Course Studied: BA (Hons) Music (Production)
Year of Graduation: 2013
Top Career Highlights:
- My first docu-series as a Sound Designer called "Art In Motion" featured on NatGeo across Asia.
- Releasing my first artist album "How Do You Feel?" in the year 2024.
- Being closely involved with Goa Sunsplash, a Reggae Music Festival in India, working with some of the biggest Reggae artists like Anthony B, Skarra Mucci, Killa P, Johnny Osbourne, Channel One Sound System, General Levy and many more over 7 years.
Rahul Allam is a music producer and sound designer working with the South Indian film industry and is the founder of his own recording studio called Akshaya Recording Studios, where he provides best-in-class production sound/field recording and audio post-production services for OTT platforms, documentaries, films, music festivals, and other media entities.
Rahul also releases independent underground music and has released his first artist album in early 2024 called "How Do You Feel?" in addition to earlier singles. He also performs as a DJ under the alias "Kid Move," promoting various genres like Drum and Bass, Garage, 2 Step, Asian Underground, World Music, and more. He has played across India and Greece. He also works closely with the community, driving Jamaican Sound System culture in India.
Hello, Rahul. What motivated you to pursue Music Production at Leeds Conservatoire?
With a bit of research that I did in 2008 about Leeds Conservatoire (known then as Leeds College of Music), I learned that it offered me the exact modules that I wanted to pursue. With a vibrant musical scene in Leeds and a good college, I thought I would do well and equip myself with all the knowledge and culture. This would then propel me to do my best in the Indian marketplace.
How did the course help you? What are some of the main things you learned?
The combination of modules that were provided really led me to think in a certain direction based on building curiosity about sound in general and how it behaves with additional technical knowledge. To be able to learn about song production and, in parallel, explore electroacoustic music and music for moving images blew me away.
Today, my work providing studio services and everything I do revolves around music and movies, and I feel these modules provided me with the required knowledge and direction to sustain an industry that is really complex and demanding. Especially when you have very little time and have to deliver your assets at speed while also having creatively strong ideas.
How did collaborating with diverse artists in a collaborative environment benefit you?
Immensely! After an informative lecture that sometimes felt complex, interacting with other musicians and fellow music producers really helped me grow. My time here has made me super comfortable with collaborations and I'm always looking for an opportunity to work with other artists. I aim to work more with people I've met through LC and more professionals from the music and film industry in the U.K.
What drew you to study in the UK? Were there any specific reasons?
I was really curious about what makes UK music culture so vibrant, what the spirit behind it is, and how exciting it would be to learn and explore. The love that UK has for all things Music, Sound and Art is very genuine, real and conscious. Getting to study at LC was something I really dreamt of.
What were your impressions of Leeds? Did you enjoy your time here?
It was the best place to thrive, and for anyone who would like to explore their artistic side, the city and its people allowed that to happen. Leeds and studying at LC really changed me as a person.
Looking back on your experience, do you have a favourite memory from your time at Leeds Conservatoire?
My lectures, meeting new people from various musical backgrounds, and spending time in studios learning on some of the best gear in the industry. Living and breathing all things music and music technology for three whole years. I miss the college bar.
Finally, what do you think sets Leeds Conservatoire apart as a choice for international students looking to study in the UK?
It's the way all things music and music education is presented to you in combination with the rich music community in Leeds. A one-of-a-kind experience!
