Plan B Producer and Session Musician Eric Appapoulay Visits ACM

ACM is privileged to be able to welcome music industry legends to Guildford and last week’s ACM Odeon Session Masterclass was no different. On Friday 17th October, ACM were delighted to welcome British singer, songwriter, composer, arranger, programmer, multi-instrumentalist and guitarist Eric Appapoulay.

Having become known as a major force on the live music scene, over his many years in the music industry Eric has toured, recorded and written with the likes of Lionel Richie, Neneh Cherry, Don Blackman, Beverly Knight, Plan B, Nitin Sawhney, Yusaf Islam and has been a mainstay with the Bedingfields (Eric is currently musical director for Daniel as well as fulfilling musician duties for sister Natasha).

“Real innovation is particularly refreshing in a musical climate when the mainstay seem content to follow.”
Daniel Bedingfield Speaking of his musical director Eric Appapoulay

During the masterclass session, Eric spoke at length about his involvement on the 2010 award-winning Plan B album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks which was worked on at London’s Sanctuary Recording Studio. Recording the album was a very organic process, and Eric highlighted the importance of recording absolutely everything in the studio.

Eric Appapoulay On His Musical Beginnings – Exclusive video footage from the ACM masterclass!

As well as taking questions from the ACM student audience, Eric showcased his impressive live performance talents performing an entrancing Nitin Sawhney guitar piece, a traditional Mauritian composition, and also jammed contemporary hits – such as Kings Of Leon – with the students. Jumping from instrument to instrument, it was impossible not to be in awe of Eric’s multi-instrumental talent and energy for the music he was creating.

ACM would like to thank Eric Appapoulay for dropping by Guildford and for taking the time to share his experiences of the international music industry.

Follow Eric Appapoulay on Facebook and Twitter.