BIMM’s role within Birmingham’s thriving music scene

29 May, 2019

As one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK, Birmingham’s music scene is an incredibly rich melting pot of styles and influences, producing world-class artistry in everything from grime to heavy metal.

Since BIMM’s arrival in the heart of Digbeth back in 2017, Birmingham’s music scene has continued to flourish, with students firmly establishing themselves among the local creative community. Here, we take a look at some positive examples of the college’s increasing influence within the second city.

Student interconnectivity

BIMM students across all disciplines are continuously collaborating in the formation of new bands, promotions companies, press outlets, music businesses and more.

The Nu

A great example of this is BIMM electronic rock artist The NU, whose recent EP launch at The Sunflower Lounge saw tangible working relationships being forged between students of different disciplines. The NU (comprised of year BA1 and BA2 students at BIMM Birmingham) were supported by M A R C – last year’s college house band.

Attending the event for press review coverage were two Music Journalism students, who would later post their thoughts on the release via their own independent music blogs.

A BA2 Music Business student also worked the entrance to the event, handling the ticketing whilst representing established events company ‘Birmingham Promoters’. And a full-house of Diploma and Degree students from across various disciplines were also in the audience to show their support at the event.

Award-winning lecturers and students

Jonny Amos bmas

Songwriting course leader and tutor Jonny Amos recently walked away from the second annual Birmingham Music Awards (BMA’s) having won the ‘Best Tutor/Mentor’ award.

Jonny, who also recently appeared on Channel 5 series ‘ The Gadget Show’ (filmed in BIMM Birmingham’s new recording studio facility), was up against stiff competition from other Birmingham educators. Yet, his reputation as an outstanding music tutor saw him walk away with the coveted award.

“It was an honour to be awarded the Best Tutor/Mentor at the Birmingham Music Awards! In many ways, I feel that my role with the students is not really much different from my role as Writer/Producer in the studio. The main art form is to bring the best out of people by pushing their potential and trying to inspire them to be the best they can be.”

– Jonny Amos

Jonny wasn’t the only BIMM affiliated member of the Birmingham music community in the limelight at the BMA’s either. College Principal Antony Greaves was asked to present the BMA for ‘Best Entrepreneur’ and Head Of Education James Maiden presented the award for ‘Best World Act’.

The college itself received a nomination for ‘Best Educational Provider’ in addition to the BIMM Blog which was in the running for ‘Best Mag/Blog/Vlog’ award.

Indie rock quintet Sugarthief – whose drummer Reece Downton is a performance student at BIMM Birmingham – walked away with gongs for ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best Indie/Alternative Act’ for the second year in a row!

Prior to this incredible win, the band launched their debut EP with a hugely successful sell-out show at Birmingham’s O2 Institute. They also announced a busy gig schedule this summer that includes an appearance at Truck Festival and support slots with Swim Deep and Mini Mansions.

Last but not least, BIMM students were also in attendance at the BMA’s to cover the event from a press-angle, interviewing award-winners and gathering content for the next ‘BIMMCast’ episode (read on for more details).

BIMMCast Radio Show


The BIMMCast Radio show – which is the brainchild of local promoter, journalist, broadcaster and Birmingham STAPLES presenter Danny De Reybekill – returned in a new and improved format on Brum Radio in May.

The regular broadcast allows BIMM students to curate and present various music-related content, including guest interviews and playlists in an online broadcast promoting local talent coming through BIMM Birmingham and the wider local music scene.


With Birmingham recently scoring high as one of the best cities in the world, plus many more stories attesting to the positive impact BIMM Birmingham continues to have on the city’s music and wider creative scenes, there’s never been a better time to come study with us.

Why not book onto one of our regular Open Days and discover more about our world-class lecturers and facilities? We can’t wait to meet you!

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