Songwriting graduate James Holt is back
Friday 16 November 2018
A GRADUATE musician has released a new track inspired by the classic songs of the 1960s and 70s.
James Holt, described as a “special songwriting talent” by his Salford lecturers, says his single Alone Again pays homage to the ‘golden era’ of song writing of The Beatles and the Beachboys.
The 25-year-old has also landed a headline gig in the spring at Night People in Manchester- the venue where the music video for Alone Again is shot.
Bolton-born James was always musical learning piano from the age of six and taking on guitar and cello as he got into school. After graduating in BA Music in 2014, James decided to continue his studies at Salford and completed a second degree in MA Music Composition in 2017.
Royal Albert Hall
He didn’t always want to be a songwriter though, but studying at Salford University brought that side out of him: “Before I came to Salford University I considered myself more of a composer than a songwriter, it was really through my time there that I developed into the artist I am today.”
“When I was at Salford I really valued the composition seminars I had with Professor Alan Williams. I also always enjoyed playing piano in the Big Band sessions with Tim France.”
Since graduating, James said that his career highlights have been performing solo at the Royal Albert Hall and meeting the record producer Brian Eno, who has worked with massive artists such as David Bowie, Coldplay and Damon Albarn.
James hasn’t let his graduate life stop him from returning to the university though. He said:
dquo;I love coming back to the university. In September I gave a song writing masterclass for the Salford Uni music directorate at Peel Hall too, which was great.”
Professor Alan Williams said: “It was clear from the first moment I heard his work that James is a very special talent. He has an extraordinary ability to make songs that seem to sum up whole eras of pop history, but communicate simple truths directly and honestly.
If there’s any justice in this world, and if talent and quality mean anything, then the musical world will hear a lot more of James Holt.”
You can catch James at the Alumni Celebration on 13th December.
https://www.salford.ac.uk/events/event/2018/alumni-celebration
Find out more
Amber-Lilly Goulden
0161 295 4779
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