is less Guns n Roses and more Blue Murder or Mr Big (if you ignore the ballads). They won a battle of the bands in 2010 and played both Download and Sonisphere. There is no wonder why they won with this collection of tracks.
They are certainly a band to watch in 2012. Lets hope they make it to the U.S. this year."
Read the original feature on: http://tinyurl.com/864dyfl
Here's hoping that Sons of Icarus continue to make a good impression throughout 2012! Find out more about Sons of Icarus or follow them on Twitter or Facebook.
Martin Omond - ACM Audio Production Alumni
After graduating from ACM's Audio & Music Production Degree Course in 2010, Martin Omond has been making a name for himself as a live sound and stage technician - we caught up with Martin to review 2011 and look forward to 2012.
What have you been up to in the last year?
Since leaving ACM I've worked as a stage technician at many large shows, including Ethio-jazz legend Mulata Astatke & The Heliocentrics at the Barbican, and more recently spent 2 days as Beardyman's stage technician for a one-off show he performed with his band at the Brixton Electric in December.
In addition, I've worked on large festival stages, including 2 consecutive years as a stage technician on the 5,000 capacity 'Far Out' stage at Green Man festival in 2009 - 2010, and this year worked as main front of house engineer on the 4,000 capacity 'Roller Disco' stage at Bestival.
What’s been your proudest moment so far?
That has to be working for Chai Wallahs. They are a 1,000 capacity venue which tours the UK festival circuit every year (this year we did seven festivals; Sunrise, Beach Break Live, Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Mannifest, Green Man & Shambala). They showcase underground and emerging artists from the UK and around the world and have played host to a number of ACM bands including Free Peace, 8fold, The Drop, Brother & Bones and recently my own band, Coda.
So what’s on the horizon for 2012?
In the new year I'll be working as a freelance engineer at venues including the O2 Islington Academy and Heaven, until April when Coda will be touring the UK and Europe. After that the festival season will start again where I'll be doing Chai Wallahs for 2 or 3 months again, this time working more as front of house engineer than a stage technician.
Remember, if you’re an ACM Alumni and you’d like to share your story since leaving ACM, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - don’t forget to include a nice photo of yourself!
For more information about the Audio & Music Production School or to enquire about an Audio Production course at ACM, get in touch with our Admissions Team or call 01483 500 800.
The Stage is Set - Sean Donnelly ACM Alumni
Sean has hopes that the public will see 'Black 47' as Ireland's version of 'Les Miserables' and will be a welcomed addition to Irish Theatre. So far the production has caught a lot of Media Attention, and so we can't wait to see how it all grows when the album comes out in March 2012.
Sean Says "I cant believe how everything has flourished from a single idea, but it was ACM's world class tutors such as Chris Parles, Jono McNeil and Victy Silva that guided me in the right direction in both an artistic and entrepreneurial fashion. I chose to study at ACM over the other conservatoires because I knew I would learn everything I needed to know from directing, composing, recording and producing."
Black 47 tells the story of how the single greatest disaster in Ireland teared apart families and the young love of two poor teens (Bryan & Enya) as hunger, disease, death and emigration came to a frightening height.
Through this success, Sean now also runs a large Stage School in N Ireland for young and upcoming Irish performers. You can find out more about Sean and his big new production by visiting www.seandonnelly.co.uk.
If you'd like to know more about ACM's Performance and Vocal course get in touch with our Admissions Team on 01483 500 800.
On Tour with Rihanna! - Steve Snyman
ACM is pleased to report that Tour Production and Management alumni student Steve Snyman is on tour with Rihanna for three months!
Steve studied the Tour Production & Management course run in conjunction with Cato and only finished in July this year. The course taught Steve about the essentials of touring and production including technical stagecraft, stage sound and advanced stage techniques.
As a multi-million recording and internationally renowned artist, Rihanna needs little introduction, so for Steve the opportunity to work amongst some of the industries leading tour production and management professionals wasn't a hard decision. Steve is the forth backline tech and backstage assistant dealing with the dressing rooms and practise rooms at each venue of Rihanna's latest tour.
Taking some time out from his busy tour schedule, Steve offered some advice to students currently studying Tour Production and Management or who are looking to get into the touring and production circuit,
"Listen and stay strong, take the abuse for being the youngest and newest person on tour and get stuck in! Make sure you are reliable and not late. Make friends and work fast and precisely. I’m only here doing this because of ACM and the course I did. I am really excited about my future in this industry.”
We're so happy for Steve and wish him well for the rest of Rihanna's tour and his future career in Tour and Production Management.
If you'd like to know more about ACM's Tour Production and Management course get in touch with our Admissions Team on 01483 500 800.
Will Tonna - Runner at The Jungle Group
Will Tonna - ACM Creative Sound Design Alumni
After graduating from ACM, Will entered the big wide world determined to kick-start his career in sound design and engineering - no easy feat. But Will has broken through and landed on his feet with The Jungle Group - a specialist sound design agency based in Soho.
Will has kindly taken some time out to talk us through his new role and offer some advice to current ACM students and alumni.
How did you get the job with The Jungle Group?
"I tried loads of different tactics from e-shots to cold calling studios. I ended up hand delivering portfolios and CVs around post-prod - places in Soho. Only Jungle got back to me, offered me an interview and then subsequently the position of runner."
Tell us about The Jungle Group?
"The Jungle Group split up into 3 facilities; Marmalade, Zoo and Jungle. Each work in a different way, providing services for a certain type of client's promo or advertisement. Each facility is geared primarily towards voiceover (VO) work."
What does a 'Runner' do?
"The job itself is incredibly varied. The kitchen is the runner's main hub along with most of the catering responsibilities (tea, coffee, toast, cereal, etc.) but on occasion, runners are asked to pick up or drop off documents, removable media or just pass on messages around the building. In addition, runners are expected to open up and close down the receptions, studios and facilities at the beginning and end of each working day.
The best way of thinking about the role is as the glue that holds the companies departments together; if you're not feeding and watering them (them being engineers, clients, bookers, finance, etc.), you're communicating information and files between them."
Do you have any advice for any students considering starting out as a runner?
"Develop an eye for detail and to really dedicate yourself to the work. The clients that come in and out of the doors every day are real day-to-day media moguls; they expect nothing short of perfection and the company expects you to deliver on target every time. Sometimes, you'll just need to bring in a glass of water or tea to a studio. Other times, you're expected to collect lunch from 3 different cafes, run paperwork to buildings miles apart and pick up the client's washing on the same run; all of this quickly and, of course, courteously."
Where can a runner…run to?
"Most runners who keep their heads down get a chance to work in Transfer for a few weeks, the department that deals with converting and transferring assets around the studio's internal network. That forms the first step towards working as a fully-fledged engineer in the long run."
Our thanks to Will for taking the time out to share his experiences and ACM wish him all the very best for the future. Creative Sound Design doesn't just teach our students about the application of music and sound to many types of media, it allows them to embrace the ever-changing world of online and new media.
ACM’s Creative Sound Design course is rung number one on the music industry ladder and Will has clearly made it on to rung number two. If you'd like more information about ACM's Creative Sound Design and Music Production courses, why not contact our Admissions Team or call 01483 500 800.
Kate Nash likes ACM's 'Foundations'
Picture the scene - Kate Nash, the multi award winning English singer songwriter preparing to embark on her latest tour only to be a bass player, guitarist and drummer short of a band. Well this is exactly what happened and guess who stepped into the breach; you guessed it ACM's very own Business and Artist Development Team (BDC).
After completing some rigorous auditions in front of Kate's management team, ACM is proud to say that Degree students Emma Hughes (bass), Carmen Vandenberg (guitar) and Fern Ford (drums) were chosen to join Kate as part of her backing band for her 2011 tour.
This opportunity will prove to be a fantastic experience and a lesson in tour life for all three ACM students as they adjust to full rehearsal mode and an arduous gig schedule throughout Europe and the US.
Big congratulations to Emma, Carmen and Fern from all at ACM and the BDC!
For more information about Kate Nash and her upcoming tour dates visit KateNash.co.uk/home.
Alternatively, you can follow Kate via Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date on her latest projects.
Thomas Smyth - Chorus Management
ACM Music business degree graduate Thomas Smyth has been busy building an amazing future for himself since finishing up his studies.
The entrepreneur has completed 6 month internships at Crucible Management, Supervision Management and the MMF (Music Managers Forum), as well as being the conference panel chief for The Great Escape Festival two years running.
Thomas is also the founder of Chorus Management, and currently manages ACM's very own dubstep act CODA.
More recently, Thomas was successful in securing a permanent position at Submerged Music as the companies label assistant; looking after major dubstep labels like Sub Soldiers & Dub Police.
Thomas has also ben nominated for this years 'First Rung Award for Managers', an award for up and coming managers presented by the MMF and FAC.
With no signs of slowing, its looking like Thomas is going to have a very successful future in the music business, and we wish him all the best.
ACM Battle of the Bands Winner 2011
The ACM Battle of the Bands Competition 2011 saw a great mix of ACM bands take to the stage and perform in front of a capacity crowd at The Boileroom, Guildford's leading creative arts venue.
There were performances across three heats and a grand final which featured Skyskratcher, Charming Thieves, The General, Akakios, The Pulse, Trails, Atiptoe, Viperfish, Escapists, Mellor and Static Plan.
Fighting off all these contestants and claiming the 1st prize was Josh Edwards and the Language who won over the crowd with their acoustic, showgazy, folky performance. The band won £500 worth of Andertons Music Store vouchers plus recording time at a local studio. Congrats guys. Good job!
BeachBreak Live and ACM Presents...
For the fourth year running ACM are involved in programming the New Music Stage 'Club Tropicana' at BeachBreak Live Festival which runs from 16th-20th June in South Wales.
Club Trop is back! Showcasing an impressive line-up for 2011 this ‘unsigned stage’ is THE place to come and revel with the up and coming stars of the future who not so long ago were in your muddy Havanas, dreaming of being on that stage! The all new ACM Presents venue is all about ‘the music man’ and the chosen ones will surprise and delight you with their cutting edge performances. Remember kids, you seen it here first...
Stand out artists performing on the 'Club Tropicana Stage' this year are. Coda (Live Dubstep), Talking Pictures, Free Peace, Films of Colour, Cubrik, Brother & Bones and 8Fold.
Have a listen to this SoundCloud player to check out some of the artists performing:
or go direct to the soundcloud page here
Dan Apicella - SPX Digital
ACM Music Production graduate Dan Apicella has been forging a flourishing and successful career as a music producer & DJ as well as running highly successful Trance label 'SPX Digital'.The label has been described by many top leading industry figure heads as one of the most forward thinking and diverse record labels to have come into fruition in the last two years, with many releases gaining key Radio 1 airplay along with continued A-list support around the globe, not to mention many appearing on well known leading compilations such as ARMADA, MONSTER TUNES, ENHANCED, MONDO RECORDS & UNDERGROUND IBIZA.
As a producer Dan has already had a number of huge releases to his credit, best known for his work under the alias of U4IC DJ’s, his original and collaborative productions such as FULL THROTTLE, GENERATION, BIG TOP & 3 SPIRIT have all gained global success. GENERATION has been the biggest to date where it received 3 consecutive weeks on Radio 1 by Judge Jules & Dave Pearce. Also a major part of the live act NRAPTURE, he took on the all time classic trance track ITS MY TURN by DARREN TATE & JUDGE JULES under their guise ANGELIC. His mix became a global smash and really got many eyes focusing on his talents in the studio.
CODA Release Debut EP
Former ACM students and Dubstep band CODA have been busy promoting their brand new EP entitled "The Breach" which is due for release on April 4th and is free to download from the bands website.The band are fast becoming a recognisable brand within the Debstep circles; with a legion of loyal fans that is ever-growing, and a unique sound that sets them apart from the pack, CODA are making huge waves.
To celebrate the EP launch, the band will be performing at the EP Launch party at The Brixton Jam on 7th April
ACM Caught up with the guys to talk about their EP, the launch party, and how they feel about their new found status!
Affy Green by Royal Appointment!
ACM Drum graduate Affy Green has been chosen as one the 12 young musicians on 'Goldie's Band: By Royal Appointment' for BBC Two due to air over three saturdays - 26th March, April 2nd and April 9th 2011.
In a brand new three-part series, Goldie, the drum 'n' bass pioneer and DJ scouts raw musical talent across the country and sees his specially chosen group mentored by a team of industry experts including composer Guy Chambers, singer and rapper Ms Dynamite, jazz artist Soweto Kinch, and singer/songwriter Cerys Matthews culminating with a grand finale performance at Buckingham Palace, in the presence of guest of honour, Prince Harry.
Alex Katter
“This move will allow me to continue developing my current roster while working with the team here to discover new artists who can have long-term careers and global, crossover appeal."
Top work, Alex. ACM is very proud indeed. Whizzer!
Max Dolan
ACM Guitar and Music Production graduate Max Dolan has recently performed on the Noel Redding album Experience Sessions on the song 'How Can I Live?' alongside Noel and Mitch Mitchell and produced by Eddie Kramer.
Max has also been working with the people at Abbey Road on his new album and a few of those songs are out now and getting played on BBC Radio. He's now doing interviews with the bbc and his fanbase is spanning across the globe. Great news, Max. Rinsin' fresh, yeah!
Robb Grant
ACM bassist Robb Grant graduated from ACM in '97 and spent the next few years touring the UK, and Europe extensively, with a number of bands, showcasing to major and indie labels.
Robb later went on to do sessions for producers/writers/artists such as: Nick Tauber (Thin Lizzy, Marillion), Chris Kimsey (The Rolling Stones, INXS), Benedict Langmaid (Kubb, LaRoux) James Bourne (Busted), Shayne Ward (X-Factor winner), singer/songwriter Pete DuPon, Nigel of Bermondsey (ex Gay Dad) and many more.
He has also recorded in some of the worlds best studios, such as Air and Olympic, and performed on TV shows/channels including X-Factor, MTV, Nickleodeon, Koko Pop(T4), Alan Titchmarsh, 5-Live and loads more.
He is now playing for X-Factor winner Shayne Ward, whose new single "Gotta Be Somebody" is out now. Robb has also just struck an endorsement deal with Sandberg guitars who make high end, incredibly versatile basses. Lovely.
Dekko and Subterra
ACM production students Subterra (Tim Vassallo) and his brother Dekko (Jon Vassallo) are two up-and-coming drum & bass DJ / Producers with forthcoming releases on Invisible and Dispatch.
After working together and experimenting with their sound and spending loads of time developing skills they got their first release, Eclipse on Ruse Records. Not long after, they started getting a bit more interest in their tracks by other labels and DJs. Further interest was generated and eventually they got signings from Frequency Records, 31 Records, Nu Directions sister label Diverse Products, Shiva Sound System and, most recently, Noisia's new label Invisible.
Check out their boxfresh interview on Kmag website below. Recognise!
Play the Guitar on the MTV
There has been a fantastic week of ACM students, graduates and alumni performing on the tellybox across the UK. Kicking things off were amazing performances on top music broadcast 'Later with Jools Holland'. On the line up with Jools were guitarist Nick Tsang (the Ting Tings), bassist Ted Dwane (Mumford & Sons) and degree production student Ellie Fletcher (Crystal Fighters). Loads more on Jools' webpage. Check it out.
In X-Factor news, vocalist Geneva Lane is performing live on the show as part of girl band Belle Amie, Business student John Budding has played keyboards with One Direction and ACM Graduate Chris Leonard (Busted, Son of Dork) is Music Director for the house band. Brilliant work guys.
It's Like Nick Tsang and Ting!
ACM Guitar graduate Nick Tsang has joined The multi-million selling, Grammy nominated, Ivor Novello winning, international indie pop duo the Ting Tings. Since graduating from ACM in 2009, completing the Diploma, Higher Diploma and Degree courses, Nick has had an incredible rise in the live music industry. His attitude, work ethic and professionalism has landed him work with the likes of Mr Hudson, Backstreet Boys, The Saturdays, Beverly Knight, Go: Audio, Zarif and many others.
Nick Webb and Ironik
ACM Music Production graduate Nick Webb has been forging out a successful career writing music for the advertising industry. Nick currently has music on the latest BBC iPlayer adverts showing on BBC1, as well as ads for Sharps bedrooms and Dolphin bathrooms. In the last year he has also written music for the Daily Mirror, Frubes yoghurts and a viral campaign for Lotus F1.
Nick has also written and produced for commercial artists, including R&B, grime and hip hop artist Ironik, and had writing credits on three tracks of his 2009 album 'No Point In Wasting Tears'.
When asked about his time at ACM, Nick said, "The ACM was a great experience for me, and very useful in strengthening my resolve in starting out in the industry."
Lucy Weston & BASCA presents Songfest
ACM Music Business graduate Lucy Weston is single-handedly organising and running Songfest 2010; a new songwriting event that runs from 25th - 27th October. If you write your own songs or write for others, this is going to be the songwriting event of the year!
Presented by BASCA, home of the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards, SongFest is an exclusive gathering of young songwriters, music industry professionals, award-winning songwriters and unsigned artists.
Songfest takes place at the amazing Brickhouse in Shoreditch and will feature an selection of ex-ACM artists (Natalie Ross, Jay Evans, Gareth Sandhu, Susie Clarke and Chris Nugent) as well as networking and advice seminars and interviews (with a few surprise performances thrown in!). Each day there will be three seminars, a speed dating event and an evening showcase. Check out the Songfest website for further info, location, tickets etc.
It's a Standard Procedure for Dirty Harrison
ACM Music Production degree student Harrison Brewer (aka Dirty Harrison) has teamed up with DJ Natty to form Standard Procedure. The duo have just released their debut EP entitled 'Twisted' which is a Dubstep and DnB record which will, and I quote, "...make your neighbours vomit!" Grody. Grody to the max, dude.
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
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
Read more of this article at music business school news
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....
Read more of this article at music business school news
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.
The Royal Cartel - Ready to Facilitate your Rock Needs
"The best unsigned rock band in London at the moment”
The Gaff, London
“Oh yeah, I dig it! Best of luck to The Royal Cartel”
Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big/Steve Vai/David Lee Roth)
“The best rock band I’ve heard in years!”
Steve Burnwood - CEO of MusicNow
The Royal Cartel have become one of the hottest groups in Southern England with their outstanding live shows. With many of the band members having studied, gigged and worked at ACM, The Royal Cartel are an ACM band through and through. We caught up with bassist Lzi to find out a little bit more about what's been happening in Royal Cartel world.
So how did you get onto the bill for Download 2012 (10th Anniversary)?
"We came first in the Marshall Amplification Ultimate Band Contest, a national battle of the bands where we beat 700+ other bands to reach the final. We ended up winning the live event (in Milton Keynes) picking up a years endorsement from Marshall and a slot at Download 2012."
How does it feel to know you're going to be playing at the same bill as Black Sabbath, The Prodigy and Metallica?
“Its unreal! Its such an honour to be playing alongside three of the biggest names in music! They are all pioneers in their own right. It still hasn’t really sunk in yet though, its our biggest achievement to date and we want to make sure that we make our mark on 2012!”
With influences including Soundgarden, Filter, Foo Fighters, Pantera and a fair amount of 90s rock and metal, The Royal Cartel’s self titled debut release, is certain to make an impact on you. Recorded by Mike Hunter of Parr Street Studios in Liverpool, the release manages to bring out the raw energy from the group - something not usually seen in a group so young.
Off the back of their recent support of prog-rockers Marillion in Holland, The Royal Cartel have had the thumbs up from both RoadRunner and EMI. Safe to say the band has a promising future ahead.
Find out more about Royal Cartel or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Miles Mitchell - ACM Hdip Production Alumni
Even before graduating from ACM’s Music Production Higher Diploma course in 2010, Miles Mitchell wasted no time in putting his new found skills into practice.
While still studying at ACM, Miles was hired to produce a track for an album by Skepta. The album entitled ‘Doin it Again’ came out at the beginning of 2011 and featured at Number 19 in the album charts. Miles has also produced tracks for various labels, including Ministry of Sound and Rinse.
Miles also runs his own label called Gobstopper Records who recently released their third EP, which featured at number 7 in the Juno garage charts during December 2011.
Recently Miles has been involved in the launch of a new website BeatFighter.co.uk in which producers (beatmakers) go head to head in a battle of the beats. Each month the public vote for their favourite tracks and at the end of the month the winning tracks go up for sale. Two months since it’s launch BeatFighter.co.uk is already generating a growing number of dedicated visitors.
Remember, if you’re an ACM Alumni and you’d like to share your story since leaving ACM, email us at
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- don’t forget to include a nice photo of yourself!
For more information about the Audio & Music Production School or to enquire about an Audio Production course at ACM, get in touch with our Admissions Team or call 01483 500 800.
ACM Student Set to Tour with X Factor’s One Direction
Outstanding... ACM Guitar Degree Student Joe Badger will be touring with the X Factor finalists One Direction for the band’s debut tour playing with supporting act Matt Lonsdale.
Joe, who is currently studying a guitar degree at ACM, will be on the bands debut sell-out tour for two months in front of thousands of One Direction fans. Despite this Joe remains unfazed performing to such large crowds - for example 14,000 at Dublin’s O2 - and highlighted the incredible opportunity and experience.
Speaking about the upcoming Tour Joe said, “I’m not too nervous about it just yet but we’ll see nearer the time... A personal highlight will be playing at the Birmingham NIA”.
After the excitement of the two-month tour, Joe plans to return to ACM to finish his degree, whilst continuing to pursue a career as a self-employed freelance musician.
If you'd like to know more about ACM's Guitar Performance course get in touch with our Admissions Team on 01483 500 800.
Woo Woos - Glass Two Thirds Full with ACM
ACM Vocal Alumni Nicky MacPherson and Anastasia Dhanraj are two thirds of the Woo Woos; a girl trio with the potential to do big things. This was the verdict of The Guardian’s Paul Lester when he promoted them as his ‘New Band for the Day’.
Read the full Guardian New Band Review
The group are about release their debut single on the famed Moshi Moshi Singles Club, a series that has delivered debut releases from Florence & The Machine, Friendly Fires, The Drums, Kate Nash, Lykki Li, CocknBullKid, Slow Club and Big Deal.
With recording under way in New York, their debut album is due for release next year and it seems clear that The Woo Woos are going to create a stir with their 90s trip-hop and pop chorus styles.
Here’s the buzz on the street: "Combining the cute, effortless vocals of Sugababes 1.0 and the trip hop-meets-pop production of Sugababes 2.0, WooWoos could be out new favourite girl band" Source: like1999.blogspot.com.
Commenting on the Woo Woos rising profile the BDC’s Suzi Ireland highlighted their humble beginnings at ACM; “Nicky and Tasie worked closely with us during their time here at ACM and are in continual contact with the BDC seeking advice with each new venture they take part in. Keep an eye out for Woowoos performing at a Livelink next term!”
Follow the Woo Woos on Facebook for more information about their upcoming releases. If you’d like to know more about ACM’s Vocal School and our range of music performance courses get in touch with our Admissions Team on 01483 500 800.
Lyrics get Social - ACM Alumni takes Music to the Mass
Ed Gain studied and graduated from ACM's Music Business degree in 2004. Since then he's had some amazing opportunities and thought he'd share what he's been up to.
Long time no speak Ed! what prompted the call?
"I noticed on ACM’s news blog that you sometimes cover what ACM graduates are up to in the music industry. I thought it may be of interest what I've since gone on to do since graduating from ACM as I've recently launched a very unique music lyrics website."
So how did this entrepreneurial spirit come from?
"While I was at ACM I was also simultaneously running my own web design business, which eventually grew to seven staff with several size able clients. Then in 2009 the business was acquired by a London agency and since then I've been able to pursue my interest in music again."
That's great news - how come your music ended up on the back-burner?
"After I graduated from ACM I was so busy running the business that I just didn't have the time, but I'm pleased to say that I can now combine what I learnt from my Music Business degree at ACM with my web development skills to produce LyricStatus.com"
So what's LyricStatus.com all about?
"LyricStatus.com is a song lyrics website that lets you quote lyrics directly to your Facebook status."
Sounds like a simple, but great idea - where did the idea for LyricStatus.com come from?
"Lyrics have always played a part in social networking, even in the pre-Facebook era, sometimes taking the form of MSN screen names or MySpace titles, but some of the existing lyrics websites don't make life easy for users.
LyricStatus.com taps into this continuing lyric quoting trend, with the added touch of leaving a link behind on your lyric status so that users can click to see what the actual song is that's being quoted. All in all LyricStatus.com is a breath of fresh air, with a clean, clear design and minimal advertising."
Any last shameless plugs ;) -
"You can quote your favourite lyrics right now by visiting LyricStatus.com….oh and the site also boasts over 600,000 songs from Aerosmith to ZZ Top and having the most complete and accurate lyrics database available!"
Our thanks to Ed for taking the time to catch us up on his AMAZING process since graduating from ACM. If you're interested in learning a little more about the Music Business Degree that Ed completed or ACM’s Music Business School then get in touch with our Admissions Team on 01483 500 800.
That’s Better, That’s ACM - Creative Sound Design Student Success
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Former Creative Sound Design alumni, Stuart Sibley tells us what he’s been up to since graduating from ACM as well as about his recent success, completing the arrangement and recording for Tetley Tea’s latest television advertisement.
Tell us a little bit about what you've been up to since ACM -
“I started working for an indie label while still at uni, then moved to Universal after I had graduated from ACM in 2009 with a 2.1 in Creative Sound Design. While at Universal I started to apply for a few ads and musical bits and finally got my first break-through with a piece for a National Theatre ad.”
Wow sounds like you landed on your feet, but guess that's not where the story ends -
“After this initial success and after spreading a lot of CV's about I started as a producer/sound designer/composer at Candle. I've been here four months now and so far I have worked on various ads (most haven’t been aired yet due to the length of production time required), but these have included Age UK, Shell and the Tetley spot that you may have seen recently.”
Check out Stuart’s work for Tetley
“Candle are involved in all aspects of music and soundtrack production. Music composition, arrangement, sound design, sonic branding, copyright and licensing negotiation, music searches, radio production, voice casting and animatics are our main areas of expertise. The heart of Candle's work lies in TV commercial soundtracks and radio production, but we cover all areas of sound production.”
So back to Tetley - can you tell us a little bit more about the production process behind the ad -
“The production process for Tetley – Just The Way You Are, started with a brief from the agency Dare. We did various demo versions including a Brass band (which later got adapted into the final piece). I then arranged the strings and produced the final mix which you hear on the ad. We had a live brass band and pianist in to play our version of the Billy Joel piece.”
What tools do you use and what's process you use?
“I work in Logic and Pro Tools in our purpose built studio. We composed to an animatic and storyboard while the ad was in development, then sent our master to a dubbing studio to be finished with the voiceover.”
Have you got any advice for ACM students who might be interested in carving a career in sound design and production?
“Everyone will find a different path into their career, but I did it through work experience and helping out on no/low budget productions. While at ACM I helped out as a boom operator, did a few weeks at Technicolor post production and then a 6 month stint at an indie label. More than anything else working with other people and companies makes you feel confident in what you do. The CV points and contacts is of course another bonus. You can’t tie yourself down to one specific direction, if you are open for various avenues of work then you have much more chance of getting a gig. Lastly – don’t rely on an emailed CV, show up with one in your hand, put together a decent reel, even if you have no spots of your own on air yet.”
Our thanks to Stuart for taking the time to update us on his progress since leaving ACM. If you would like to know more about ACM’s Production School or ACM’s Creative Sound Design course, contact our Admissions Team or call 01483 500 800.
Paula Frost - The Drummer for Pris
Major congratulations to Paula Frost who has just been confirmed as the drummer for Pris.
Since completing ACM's Drum Diploma course last year, Paula has been hard at work and will now be taking to the stage with her new band mates!
Managed by Hall or Nothing - a music management agency who manage the likes of Manic Street Preachers and The Horrors - Pris is a four piece who take their inspiration from the likes of Buzzcocks, Courtney Love and the early performances from Madonna.
Paula's inaugural gig was at Southsea Fest and next on the schedule is Factor 251 on October 7th in Manchester.
To find out more about Pris and their upcoming gigs visit www.prisoff.co.uk or visit their Myspace or Facebook Page.
Josh on tour with Katy B
Congratulations to ACM Tour Production and Management student Josh De Marcos for successfully gaining a backline tech placement on the recent Katy B tour.
Katy B's profile as an artist has an artist has been steadily increasing within the UK, after her debut appearance of Magnetic Man's smash Dubstep single Perfect Stranger.
Since then, Katy has had some huge tunes hit the charts, including 'Lights On feat. Ms. Dynamite', 'Louder' and the brand new single 'Broken Record'.
The 'On A Mission tour' is scheduled to run until November and promises to be a killer!
Songwriting Competition 2011
The ACM Songwriting Competition 2011 saw some of the Academy's brightest stars take to the stage and perform original material in front of a capacity audience at Guildford's leading creative arts venue, The Boileroom.
thre were performances of songs on the night by George Peploe, Charlotte Olivia, Tommy Monroe, Josh Edwards, Grainne O, Martha Paton, Moteh Parrott, Karina Vismara, Hannah Perrin, Gary Kingham (Mellor) and also a DJ set from Zomboy
Winning the competition was ACM degree student Karina Vismara, with a song entitled 'Only You' which fought off hundreds of other entries to claim the prize. Chosen by Warner Chappell Music, Karina netted £500 of Andertons music store vouchers.
“The final 10 songs were all of high quality, but there were 3 or 4 of true potential. It was unfortunate only one writer could win, but as a competition it certainly helped highlight the talent pool the ACM have amassed & developed.”
Ryan Farley, Warner Chappell
Ben Travers - Smooth Operator
Ben Travers, Higher Diploma Guitar student circa 1999 is enjoying the life of a real session player, as the guitarist on Sade’s latest chart topping album, ‘The Ultimate Collection’. Ben plays on the 3 previously unreleased tracks, including the hit ‘Love is found’. Ben has also performed with Guitarist such as; Eric Burdon (The Animals), Adrian Vandenberg (Whitesnake), Hank Marvin (The Shadows) and Stochelo Rosenberg (Sinti-Gypsy jazz guitarist).
As well as being a professional session musician, and part time tutor Ben has also had great success with his current band, Gypsyfire, who are headlining the ‘Oxford Jazz Festival’, ‘IGGF’ and the ‘Bakewell Acoustic Music Festival’ this year.
Ben back on Tour with Clare Maguire
ACM drum graduate Ben Kennedy is back on tour with new Universal artist Clare Maguire - view her website Clare's profile as an artist has been steadily growing as she returns to the road.It all kicks off with the European leg with The Hurts, before returning to the UK to support The Script on their arena tour.
To add to this, Ben will be embarking on a two month long tour of the US, with recording artist Natasha Beddingfield in July, expanding his CV even further.
Ted Dwane Wins Brit Award with Mumford & Sons
ACM Bass graduate Ted Dwane, of English folk-rock band Mumford & Sons, collected a Brit Award on 15th February when the band’s debut album ‘Sigh No More’ (Island Records) was awarded Mastercard Best British Album Of The Year.
The band was nominated for 3 Brit Awards in total and performed live on the night. The news follows a critically acclaimed live performance at the US Grammys in early February, where the band earned two Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Rock Song.
ACM’s Ian Edwards said, “ACM is extremely proud of Ted and the Mumford boys’ achievements this year. This Brit Award represents all their hard work.”
Mumford & Sons join previous ACM Brit Award nominees, such as Newton Faulkner nominated for Best Male Solo Artist in 2008, Amelle Berrabah of Sugababes nominated for Best British Single in 2006, and Camilla Kerslake nominated for Album of the Year in 2010 at the Classical Brit Awards.
When Guitars and Comics Collide
Higher Diploma Guitar student Llexi Leon has forged an unusual career after leaving ACM. The guitarist and comic book fan has managed to merge his two favourite things into the guitar hero comic book series Eternal Descent. "I learned a lot from some of the great tutors like Giorgio, Pete and Jamie. More importantly, the time I spent at ACM highlighted my weaknesses, and the many areas which required my attention."
The comic series revolves around supernatural musicians (and featuring real musicians), accompanied by a concept album soundtrack. Since starting the comic Llexi has been branching out into animation and games working with many of his favorite brands including ESP Guitars, Marshall Amplification, Ovation, Digitech and DiMarzio.
Llexi has also been fortunate enough to collaborate with some of his favorite acts like Static X, Atreyu, Firewind, Shadows Fall, God Forbid, Queensryche and Soulfly. Aces!
More recently, Llexi started work on his second album working with producer Eddie Kramer, whose involvement has enabled Llexi to perform with some exceptional musicians like Gregg Bissonette and Billy Sheehan. Amaze-o!
Llexi is now networking with a life changing roster of industry directors and presidents such as Universal Music Publishing, SONY music group and SONY Interactive to bring his comic book concept to life on a grander scale.
There are even a few cool signature instrument products lined up for next year too which include a range of guitars and a stomp box that mimics Llexi's studio sound.
Man, this one busy dude! Totally awesome work, Llexi.
Joe Badger
ACM Degree Guitarist Joe Badger has recently done sessions and been out touring with singer / songwriter Charlee Drew (pictured above) during the summer of 2010. Fresh, and that, yeah.
Olie Thomas
ACM Music Production Degree graduate Oliver Thomas is rocking the US music scene with his band Stockholm. Formed in 2009, Stockholm have had massive success over the past year creating a sound inspired by Coldplay and The Killers.
Since releasing their debut EP, Stockholm have played all over The States, been approached by labels such as Interscope and Universal, shot their debut music video (which is played in every Planet Hollywood restaurant around the world), opened for Less Than Jake and The Jonas Brothers, and are about to finish recording their first full length album. Awesomeness.
Ben Kennedy
ACM drum graduate Ben Kennedy is currently playing with new Universal artist Clare Maguire - view her website - on a month long tour with Hurts and Plan B. Clare recently won a Q Award for 'Next Biggest Thing' and is definitely one to watch for next year. Ben is set to play a ton of promo shows in November for The Album Chart Show and HMV too. He is also playing with Shayne Ward on this Sunday's X-Factor promoting Shayne's new single 'Gotta Be Somebody'. Ben is also looking forward to getting back out on tour with Ladyhawke in Australia this December; he said, "It's been almost a year since I finished touring with her so really looking forward to that one!"
iMMa rocks with Mika
ACM Vocal Graduate iMMa (aka Erika Footman) has been touring the globe, rocking packed out stadiums as backup vocalist for powerpop singer / songwriter Mika.
iMMa has also been busy releasing her new EP 'Good Girls and Bad Boys'. In contrast to Mika's pop sensibilities, iMMa's EP is an orgy of diverse rock, delivered with tremendous self belief and zeal. Check it out! For those of you at ACM this year, iMMa will be coming in to deliver a masterclass on Thurs 4th Nov at 1.30pm in the Demo Theatre. Don't miss it, kids!
X-Factor Dreams for Geneva Lane
Ex-ACM vocalist Geneva Lane (pictured far left) is now appearing on Simon Cowell's hit ITV1 show 'The X-Factor'. Geneva has her sights firmly set on pop superstardom after thinking she was out of the competition only to be saved at the last minute when Simon Cowell put her and three others into girl group Belle Amie.
Nicole Scherzinger commented, "We feel that you are too talented to let go of."
With the live shows now broadcasting every Saturday, Geneva is busier than ever rehearsing and performing with Belle Amie under the expert tutelage of music mogul Simon Cowell.
Geneva said, "I also would like to thank you all for an amazing year at ACM, without your help I would not have had the confidence to enter."
Make sure you check out Geneva and Belle Amie on the X-Factor and, if the desire takes you, grab your mobile and vote. ACM will be voting and backing her all the way! Go, Geneva, Go!
Will Lowes goes to Woodstock
As part of a series of initiatives, production degree graduate Will Lowes was recommended and selected to work in the studio as in-house engineer. Big congratulations, Will. You rule.
Ted Dwane Enjoys Success with Mumford & Sons
ACM Bass graduate Ted Dwane, pictured above wearing a loose-fitting, grey fabric waistcoat, has been scaling the music industry heights with popular folk-rock beat-combo Mumford & Sons.
Since releasing their debut album 'Sigh No More' in 2009 on Island Records, M&S have performed on the prestigious John Peel Stage at Glastonbury 2010 and the 'BBC Radio 1 Presents...Mumford & Sons and Friends' with Laura Marling, The Maccabees and Bombay Bicycle Club. Ooh-argh!
In March 2010, an interview with Ray Davies revealed that Mumford & Sons would appear on his forthcoming collaborations album. Most recently M&S have been featured on Dermot O'Leary Presents The Saturday Sessions (2010) with their track 'The Cave' taken from their debut album.
"It's only a matter of time before someone books them to headline Glastonbury 2011." Alex Needham, theGuardian.co.uk, June 2010.
Films of Colour get the Green Light
ACM band Films of Colour (aka Spires) have recently signed to Label Fandango and are set to release their new single 'Actions' on 4th October 2010. The band, formed of Andy Clutterbuck, James Rees-Flynn, James Hatcher and Jack Allison, stopped by recently for an interview with ACMs very own Amy Field.
Wanna see what they had to say for themselves, eh? Course you do.
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 industry's biggest International Music Conference.This year a song from 1st year degree student Anil Kishan (pictured) made it into the final MTV synchronisation forum beating off over 5,000 entries...
Read more of this article at music business school news
Doing the Business in Brighton
30 students from the ACM Business School flocked down to the seaside in May for the Great Escape Festival where they were invited to a range of informative talks & panel debates including...
Read more of this article at music business school news
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).
