There’s a reason why PH-ARM have gigged nearly the whole of Italy supporting the likes of Pendulum and Logistics…
Simply put, it’s because they rock! The band’s blend of riff-driven bass lines and live production gives them their genre-bending sound that has allowed PH-ARM to perform at major festivals, whilst also break into the club scene. We caught up with bassist and producer, Press, to find out what’s next for the band and everything he’s been up to since graduating from ACM. Bass face at the ready…
So, where did it all begin? Why did you want to work in this industry?
“It all starts with my Dad. When he was young he played in a band, so I grew up listening to his stories and musical experiences and playing songs with him in the living room. I turned 8 and studied piano, which unfortunately I don’t play as well as I did back then! When I was 15 years old I started to play bass guitar and study music theory.
Then I formed my first band… We were a metal covers band and that was my first introduction to playing music live. I continued with various bands of different musical genres and started writing my own songs which led to my first exposure to recording studios.
In 2011, along with friends, I made the band PH-ARM. Since then we’ve played festivals, we had the management agency ‘Just1’ work with us, approaches from major labels, and we’ve been fortunate enough to play live all around Italy – even opening for Pendulum and various other artists on the club scene like Antony Rother and Logistics!
Why do I want to work in this industry? Well, there aren’t many other industries that I can work and feel satisfied at the same time. I truly believe in what Confucius says: ‘Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work!’”
Tell us about the projects you’ve been involved with since graduating from ACM?
“Since I left ACM Sandro Giacometti (ACM alumni) and I produced PH-ARM’s new album ‘152’, which will be released this year.
Basically, I am focused on my band, it’s pretty much a full time job. We are collaborating with ‘KRMB Management’ who is currently based at Metropolis Studios, planning a tour of the UK and already writing for our second album and having a helluva time doing so!”
What are your aspirations for the future?
“I’d be happy being at peace with myself and making a living from music. However, if PH-ARM plays somewhere like Wembley Stadium or headline Glastonbury I can die more than happy… haha!”
How did your course prepare you for life in the music business world?
“At the Academy I had the opportunity to learn from real professionals which is a great start for life in the music business! My music production skills have improved too, it’s really opened my eyes to how the music industry works in the UK and the importance of networking.”
Do you have any advice for those looking to get in to industry?
“Make sure you’re prepared and have a plan for what you want to achieve. Be yourself. Never give up!”
Keep up to date with PH-ARM via… Website // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // SoundCloud
If you’d like to be a student at ACM and set yourself up for a successful career in the music industry, please call our Admissions Team on 01483 500 841 or visit www.acm.ac.uk/open-days/ to book a place on an ACM Open Day today.