bimm student SUCCESS STORIES

Check out the latest success stories + news from BIMM students - both past + present.
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SHANNON SAUNDERS - BIMM Bristol Professional Diploma Songwriting Graduate ‘11.

SHANNON SAUNDERS - BIMM Bristol Professional Diploma Songwriting Graduate ‘11. BIMM Bristol graduate Shannon Saunders who sang the theme tune to recent Disney movie ’Tangled’, has spoken of her excitement at recording her new single at Abbey Road studios in London. Shannon, who won Disney’s Camp Rock talent contest last year and has notched up over 1m views on her YouTube channel, said she cried with happiness at working in the same studios where the Beatles recorded. Her youtube page link is www.youtube.com/shannooonx

SHANNON SAUNDERS - BIMM Bristol Professional Diploma Songwriting Graduate ‘11.

BIMM Bristol vocalist releases album (July 11)

BIMM Bristol musician Celestine Walcott Gordon is reviewed in the Musician Magazine for her upcoming album Secret Side. Celestine who has worked with Gary Barlow, Stargate and Tony Moore, has been described as ‘refined and chilled funk’. The album is getting rave reviews so keep an eye out for this promising BIMM Bristol singer songwriter. For more information on Celestine please click on the link below.

BIMM Guitarist Supports Glasvegas

BIMM Bristol musician Alessio Ippolito provides guitar for upcoming artist Kyla La Grange. Alessio played main support for Glasvegas (Columbia) at the Kentish Town Forum, recorded a session at BBC Maida Vale Studio, performed at the industry showcase SXSW (USA) plus a gig in New York! In response to securing his position Alessio said “Aside from training and experience, BIMM has given me the confidence necessary to use my skills at best”.

Dominic Malin at the Live and Unsigned Final (April 10)

BIMM Bristol musician Dominic Malin came second place at the 2011 Live and Unsigned competition in Bristol. The sell out show featured young and upcoming artists from across Avon and Somerset who were chosen by the panels at the district heats. Dominic has won a day at a recording studio and local magazine 247 who had seen Dominic earlier this year at a BIMM gig has pin-pointed him as a rising star of the future. The competition was sponsored by Stage Electrics, Real World Studios, REMIX, the Colston Hall and John Lewis. The competition was judged by Mijanou Blech – Head of Education and the REMIX programme at the Colston Hall, Alex Lupo – drummer and percussionist with Babyhead, Chief Constable Colin Port and last year’s winners Two in a Boat.

BIMM Musician secures Publishing Deal (March 10)

Congratulations to BIMM musician Joel Horne who has secured a publishing deal with Zebra 1/Bucks Music. Joel has had his songs linked with Matt Cardle, Will Young and X Factor Germany. He is now currently writing for upcoming artist Leah Weller and has fixed an 18 month contract for a jingle on Meridian Weather. Joel has previously wrote and released an album on the Indie label Nice Weather For Airstrikes with pop-rock outfit Retrofect.

Ed Gallimore joins The Chemists (Nov 10)

BIMM Bristol musician Ed Gallimore has joined The Chemists as their drummer. The band is signed to indie label Distiller Records and is due to release a new studio album soon. For further information on the band check out their MySpace by clicking on the link below.

BIMM Bristol Musician from Morning Parade signs to Parlophone (Aug 10)

BIMM Bristol musician Steve Sparrow has signed to Parlophone Records/EMI with his band Morning Parade. Steve studied the Professional Diploma in Songwriting and completed BIMM in 2009. The band is recording their debut album with producer Jason Cox (Gorillaz, Jamie T, Blur) at Damon Albarn’s Studio 13. Their debut single ‘Under The Stars’ will be released in November and had its first play on BBC Radio 1’s Zane Lowe show! The band has their first London show on 28th October supporting Feeder at O2 Empire Shepherd’s Bush. Other gig dates include the Academy Bristol and you can find further information on the band’s MySpace by clicking on the link below.

BIMM guitarist Joe Corbin playing in band signed to Kiefer Sutherland’s label - Ironworks (April 10)

BIMM musician Joe Corbin has successfully auditioned to play in up-and-coming artist ’Jim Stapley’s’ band. Jim is signed to Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland’s label Ironworks - part of Universal Music. Joe recently played a gig at the Barfly in Camden and Kiefer Sutherland came to say hello to the band after the show! Joe is also currently touring with his own band ’Jackdaw’. Check out the dates on www.myspace.com/jackdawuk

BIMM Record Label Signings

Ghost Of A Thousand signed to Epitaph. The Kooks signed to Virgin Records (EMI). Beth Rowley signed to Blue Thumb (Universal Music). Kate Walsh signed to Mercury Records (Universal). Paul Steel signed to Polydor Records (Universal Music). Will and The People signed to RCA Records (Sony Music). Ross Martin’s band Absent Elk signed to Sony Music UK. Stiff Dylans signed to Columbia Records (Sony Music UK). Laura Cyganik signed to Peakhour USA. Dani Wilde signed to Ruff Records. Dan Grace and Dave Delgado in Tiffany Page’s band signed to Mercury Records (Universal). James Watts in Karen Overton’s band signed to Columbia Records (Sony Music UK). The K’s signed to Candelion Records. Sweet Sweet Lies signed to Dumb Angel. Elliott Andrews in Kate Nash’s band signed to Fiction Records (Universal Music). Morning Parade featuring BIMM vocalist Steve Sparrow signed to (Parlophone Records). Ghost Of A Thousand (pictured).

Iain Kirman writes for Total Guitar Magazine (Sept 09)

BIMM Bristol musician Iain Kirman is writing for Europe’s best-selling guitar magazine Total Guitar. Iain oversees the ‘Guide to Effects’ series which focuses on breaking down all the different guitar effects and how to use them. In response to his job, Iain said “this is a massive opportunity that could help provide exposure for me and something that would never have happened without the constant support of BIMM".

Stiff Dylans – Sign to Columbia Records after film appearance (June 08)

BIMM musicians Charlie Wride and Matt Harris recently signed to Columbia Records after appearing in the forthcoming feature length film “Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging”. Charlie and Matt are part of the film’s band “Stiff Dylans” and their first single “Ultraviolet” was released on July 20th. The band booked numerous tour dates over the summer and has already included an appearance at Wireless Festival filmed by MTV. You can catch Charlie and Matt in the film that was released nationwide on 25th July. For more information on the band you can check out their MySpace by clicking on the link below:

Jon Mills wins Red Stripe Award (May 08)

BIMM musician Jon Mills recently beat over 1000 musician’s to win the Red Stripe Award! Jon got to support Dirty Pretty Things at the London Forum and play to an audience of 2000 people. He received headline slots at The Great Escape festival supporting Lightspeed Champion, ZOO 08 with Mark Ronson, Gallows and The Hives and The Go Team at Lovebox Festival. The main prize also included a Mercedes Sprinter tour bus with a plasma TV inside! Since the awards Jon toured extensively with Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Jacobs Stories and Youthmovies. He’s had features and album reviews in NME and The Fly and his debut single was aired on BBC Radio 1 and XFM. Recently Klaus Say Buy The Record aka Jon Mills released his EP “Centurion” on London label “Unlabel”. Buy your copy now!

Will And The People sign to RCA Records and tour with The Hoosiers (Oct 08)

Former South Coast Sounds protégés and BIMM graduates Will and The People have recently signed to RCA. The band consists of five artists, three of which all studied at BIMM: Will Rendle, Alison Brown and Dan Lundholm. Since being signed Will and The People confirmed three dates with chart topping band The Hoosiers performing at major venues such as The Brighton Centre and London’s Brixton Academy. Their debut album is due for release early 2009.

Koopa – First unsigned act in history to enter the Top 40 single chart! (Jan 07)

Ollie Cooper and his band Koopa released debut album “Blag, Steal and Borrow” to critical acclaim. The band made music history when they became the first unsigned band to reach the UK official Top 40. Their single “Blag, Steal and Borrow” reached number 31! Consequently the band was invited to open Isle of Wight festival 2007 on the main stage. Something of a rarity for an unsigned band! The guys have previously toured with Space, played a packed Arsenal Stadium and recorded for the BBC Peel sessions at Maida Vale studios. This band is tipped for big things so look out for them and make sure you check out their killer live gigs.

BIMM Musician Dani Wilde signed by Ruf Records (Oct 07)

BIMM graduate Dani Wilde had an amazing summer in 2007 after completing her studies and getting a first for her degree. After opening shows for Gary Moore and Jools Holland at The Royal Albert Hall, Dani signed to blues label Ruf Records. Ruf Records is home to artists such as Canned Heat, Omar and The Howlers and Jeff Healey. What’s great is some of Dani’s blues heroes are under the same label she’s now signed too! These include Sue Foley, Aynsley Lister and Jimmy Vaughan. You can get more details on Dani by clicking on the link below:

BIMM Musician Elliott Andrews in Kate Nash band (Oct 07)

BIMM musician Elliott Andrews is playing drums in Kate Nash’s band. Elliott performed with Kate in various destinations within Europe, USA and the UK. They have received a UK number two hit for single “Foundations” and the album (produced by Paul Epworth of Bloc Party and Maximo Park fame) went Number 1 all in the same week! With massive UK festivals under his belt including O2 Wireless, Glastonbury, Oxegen, T in the Park, Isle of White Festival and Carling Weekend the success doesn’t end there. UK TV performances this year include Popworld, Later with Jools Holland and The Friday Night Project. Elliott recently performed at the Royal Albert Hall, received Best British Newcomer at the Q Awards and has a sold out UK tour. Extra dates at Hammersmith Apollo for 2008 are already selling fast. Elliott’s previous professional experience includes The Maccabees, Wolfmother and The Fratellis. It’s amazing to think Elliott only finished BIMM in 2006!

Kate Walsh - First unsigned act to have a No.1. album on iTunes (Sept 07)

BIMM songwriting graduate Kate Walsh stormed the UK iTunes chart topping Elton John and Take That! Kate’s second album “Tim’s House” was released under Kate’s own label ‘Blueberry Pie’ and soon became the No. 1 album on the download chart. Her most popular song on the album “Your Song” has received critical acclaim from BBC Radio 2. Kate has recently signed to major label Mercury Records. Kate’s influences include Claude Debussy, Tori Amos and Joni Mitchell.

BIMM guitarist records new album with Will Young (June 08)

Massive congratulations to BIMM degree graduate Steve Carter who just signed to Xenomania Records and Warner Chappell Music! Steve has secured his role as an in-house songwriter and guitarist for the company whose track record is enormous! Clients include Girls Aloud, Franz Ferdinand, Kylie Minogue, and Alesha Dixon amongst many others. Steve will also be playing with some of the acts signed to Xenomania too. In response to his new role in the company Steve said "it is an honour to be working with the greatest songwriters and musicians in the country, this is a one off opportunity and I am thrilled to be in this position!"

The Kooks – No.1 album & 2 million album sales worldwide ! (April 08)

Congratulations to The Kooks who have now sold an incredible 2 million albums worldwide. Their second album ‘Konk’, produced by Tony Hoffer (The Thrills, Beck, Air) went straight into the album chart at 1 in April 2008. The band’s triple platinum debut album ‘Inside In, Inside Out’ entered the UK charts at No.2 in January 2006. The band were also nominated for a Brit Award in 2006 and were winners of an MTV Europe Music Award for Best UK Act in 2006.

Beth Rowley – Top 10 album (May 2008)

BIMM graduate Beth Rowley debut album “Little Dreamer” reached number 6 in the UK Top 40 Album Chart. Beth studied Professional Diploma Vocals at BIMM during which time she supported backing vocals for artists such as Ronan Keating and Enrique Iglesias. After her studies she went on to be signed to major label Universal. Beth has collaborated with Crowed House on their track “Transit Lounge”, Duke Special and more recently with Burt Bacharach on BBC Electric Proms. Her music was also featured in the film “The Edge of Love” (Keira Knightly, Sienna Miller) and she supported David Gray on his tour in March 2008. Other TV appearances include Parkinson, Top of the Pops, This Morning, The Charlotte Church Show and GMTV.

Kevin Nixon, Sarah Clayman, Damien Keyes & Bruce Dickinson



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