ICMP's Sophie Daniels has presented BBC 6 Music show with Elbow's Guy Garvey as part of the 6 Musicology series with Huw Stephens.
Sophie and Guy are two of the UK’s first songwriting professors - Sophie at ICMP and Guy at the Manchester Met University.
In the hour-long special, the pair discussed the songwriters that inspire them as well as songwriters who create unique and distinctive music, and much more.
Posting after the show on social media, Sophie said:
Professor Guy Garvey was, unsurprisingly, the smartest and nicest professor of anything whom I've personally encountered, and it was a privilege to chat with him about songwriting for an hour and share our influences and insights."
The pair selected a number of tracks and songs to play with Sophie featuring music by ICMP's Tim Elsenburg and his band Sweet Billy Pilgrim alongside Daughter, a band of ICMP alumni who met while studying.
Commenting as part of the show, Sophie said: "Daughter and Elena Tonra's writing is so interesting and she has a voice that everyone stops and listens to."
"She write lyrics that are disarmingly simple but are about huge topics. She speaks about grand things but there is this sense that no one is watching her so you want to lean in and listen closer."
The pair also discussed Elbow's 'One Day Like This' and why the track resonates with so many music lovers.
Sophie said: "Song structure has a number of set shapes you can turn to and use. On the flip side, you create your own and in Elbow's work, they often approach the creative process by building from the ground up, drawing on their years of songwriting experience and musical knowledge to create each song."
Guy said: "We knew this song would have an instant appeal when writing it and usually in cases like this, we would scupper the song and run for the hills."
We decided as it had happened so organically, we kept it. We have tried to write singles from time to time in the past and it's never worked or had the impact we wanted it to."
"We're not good at genetically engineering a hit - to write a good pop song, you have to something that could come out of anyone's mouth and work amazingly."
Sophie has hosted the 6 Musicology section of Huw Stephens' show since the start of 2024 alongside Daniel Green, Head of Academic Development, and tutor Anjali Perinparaja.
Write songs that last for generations
A great song can become truly timeless, remembered for generations as part of the world’s cultural legacy. Whether you want to craft a killer melody or pen poetic lyrics, our tutors will teach you everything you want to know, including all the production, performance, professional and entrepreneurial skills needed to ensure that your unique creations get the recognition they deserve. You’ll also benefit from A&R-style critique sessions, collaborative opportunities, access to fully equipped live rooms, recording studios and tech suites, and a community of inspiring contacts and friends.
To catapult your songwriting and music career to a whole new level, email our friendly Admissions Team at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.
Songwriting courses
A great song can become truly timeless, remembered for generations as part of the world’s cultural legacy. Whether you want to craft a killer melody or pen poetic lyrics, our tutors will teach you everything you want to know, including all the production, performance, professional and entrepreneurial skills needed to ensure that your unique creations get the recognition they deserve. You’ll also benefit from A&R-style critique sessions, collaborative opportunities, access to fully equipped live rooms, recording studios and tech suites, and a community of inspiring contacts and friends.
To catapult your songwriting and music career to a whole new level, email our friendly Admissions Team at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.