Undoubtedly a gifted bunch, our ‘Class of 2018’ are set to embark on their careers in music as we bid them a fond farewell at graduation this week. With a wealth of talented musicians amongst this cohort, we don’t doubt that everyone is set to succeed.
Meet just a few of those artists and entrepreneurs who you’ll want to keep an eye on in the years to come…
Good luck to each and every one of our students who are graduating - we can’t wait to see what you do next!
Morpher
Formed in Leeds, fusing acoustic instruments with electronic effects, Morpher blend their jazz upbringing with hints of drum and bass, hip-hop and electronic music. Their live performance is an unforgettable experience where you will be exposed to unheard sounds and grooves that are guaranteed to blow your ears off. Just over a year on from their debut gig supporting a sold out show at Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen, they have continued to sell out shows across Leeds and North of England whilst travelling the country. Highlights include London Jazz Festival 2017 and opening up Lancaster Jazz Festival 2018. The group released their debut single last May - with more music on the way this Summer and a UK Tour planned for October 2018.
Stephen Lynch
A hip-hop DJ/producer from Leeds, Stephen Lynch – aka DJ Agent M – plays soul, funk, R&B and neo-soul, as well as his first love hip-hop, having started DJ'ing at school youth clubs. He made his debut on local radio at 16 for the Rapscallion Show on Peoples FM (105.6 FM) in Leeds and as a DJ he has opened for various artists such as Keith Murray, Tall Black Guy and recently World Island Festival, as well as hosting his own hip-hop night called Best Kept Secret.
Stephen has been involved in a lot of community events, most notably the hip-hop celebrations in his native Leeds. He currently produces for Invizible Circle Records.
Else Skogan
Else Skogan Bonesrønning is a young Norwegian jazz vocalist, graduating from Leeds College of Music with a First in her Jazz Degree, in July 2018. Else grew up in Trondheim, Norway, where she was classically trained for over a decade. This led her to perform on a Grammy nominated album with Trondheim Solistene. In more recent years, Else has explored the world of jazz and ever since, she has excelled at delivering performances of the highest standard. The dedication for her craft shines in her mellow and soothing tone, which has paved the way for her education at LCoM. Else released her debut EP, High Expectations, in February 2018, which has been recognised by the BBC, and she was invited to do a live session on the BBC Introducing in West Yorkshire.
Henry Bateman
Henry Bateman is a musician and songwriter who studied on the Popular Music Composition course for three years. Never one to be in a ‘mould’, Henry’s style has been influenced by a range of original guitarists/singer/songwriters – ranging from Michael Hedges to Peter Gabriel, Randy Newman and James Taylor.
Their influences have been formative in shaping Henry’s ability to play sparkling fingerstyle guitar and write and perform his own compositions with a confidence and flair that is earning him a burgeoning reputation for his spellbinding live work. Henry currently performs as a six-piece band, which features fellow students and alumni: Lewis Downs (guitar, vocals), Greg Burns (drums, percussion, vocals), Frazer Kerslake (bass), Chris Camm (keys, vocals), and Hannah Lamb (vocals).
Henry continues to work on new music, and to perform around the country, both with his band and with his other main project, Roof.
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Long Legged Creatures
Long Legged Creatures have been evolving in their Leeds basement for two years, and are now creeping out with their twisted live electronica.
Back in 2015, bassist Beth O’Lenahan, keys player Ed Allen and drummer Matt Hill met through playing in various bands, and began writing music together as a way of distraction. Their taste for wonky harmony, heavy grooves, and creating a sense of unease, shows their mixed influences. Now live producer Ross Wilson joins with his driving electronic dance music, to blend the recklessness with a nod to the deeper UK dance sound.
They've made a dent in the Leeds music scene, and have had a great response- "The impact was immediate, and with heavy grooves, infectious melodies and enough drum flair to make the most avant-garde musician proud, the relatively new band impressed the crowd with a performance of pure creative dexterity." - Leeds Living.
Michaela Allen
Michaela is a classical pianist, performing regularly as a soloist in venues across Leeds and the UK. She began playing piano aged 6 and was mostly self-taught throughout her childhood. At the age of 18 she was accepted to study classical piano performance at Leeds College of Music under the tutelage of Jakob Fichert & Nico De Villiers, where she finished with a First Class degree and was subsequently awarded the Joseph Stones Prize for Classical Music.
In her time as an undergraduate, she made numerous appearances performing for the university including: performances in masterclasses led by renowned musicians Danny Driver, Mei Yi Foo, and Fali Pavri; performing as First Piano with the Leeds Student Camerata Orchestra; performing at the College’s first End of Year Show and Undergraduate Open Day.
Upcoming projects include the Malvern Winds Ensemble course at Malvern College in August 2018, where Michaela has received a scholarship to perform as the student pianist. Michaela will undertake a Master’s degree in musical performance in London in the near future.
Thomas Harvey / Vaughan
Vaughan is a British singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (Keyboard, Guitar, Voice) whose emotive blend of alt-pop and electronic sounds deliver individualism and eloquent lyrical themes of a bruised reality. Raised in the English countryside of Kent, Vaughan has supported artists including Tom Speight & Nell Bryden with 2018 set to see the release of his remarkable debut works, outlining internal narratives of hedonism and anxiety.
Having been shortlisted for the Emerge Music Prize 2018 and Songwriters Festival 2018 with appearances at festivals including Liverpool Sound City, and YouBloom in Dublin, Vaughan is set for an exciting year ahead.
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