A Triple Celebration for BIMM Bristol
This week saw the class of 2018 graduate from BIMM Bristol with a ceremony at the historic Bristol Cathedral. Such occasions encourage our newly qualified alumni to look to the future at the path which lay before them in this wonderful world we call the music industry. It’s also cause for reflection and contemplation; perhaps even more-so this year, as the college celebrates its 10th anniversary.
In addition to the graduation, BIMM Bristol has been celebrating a decade since first opening its doors back in 2008. Having found its first home within the student hotspot of Kings Square, the college was first led by principal Mark Clayden (of Pitchshifter fame) alongside a faculty of professional musicians, producers and music industry stalwarts.
Since then, having opened a second campus on Passage Street, just a short walk from the picturesque Castle Park, BIMM Bristol has flourished and grown from a fledgling addition to Bristol’s vibrant music scene, into a significant contributor to the local music economy and beyond. The city’s already impressive musical legacy and burgeoning youth music scene were key factors in the BIMM Group’s decision to head to the west ten years ago after the successful establishment of their first campus in Brighton.
BIMM’s presence in the city continues to have a positive effect on the local and national music industry. And as the class of 2018 prepare to step into their new lives as working professionals, key members of the BIMM Bristol faculty reflected on the day’s proceedings with some inspirational speeches.
“We’re hugely proud of all of your talents and the diversity of styles and genres you encompass.” Said the college’s Executive Principal Dara Kilkenny.
“I would like to congratulate each and every one of you on this massive achievement after all of your hard work. Go forth, continue to evolve, use what you have learned and make a difference.”
The event also featured an appearance from BBC Music Introducing radio presenter Huw Stephens, who emphasised the strong communal aspects of working in the music industry.
“Every song I play on BBC radio isn’t just a good tune for three minutes of airtime. Each one has a backstory. Each artist is making their own way with the help of a studio, an engineer, a manager, tour manager, a bag of merchandise, a promoter, an agent, a lawyer, a publisher, a solicitor, roadies, families, fans and friends. We really are all in this together when it comes to music.”
The past week alone saw not one but two BIMM Bristol graduates attain impressive positions in the official UK Album chart. A fact which served to amplify the celebratory mood of the ceremony.
Songwriting alumni George Ezra’s sophomore LP ‘Staying At Tamara’s’ charted at number 9 whilst punk quintet Idles made the incredibly impressive number 2 spot with their newly released second album ‘Joy As An Act Of Resistance’. Equally impressive was the fact that BIMM Brighton alumni band The Kooks appeared in the same top 10 with their latest record, ‘Let’s Go Sunshine’; yet more proof of BIMM’s reputation as a world-class music education provider.
“It’s great to see two of our alumni in the top 10 in the same week as this year’s graduation.” Said BIMM Bristol’s college Principal Steve Lawson, who was appointed in 2015.
“It’s our 10th anniversary this year. That’s 10 years of getting graduates into the music industry. This year’s graduates are such a talented bunch, I’m sure they will go on to their own success as musicians and producers, managers, PRs, agents and promoters.”
As BIMM’s influence within music industry continues to grow, so too do the course options for those looking to forge a career within it. This year, BIMM Bristol is proud to announce the addition of a brand new Degree level course to its curriculum. Namely, a BA (Hons) in Music Journalism, which joins Music Business and Event Management as another non-performance option for those looking to forge a career in music.
Photos by Laure Noverraz
