Creative, Manchester, Music, News

Guy Garvey joins Manchester Met as Visiting Professor of Songwriting

0 514

Photograph: Deirdre O’Callaghan


Elbow frontman will lead a masterclass at Manchester Writing School

The multiple award-winning Elbow frontman joins the Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan, led by Poet Laureate Professor Carol Ann Duffy DBE.

One of the most celebrated songwriters of his generation, Garvey has twice won the coveted Ivor Novello award, as well as the Mercury Music Prize and a BRIT for Best British Band with Elbow.

“I’m really looking forward to working with young songwriters at Manchester Metropolitan University. I’ve never had a conversation with another writer that hasn’t in some way informed my own work.”

As part of his Visiting Professorship, he will offer a master class in writing for music in order to share this expertise with the next generation of talented young creative writers at Manchester Metropolitan.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to working with young songwriters at Manchester Metropolitan University. I’ve never had a conversation with another writer that hasn’t in some way informed my own work.

“I have been lucky enough to learn from some of the best ever. From Frank Black to Wayne Coyne. From Jolie Holland to Jimi Goodwin. From Jesca Hoop to John Bramwell. Robert Plant to Trevor Horn to Laura Marling to Josh Pearson. Steven Fretwell to Elton John. Ron Sexsmith to Matt Berninger to Lianne La Havas. Hamilton Leithouser to Kate Stables to Peter Gabriel.

“Those are some names people will know. I’m looking forward to working with names that everyone will come to know in a city that has nurtured some of the very best.”

A native of Greater Manchester, Garvey was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts by Manchester Metropolitan University in 2012.
He presents a weekly music show on BBC Radio 6Music, and released Courting the Squall in 2015, his first album as a solo artist.

Elbow have released seven critically acclaimed studio albums, the latest Little Fictions was released in 2017, and completed a European arena tour in February.

The single ‘Magnificent (She Says)’, from their latest studio album, has been nominated for Best Song Musically and Lyrically at the 2018 Ivor Novello Awards.

He will bring a wealth of experience, passion and wisdom which will no doubt have a huge influence on the culture of the Manchester Writing School and the unique creative atmosphere that exists here in the city.

Poet Adam O’Riordan, Academic Director of Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “Guy joining the Manchester Writing School feels very special. And we are all delighted to welcome him home.

“As the foremost lyricist of his generation and one of our city’s most celebrated and well-loved native sons, he will bring a wealth of experience, passion and wisdom which will no doubt have a huge influence on the culture of the Manchester Writing School and the unique creative atmosphere that exists here in the city.

“Guy joining the Manchester Writing School builds on existing and growing links to writing for music such as the Rosamond Prize which we run in conjunction with the Royal Northern College of Music.

“We look forward to learning from Guy and to contributing together to the sustained cultural fluorescence of Manchester and the wider region, as a new generation discover how to speak and sing what’s on their minds and in their hearts.”


First published at www2.mmu.ac.uk/

About the author / 

Humanity Hallows

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • Kaytranada @ Co-Op Live review – a timeless performance

    Featured image and gallery: Jack Oliver After eight packed out performances across Europe Kaytranada arrives at Co-Op Live for his largest show on the European leg of his ‘Timeless Tour’. The 23,000 capacity venue is filled with excited fans who eagerly anticipate the start of the show after energetic performances from Pomo, Lou Phelps and…

  • From Feed to Feet: How gorpcore fashion has boosted communities of young men to walk and talk

    Featured image: Olivia Taberner and Adomas Lukas Petrauskas From Arc’teryx raincoats to mud-clogged Salomons, we explore how outdoor garments have evolved from fashion trends to functional wear – bringing together communities of young men in the process. What began as a Patagonia jacket and a sunrise ambition soon turned into getting “battered at 3am by…

  • The Success of Moss Side filmmaker Baka Bah: “Whenever I do say where I’m from, I automatically see labels pinging over my head”

    Featured image: Yas Lucia Mascarenhas and Adomas Lukas Petrauskas Manchester’s inner-city neighbourhood of Moss Side is often portrayed in the media as a dangerous area, plagued by knife crime and shootings. However, one resident and Manchester Met student – Baka Bah – believes this one-sided story doesn’t reflect the true spirit of his community. While…

  • Queer Lit: Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ bookstore on building a legacy in Manchester

    Featured image: Molly Goble and Nicola Henry In the last five years, hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people have risen by 112%, underscoring the critical need for safe, inclusive spaces where queer individuals can find a sense of belonging. Amid this crisis, Queer Lit has emerged as a sanctuary in the form of a literary refuge…