Catching up with previous Fontaines D.C. Scholarship winner
We caught up with previous Fontaines D.C. Scholarship winner, Abbey Addenbroke-Sheriff. Abbey is an avid writer, producer, performer and teacher, who has an eclectic taste.
Being a big fan of doom, desert rock, punk, DnB, classical and ambient music led her to learn multiple instruments, including drums, guitar, piano, trumpet, bass and even the harpsichord. All of this whilst gaining experience working in London Philharmonic Orchestra workshops, Music for Youth Frequencies and gaining valuable experience with Universal Music Studios in London.
Her band Affection to Rent is made up of BIMM students from three different year groups. After only a short time as a group, they’ve been long-listed to play Glastonbury and have performed at 2000Trees, and Gazefest in Belfast and Dublin. More recently, they supported Nashville rockers Snõõper and are set to release their debut single this month.
Where did you first hear about the Fontaines D.C. Scholarship?
I remember waking up and seeing a post on Instagram about it. It was all I could think about after seeing it, especially as Fontaines D.C. are my favourite band and I’d dreamed about moving to Ireland for a while and, at the time, could not afford to.
How did the scholarship benefit you?
It was the sole reason I could afford to go to BIMM Dublin and I was studying my dream course. It also gave me belief in my own ability as I respected the band’s opinion and the amazing staff from BIMM, though on the flipside it put a lot of expectation on my work from peers especially for me at the time being, so new to singing or performing.
What has your experience at college been like? What was your favourite part of your experience at BIMM?
The classes are varied and interesting, with a good look into all aspects that a songwriter may face starting out, and built at a rate that is both challenging and achievable so everyone improves, both in skill and confidence, to get started on their own projects outside the college really rather fast.
What are some of the classes you had while studying at BIMM? Were they performance based/academic based?
A little of both. Essays are still necessary but the emphasis is certainly on musicianship and writing skills. I adored the thought processes and philosophy in the second year class Essential Development. I never knew a class could teach you to think like that.
Did you collaborate with other musicians in college? What did you collaborate on?
I formed my band Affection to Rent with two people in the year above and one person in the year below. I also played in a couple other bands for friends on various instruments and helped them with their exams. I fell in love with bass this way.
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at BIMM? Is there any advice you could share with potential students who are interested in attending BIMM?
Explore, trying things out, getting a lot wrong and having the space to grow have been incredibly valuable. I could not be more grateful to be here.
My advice would be to enjoy making friends, learning/writing music and going to gigs – this is as much a part of college as the classes and will build a foundation for your music that is ever unique and personal.
