Bio

James Wilson-Rhead is a composer who lives and works in London, UK.

He creates music for the concert hall, theatre, and to accompany film, television, and animation. His output ranges from electronic tracks inspired by contemporary dance music, chamber and choral pieces, to big band and orchestral works. James’s music has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, and been heard on TV adverts and short films internationally.

His music draws on experiences with jazz, European art music, pop, rock, and electronica. Work is currently being undertaken on his debut album – watch this space.

He has collaborated with directors and agencies to create music for advertisement campaigns, including: Sony Playstation, 3M, Chevrolet, Nestlé, and Branston Pickle. His music has also been used in performances and installations at the National Gallery, Tank Museum, and the London Transport Museum.

In 2015 James collaborated with Sir Timothy Ackroyd and the late film director Nicolas Roeg (Don’t Look Now; The Man Who Fell to Earth) to create an original score and sound-design for a new play co-authored by Ackroyd and the late Dame Beryl Bainbridge: The Fuse. The initial West End preview run garnered critical praise, and talks are underway for a TV adaptation.

Education

James holds a master’s degree [MComp] from the Royal College of Music, London, and an undergraduate degree [BMusJazz(Hons)] from Birmingham Conservatoire. Additionally, he has a higher education teaching degree [PGCertHE] from the University of London, and is Senior Lecturer and Module Leader for Advanced Composition at Point Blank Music School where he lectures both at the London campus and online. For academic enquiries please email: james(dot)wilson(at)pointblankmusicschool(dot)com

Other

James is a member of PRS and the Ivors Academy. He has been a judge for the British Composer Awards (now known as the Ivors Composer Awards).