A solid work ethic and willingness to seek out opportunities has seen Julia Lamb become a key member in the band of one of the UK's brightest new stars, Tom Grennan. 

As bass player with the BBC Music Introducing's Artist of the Year 2018, Julia has helped power Tom and his indie swagger to the top of tastemaker tip lists, and mostly while completing her studies with us at ICMP!

Growing up in a musical household in Melbourne, Australia, Julia was always surrounded by music. However, it was the movie ‘School of Rock’ that eventually prompted her to pick up the guitar. Inspired by funk, soul and Motown, Julia knew that she wanted to attend a contemporary music college rather than a jazz college, and recognised that London would have far more opportunities for her as a session player.

Julia’s main instrument has always been guitar, but she knew playing bass would help her find more work. This realisation came while initially studying on ICMP’s Higher Diploma course: she recognised that bass players were few and far between and always in demand.

“Studying at ICMP helped me develop versatility and well-roundedness as a musician. I loved being surrounded by people who were passionate about music every day.”

Since joining Tom Grennan in 2017, Julia has become an integral part of  band. Together they've toured the UK and Europe, playing countless gigs and festivals. In 2018, Tom received the coveted accolade of BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year leading to an even busier 12 months of shows, all taking place alongside Julia's final year studying the BMus Popular Music Performance degree with us. 

In June 2018, Julia also helped Tom set a new Guinness World Record for the most live gigs played in 12 hours. The band traveled from Manchester to Marlborough, playing 10 free 15 minute shows, in 12 hours.

Alongside working with Tom, Julia has continued to busy herself playing bass with up-and-coming indie artist Zuzu. Following UK tours, the band recorded a live session for BBC Introducing at their legendary Maida Vale studios and have also graced the stage of the iconic Camden venue The Roundhouse, as part of a BBC Introducing showcase. 

Dave Roberts, from ICMP's Music Careers and Industry Team, recognised Julia's potential during her time studying at ICMP:

“I was always impressed by Julia’s work ethic, willingness to network, audition, meet people, be sociable and take work when it was available, even if it's not on her first instrument (guitar).”

In 2019, Julia performed a headline show at Royal Albert Hall with Tom Grennan and continued to be busy throughout the summer on the festival circuit and gearing up for Tom's next release.

Never one to stand still, alongside her work with Tom and Zuzu, she intends to continue working with other artists and plans to revisit her original instrument ... the guitar.

Read out interview with Julia here

Shake rooms and arenas with your Bass

As a bassist, you’ll know that mastering the four-string is harder than it looks – but at ICMP, we’ve been training the best for over three decades. You’ll get to lock in with a faculty of top-class tutors, learning not only the secrets behind a great groove and performance, but also the business, music theory, production, marketing and additional skills you’ll need to get noticed. As an ICMP student, you’ll also join a community of new collaborators, friends, and industry contacts – and access our amazing rehearsal rooms, gear, masterclasses, industry events, and recording studios.

To start your music career today, email our friendly Admissions Team at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.

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