Moses Sonson – From School Concerts to Misha B

From school concerts, to the Royal College of Music, to ACM’s Drum Diploma and Higher Diploma courses. Moses “Mo Slicks” Sonson began his love affair with the drums, when as a child his mum took him along to church. It was here Moses developed his early drum playing skills and ‘ear’ for picking things up quickly.

Since then, Moses has played for the Silver Echoes Steel Band, featured in a music video for Gary Phelan (EMI Artist “Burning the sun”), worked with a group called M.I.T.S.O.T.U. (appeared on X Factor) and invited by fellow ACM songwriter/guitarist George Peploe to play with MassMatiks (supported wheatus and played a host of festivals including Guilfest, Beach Break and the Great Escape Festival). ACM caught up with Mose to find out what he’s been up to since graduating from ACM in 2012.

What motivated you to come and study at ACM?
In year nine, my school choir took part in a School’s concert. I played drums that night and was approached by Peter Hewit, the Head of the Royal College of Music Junior Department and eventually went on study music percussion and theory for four years.

During my last year at RCM, Cameron Sinclair (Percussion/Theory tutor) recommended that i studied at ACM because of the Contemporary/Popular factor. Soon after i finished RCM I came to an open day at ACM and was completely blown away by the facilities – I knew this was going to be a good place for me.

What was the best part about studying at ACM?
The best part for me whilst I was at ACM was the Facilities and the LPW (Live Performance Workshops). I felt like I was in heaven as I was able to play drums whenever i wanted, day & night. I’ve always had to watch the sound levels at my mum’s house because of the neighbours, but being at ACM, I didn’t need to worry.

I loved and looked forward to the live performance workshop class each week. Playing and practicing songs with other musicians really helped me to and respect the music and play for the song.

Tell us about what you’ve been up to since leaving ACM?
Since leaving ACM I’ve done a bit of teaching in primary schools and a secondary school doing band and rhythmical workshops. I was lucky enough to get offered a gig playing for Vince kidd towards the end of 2012 which led onto further work with artist such as Bluey Robinson, Amplify Dot, Squeeks, and Misha B.

Whilst playing for these artist i had the pleasure of working with an old friend and someone I admire as a person and a drummer, Josh Mckenzie.

I’m also currently working on my promo video/short fim called “Take a trip to Mo-town” which will feature me playing and informing the public about who i am! (Out in April 2013)

Do you have any advice or tips for our current ACM students?
My advice to any musician studying or looking to study at ACM would be:

• PLAY, PRACTICE and NETWORK as much as you possibly can.
• Appreciate that there are some amazingly talented tutors and never take them for granted.
• Take full advantage of the tutorials and try and keep a healthy balance between your life in ACM and you Professional life outside ACM. Finally, always remember who you are as a person and a player.

ACM would like to thank Moses for taking the time update us on his projects since leaving ACM and we wish him well for the future.

For more information on Moses Sonson and for his latest news follow him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.