Drumming has been in ACM Alumni (Drums Higher Diploma & Degree 2012) Belinda Webb’s blood from an early age.
Inspired by her dad and grandad (both drummers), Belinda was introduced to drummers such as Buddy Rich and John Bonham and an array of musical genres including rock, pop, soul, funk and reggae, which helped shape her love for the instrument and convince her to better her skills through education and practise.
ACM caught up with Belinda to talk about what she’s been up to since leaving ACM.
What motivated you to come and study at the ACM?
I came to ACM in 2009 to study on the higher diploma drums course, to then progress onto the degree. After a few years away from education and getting a feel for what it involves to make a career from drumming; it felt like the right time to submerse myself in my studies again. The thing that set the ACM apart, for me, were the tutors and to be back in an environment where I would be studying alongside like-minded people. When I came to an open day I loved the general vibe of the place and knew it was where I wanted to study.
What was the best part about studying at the ACM?
The calibre of the tutors, to be taught by drummers like Pete Riley, Alun Harries, Jon Duff and Frank Tontoh was inspiring on a daily basis. Also tutors across all disciplines as well, they’re all really supportive.
While I was studying, I was involved in a few different projects and depped on a musical “All Shook Up” in the Ashcroft Theatre, Fairfield Halls.
I also met the artist I currently play for, Emma Stevens, through a mutual friend of ours at the ACM. Emma used to study at the ACM, where she met Sam Whiting (guitar), who also plays in Emma’s backing band.
Tell us what you’ve been up to since leaving the ACM and who have you been working with?
Straight after finishing the degree, I was back out playing some shows and festivals with Emma. That continued for the rest of the year touring on support slots and promoting Emma’s first EP. During this time I was also doing some dep work for local (Oxfordshire) based bands. I first started playing for Emma back in February 2012; it’s been amazing to have been part of the process almost from scratch and to see the progress and achievements Emma has attained already in little over a year.
Earlier this year I got the call to play for American artist, Jenn Bostic, on her 3 week debut headline tour across the UK and Ireland, which was awesome! We were touring her current album “Jealous”, which her first single “Jealous of the Angels” had reached over 1.2 million views on YouTube and was number one in the UK singer-songwriter charts. “Jealous of the Angels” also won Jenn 5 awards at the 2012 Independent Country Music Association Awards.
We were also promoting the release of her second single “Not Yet”. After touring with Jenn (Emma was the main support for the tour), I was back gigging with Emma for the release of her second EP, with Emma’s new single “Once”. Both Jenn and Emma were play listed on Radio 2 for four weeks after appearing on the Terry Wogan show together.
What’s been your proudest moment/career highlight so far?
Recently we played at the Cavern Club with Emma. There was such a great vibe there and because of the history of the place it was a bit of a ‘tick in the box’ moment for me.
So what’s on the horizon for 2013?
Over the summer I’ll be doing some shows and festivals with Emma in conjunction with the release of her third EP. Then in September/October I’ll be joining Emma on tour, supporting an artist called Sam Gray on his UK tour.
Do you have any advice or tips for our current ACM students?
There are a lot of aspects to the music industry that I’m discovering, but I think it’s definitely beneficial to be involved in a variety of projects while studying at the ACM. Through this you’ll soon meet the people you connect with on a music and personal level. Just persevere with whichever path in the industry you wish to take!!
ACM would like to thank Belinda Webb for updating ACM on her recent work and wish her well with all her forthcoming projects. For more information about Belinda Webb follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
Photo credit to Belinda StrØmmen.
