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12 years after completing an ACM Guitar Diploma course in 2001, Alumni Sam Bosanquet has pursued a career as a session musician working with a host of artists and producers including Diana Vickers (XFactor) Nicol Dash-Jones (support tour for Alesha Dixon) Ria Ritchie (supporting Example), Emin (#1 Russian Artist), Guy Sigsworth (Britney Spears and Alanis Morissette), Chris Elms (Allison Moyet and Tinie Tempah), Matt Schwartz (Kylie Minogue and the Wanted ) Ryan Laubscher (Pixie Lott).
ACM caught up with Sam to talk about his experiences over the last decade and about his current projects.
What motivated you to come and study at ACM?
It was mainly the tutors that caught my attention. Pete Freisen, Jamie Humphries, Eric Roche, Dave Kilminster, Guthrie Govan. Being taught by these amazing musicians was so inspiring and I learnt a lot off of them all.
What was the best part about studying at ACM?
The people you meet, and the inspiration you get from sharing stories. The fact that you can make what is considered a dream to most people, into a serious career, which is encouraged on the courses. The live performance workshop every Friday in the Electric Theatre was a highlight of my week as it was a chance to mix with the other musicians, play some tunes and even get the chance to play alongside big names in the industry.
Tell us about what you’ve been up to since leaving ACM?
I now work full time in music as a session player however I have recently, in the past year started working with a new artist called Alex Louise. Together we have written her debut album, of which the single ‘Undercover’ has been released this week. This is a different side for me and I am really enjoying it. I am now starting to work with other artists with songwriting. Sometimes it will be me helping them with their ideas, sometime I take my ideas to them and they write to it.
Who have you been working with?
At the moment mainly Alex Louise. Not only writing and recording the album but also on the promo tours and radio sessions. That is taking up most of my time at the moment but I am still doing some session work around it, and there is a plan for an european arena tour with another artist from March.
What’s been your proudest moment/career highlights so far?
Playing the Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust with Diana Vickers. The venue has an amazingly overpowering awe about it and obviously is an iconic London venue. As a child i used to go there with my dad to see Eric Clapton play, when he was doing his stints there, and i always used to think i wonder what it’s like to be looking out at us (the audience) from the stage, as soon as i experienced that myself it was an emotional moment for me.
So what’s on the horizon for 2013?
More promotion with the Alex Louise single and album. An arena tour in Europe with another artist (which I can’t announce just yet). I also have some possible European dates with Alex Louise for later in the year too. I am also working with other artists songwriting – new artist Rachel G, as well as co-writing with Dan Smith from Noisettes for some new material.
Do you have any advice or tips for our current ACM students?
Make the most of your time at ACM. These people you meet are really important and whether they can help you now or in 10 years time it is important that you stay in touch with them. Make the most of every opportunity and all the amazing facilities, these will not be so easily accessible after you leave.
ACM would like to thanks Sam for getting back in touch with ACM and for taking the time to update us on his experiences in the music industry. We wish Sam well for his forthcoming projects.
Follow Sam Bosanquet on Twitter.
For more information about Alex Louise visit her website or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
