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/