Adam Holgate
Bristol
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished Session Musician, Sound Engineer and Music Teacher with a proven track record of fostering creativity and delivering strong live performance.
Significant achievements including international tours and a Grammy-nominated track with Jay Z.
Published Songwriter with knowlegde of Logic and music theory.
Highly motivated with a strong work ethic and organisational skills.
Team player and sociable, who loves music and working in the studio environment as well as live performances and touring.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Music Teacher (Guitar and Bass)
Self Employed
Bristol
01.2023 - Current
- Selecting materials and performance pieces to prepare for classroom instruction.
- Researching new methods of teaching music theory, composition techniques, and improvisation strategies to enhance the educational experience of my students.
- Encouraged creativity and self-expression through analysing students choice of music, with composition and improvisation assignments.
- Fostering a supportive and positive learning environment that encouraged student engagement and participation.
Bandleader
Rhythm and Blues Review
Bristol
06.2022 - Current
- Organising and running a successful function band playing covers of Blues and Soul music from 50's to 70's.
- Frontman duties delivering strong vocal performance alongside guitar solos / rhythm.
- Handling all bookings and communications with clients / agencies.
- Responsible for set up and sound engineering of my own high end PA system (RCF ART 915 + Midas MR18).
Live Sound Engineer
Mr Wolfs / The People's Front Room / Function Bands
Bristol
05.2022 - Current
- Live engineer at 300 cap Bristol music venue 'Mr Wolfs' and touring UK Festival 'The People's Front Room.' Mixing live audio sources such as vocals, instruments and playback devices during performances. Experience using Behringer X32 and Midas MR 18 with tablet.
- Managing audio equipment at various events, which including set up and break down.
- Provided feedback to the band on their performance based on what was heard through the monitors or PA system.
- Troubleshooting issues with sound equipment and performing minor maintenance.
Guitarist and Songwriter
Hannah Williams and the Affirmations
Bristol
06.2014 - Current
- Songwriter and guitarist in original soul band signed to Record Kicks. Writing original material, arranged guitar & bass parts in collaboration with band members.
- Sampled by Jay-Z on the Grammy-nominated, Platinum-selling title track '4:44' in 2017.
- Three albums recorded to analog tape at Rockfield in Wales (Queen, Oasis, Coldplay, etc.); ATA Studios in Leeds; and with Malcolm Catto in London.
- Co-writer of 'I Feel It,' which was synced on the ABC show 'The Rookie' and named in American radio station KCRW's top 20 tracks of 2020.
- Touring experience internationally in USA, Canada, Japan, and 14 Euorpean countries. Memorable gigs include headlining Montreal Jazz Festival Main Stage in Canada 2018 to 25,000 people; Central Park Summer Stage USA; Blue Note in Japan; North Sea Jazz Festival in Nederlands; Avalon Stage Glastonbury 2023.
- Performing in front of live audiences on National radio and television.
- Organisational and administrative skills like contacting labels, helping with socials.
Bassist, Guitarist and Songwriter
Wolfgang Valbrun / Ephemerals
Bristol
04.2014 - Current
- Part of songwriting team with Wolfgang Valbrun (a solo project born from pervious band Ephmerals in 2022). Writing whole songs / co writing / adding guitar and bass parts to songs on the album 'Flawed by Design' recorded at Rockfield Studios. Released summer 2024.
- Session Bassist for Ephemerals from 2014 to 2019 over 3 albums. Working quickly from charts and writing parts on bass. Recording to tape in Fishtank Studios / The Cowshed, London with producer Nostalgia 77.
- Extensive touring across Europe in 12 countries including Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Turkey with Ephemerals. Confirmed shows booked for 2025 with Wolfgang across 7 countries so far.
- Live performances on National television and radio in these territories including France 24; NPO 3 in Nederlands.
- Festival appearances including Silver Hayes at Glastonbury Festival; Waves in Austria and many other UK / European festivals.
Education
Master of Arts - Philosophy
St Andrews University
St Andrews, Scotland12-2008
Skills
- Sound engineering knowledge
- Extensive studio time as a session musician
- Music production & audio editing in Logic
- Expertise in guitar / bass & vocals
- Songwriting
- Music theory
- Organised
- Team player
- Sociable and fun with good communication
- Highly motivated with strong work ethic
- Extensive touring experience
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Music Teacher (Guitar and Bass)
Self Employed
01.2023 - Current
Bandleader
Rhythm and Blues Review
06.2022 - Current
Live Sound Engineer
Mr Wolfs / The People's Front Room / Function Bands
05.2022 - Current
Guitarist and Songwriter
Hannah Williams and the Affirmations
06.2014 - Current
Bassist, Guitarist and Songwriter
Wolfgang Valbrun / Ephemerals
04.2014 - Current
Master of Arts - Philosophy
St Andrews University
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