Writer Profiles Nashville visit March 2015

Zoe Hodges

Just Zoe, nothing more, nothing less. A singer-songwriter from Manchester living in London trying to bring the sound of Nashville to London with a sort of Mancunian country twang to her voice. The different guitar tunings and different instruments she uses inspires a more unique sound and lyrics she never knew she could write. Inspired by the early Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Striking Matches and The Band Perry she wants to tell a story through song and bring a smile to people’s faces. www.just-zoe.com

Sergi Cunill-Pelegro

‘The Valley Man’ I am a singer-songwriter who loves epic, dramatic sound and heartfelt, intimate as well as inspiring lyrics. I would say my biggest influence is Damien Rice, and I have also borrowed the dynamic touch in Bon Iver's work. I am currently writing songs for my second EP and focused on developing my skills on composition (string arrangements) and dynamics as well as finding a dark side to my lyrics. This is not exactly the kind of music I'm doing right now but it gives you an idea: https://soundcloud.com/thevalleymanmusic

Annie Tisshaw

I write alternative pop but currently exploring further into the alternate side similar to Lana Del Ray or early Regina Spektor. My lyrics are often observational about society, pop culture and the media although don’t limit myself and will write about love, more conventional topics. I love having vocal or instrumental hooks in my songs and like big statement choruses. Always like to build a full demo of my songs but yet to really write something that is predominately production based, this is something I would be interested in. I have a variety of strong songs but need a ‘single’ or ‘gateway song’. https://soundcloud.com/annie-rose-tisshaw/sets/songs/s-veKv9

Naomi Shalom

‘NA1’ My artist project has taken an interesting turn in the last few months from Contemporary Folk/Pop to Electronic/Ambient Pop. With influences branching from Banks, FKATwigs and Daughter, I focus my writing around abstract ideas and try to think outside the box. I love clever lyrical content as well as hooks that explore memorable rhythms. I’m teaching myself on Logic and leaning much more towards the production side of songwriting and will be investing in a sample pad to include with my live set. I need to write more mainstream songs that still sound electronic and experiment more with vocal riffs and using the voice as an instrument. https://soundcloud.com/naomishalom/loud-minds/s-w27Cw

Clara Powell

‘Scarlett Bond’ From art-rock anthems to atmospheric pop hooks, Scarlett Bond draws you under her spell. Her emotively evocative voice is both rich and piercing with a classically inspired tone. Influenced by the cinema of Tarantino and the Femme Fatale of the film-noir era, she will captivate you hook, line and sinker.

The type of songs I write are sometimes considered similar to Kate Bush or Lana Del Rey with occasional elements of rap influenced by Eminem. I am aiming to create an epic cinematic collection of songs that are emotive and tie together visual elements and convey a character/mood/story element. I am obsessed with hooks and ensuring that my songs have a big memorable chorus. I also want to have anthemic songs.

I want to create songs that are conducive to large performances and am influenced by the shows of Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Jack White and am influenced by the performance styles of Freddie Mercury and Iron Maiden.

At the moment I don’t have any recorded versions of my songs.

Brooke Lawrence

I have been writing with producers to create my anthemic Pop sound. My lyrics are descriptive and honest. I write catchy melodies which usually explore my vocal range.

'Brooke has a unique and gutsy tone and is noted for with great soul and emotion.'

I would like to write some more upbeat songs to coincide with my artist project.

I have been cowriting for and with other songwriters for the last 2 years so would totally be up for writing for anyone else’s projects as well! https://soundcloud.com/brookejazzlawrence/unfinished-1/s-5AqYr

Anthea Eleftheriou

My name is Anthea Christine, I'm 20 years old and I'm a singer songwriter living in London. I write a mixture of country/pop, but I'm open to writing in different genres whether it is for a co-write or writing for another artist. I play acoustic guitar and can play a bit of piano although not as skilled. I generally write using different methods, sometimes I will improvise with a few chords or I will free write first, but it depends.

At the moment I haven't got any of my material online.

Fabrizio Imbriano

A contemporary mix, backed up by a big band. Soulful vocals and an eclectic sound, an ear catching, driven project that takes the sounds of old and stirs it up with the new. Need to write more vocal driven songs, with stronger emphasis on melodic content. www.soundcloud.com/fabrizioimbrianomusic

John McCombe

‘Johnny Voyage’ My name is Johnny Voyage. I write and perform songs of all kinds of genres. However, my artist project focuses principally on a kind of anthemic rock and soul sound. My songwriting is heavily influenced by artists such as Ryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen and Kings of Leon. I have four songs for my EP but I still feel I need a song that will be a hit commercially i.e. gain airplay on mainstream radio. https://soundcloud.com/johnny-voyage

Charlotte Kaye

I've been singing since the age of 6 and started writing music 5 years ago. I tend to write catchy choruses and powerful ballads. My songs are usually about common situation, good or bad whether I've experienced it or not, and mostly about love! I would like to write songs that are more lyrically focused then melodically. My favourite artists and influences are Alicia Keys and Adele, with a bit of Emeli Sande and Sia. I would like to write songs with more influences of Sia melody-wise and Emeli Sande’s beats.

Derek De Lang

Vector Row is an American electro rock band, founded in 2012 by Derek de Lang. Out of the ashes of his former rock band, Nou, who took a much more conventional pop-rock format a la Snow Patrol. Frustrated, dissatisfied, and determined to not repeat himself, de Lang began writing with a much more -laden sound, inspired by bands like Pendulum, Nine Inch Nails, Thirty Seconds to Mars and Depeche Mode.

Originally the name “Vector Row” was inspired by the ever-present narrow mews streets found in London. In essence, Vector Row could be that one street in London where anyone could find that rare record you’ve always wanted. It’s a sonic crossroads between an older tradition in rock and a newer tradition in electronic dance music.

Currently based in London, Vector Row are recording their as-of-yet-untitled LP. Featuring collaborations with underground techno act Venice Calypso and Peredur ap Gwynedd (Pendulum, Apollo 440, Natalie Imbruglia), their debut release aims to be received favorably by both rock and dance fans alike. https://www.dropbox.com/s/eg4jovcig9kcd48/Control%20%2811%20Feb%2015%20v4%29.m4a?dl= 0 - “Control"

Jonathan Whiskerd (Tutor)

Jonathan is a signed recording artist, writer and producer. He has collaborated with producers Joshua Blair (Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars), Paul Stanborough (Guy Chambers, Cathy Dennis), Bruce Hughes (Jason Mraz), Will Hicks (Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen), Igor Haefeli (Daughter) and Brad Mair, in studios across the UK and the US. He also works as a standalone songwriter on a range of artist projects, including Alberto Diniz (Recognition Management) and Charlie Weaver (Gary Barlow’s Future Records).

Jonathan is an experienced songwriting tutor and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He is Deputy Programme Leader for The Institute’s Songwriting degree programme. jonathanwhiskerd.com

Jay Stapley (Tutor) Jay Stapley came to London in 1978 after playing in local bands in the Kent/Sussex area. He became one of London’s best-known session and gigging guitarists, working with a wide range of artists and producers on projects ranging from films (“Withnail and I”, etc.) to international tours (Roger Waters, Mike Oldfield etc.) and albums (Suede, Toyah, Scott Walker, etc.) Jay’s live work with Julian Dawson took him to Germany in 1983, where he met producer Rene Tinner (Can) and became a regular commuter to Rene’s Cologne studio to add guitar to various recording projects. One of the artists Jay worked with was German superstar Westernhagen, with

whom Jay has toured and recorded ever since, becoming the artist’s co-producer and Musical Director. Jay recorded 4 instrumental CDs for WEA records in the 1990’s and has recently released a new CD of songs (“Edge of the World”, available on iStore, on the Music page on this site, and at www.reverbnation.com/jaystapley) Jay’s interest in technology led him to become a demonstrator of guitar products for Roland UK and Roland International. Subsequent demonstration work for Digidesign encouraged Jay to develop his own studio, where he now produces a wide range of music including music CDs, film & TV music, and library projects. Jay’s teaching experience includes private tuition and he was one of the first teachers at the Guitar Institute (now The Institute.) Jay is Programme Leader for the Songwriting degree programme. Jay has recently started a record label, Dammit Music, specialising in acoustic, singer/songwriter and unusual music projects. jaystapley.co.uk