Newton Faulkner

ACM Celebrates Alumni Success ft. Newton Faulkner and Matt Healy

29 Mar 2019

This post was written more than two years ago. The content or information below may no longer be accurate.

For over two decades, ACM has provided world-class educational experiences to students aspiring to build and sustain long-lasting careers in the creative industries.

This month, we are celebrating alumni success, from multiple BRIT Award wins to chart-topping albums and more. The alumni listed below are but a small selection taken from a long list of successful former ACM students; our alumni network is now over 15,000 graduates strong, and we are equally proud of every student who goes on to achieve the job and career of their dreams.

Matt Healy (The 1975, ACM Vocal Alumnus)
Having won a pair of 2019 BRIT Awards for ‘British Group’ and ‘British Album of the Year’ – adding to the collection started with their 2017 BRIT Award for ‘British Group’ – The 1975, fronted by ACM Vocal alumnus Matt Healy, are busy making this year their most successful yet. Since their eponymous debut album became a chart-topper back in 2013, The 1975 have also claimed the Number 1 spot with their 2016 sophomore effort I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it and third record A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships. The latter was released in 2018, won the aforementioned 2019 ‘Album of the Year’ BRIT, and is due to be followed in quick succession by Notes on a Conditional Form this May.

Dan Priddy & Mark Crew (Best Laid Plans, ACM Production Alumni)
After graduating from ACM, Dan Priddy and Mark Crew went on to form Best Laid Plans Records and discovered Rag’n’Bone Man, before writing and producing his critically acclaimed Number 1 debut album Human, which includes the international hit single of the same name. Dan Priddy also works with artists such as James Arthur, Tom Tripp, and James Cherry, while Mark Crew has produced records with bands such as The Wombats and Bastille, including the latter’s Number 1 albums Bad Blood and Wild World.

Newton Faulkner (Solo Artist, ACM Guitar Alumnus)
As one of the UK’s most instantly recognisable singer-songwriters, Newton Faulkner has developed an extensive back catalogue that contains several UK Top 10 albums, and a pair of Number 1 long-players. His first, Hand Built by Robots, showcased his signature percussive guitar style and emotionally impactful vocals, while the songs on the second – 2012’s Write It on Your Skin – were designed to be played live. A notably hard-touring musician, Newton Faulkner is also a festival regular, and has returned to ACM to pass on his knowledge to our students through one-of-a-kind masterclasses.

 
Katy Hurt (Solo Artist, ACM Creative Artist Alumna)
After spending part of her childhood in America before moving back to the UK, studying at ACM, and immersing herself in a range of musical genres, Katy Hurt has become a notable name within the UK’s country music scene. With an iTunes UK Country Number 1 single (“Love You More”) in her back pocket, countless live shows behind and ahead of her, and stages shared with Liam Gallagher, Jools Holland, Jose Feliciano and Toploader, Katy’s future looks truly limitless.

 
Eve Fairley-Chickwe (A&R Manager, ACM Business & Innovation Alumna)
Although women remain underrepresented in the music business, ACM graduate Eve Fairley-Chickwe is relentlessly pushing for change. As an A&R Manager at Kobalt and AWAL, she has signed such artists as Loyle Carner, Mahalia, and Jack Garratt – and Eve is also part of SIREN, a collective that aims to increase diversity within the dance music scene. Diversity, inclusion, and equality are all core ACM values, and we are immensely proud to have Eve as part of our global alumni network.

Joe Clegg (Drummer / Musical Director, ACM Drums Alumnus)
Since his time at ACM, Joe Clegg has worked with pop icon Ellie Goulding as her drummer and musical director for an entire decade. He also has musical direction credits including Mumford & Sons, Clean Bandit, and Years & Years, and has played at such notable venues as Wembley Stadium and Madison Square Garden, as well as a royal wedding. Joe is an ideal role model for drummers aiming to expand their abilities beyond the kit.

Emma Hughes (Touring Bassist, ACM Bass Alumna)
For the last seven years, Emma has worked alongside platinum-selling international pop star Kate Nash as part of her live backing band, after getting the gig through an ACM audition. Emma also plays with hard rockers Electric Pyramid, supporting Queen in Eastern Europe and working with a list of notable producers including Larry Hibbit (Hundred Reasons, Marmozets, Don Broco), ACM alumnus Filippo Cimatti (Jeff Beck, Bones), and John Cornfield (Muse, Supergrass).

Will Driscoll (Tech & Production Manager, ACM Technical Services Alumnus)
Having already completed his first arena tour while studying for his A-levels, Will was naturally motivated to continue his education at ACM. He has now worked with everyone from Little Mix and Jessie J to Razorlight and The Vaccines while touring the world, working everywhere from Wembley Arena to Glastonbury, and even staying in 6-star hotels. Will’s down-to-earth attitude, creative problem-solving skills, and willingness to get stuck into jobs big and small all mark him out as a highly reputable tech and production manager.


If you dream of achieving success in the creative industries, come along to one of our Open Days. We can’t wait to see what our alumni do next – and we’d love to welcome you into the ACM community.

Open Days