Biography: Singer/songwriter

'I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.'
Albert Einstein

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From the very first piano lesson I had at 6, to all of the differing stages and settings I have been fortunate to be a part of throughout the last 17 years. This biography showcases my work in the songwriting/popular music sphere. As a classically trained musician who went to music school and later college, I have had the privilege to experience a vast number of differing musical styles and worlds. However, from the first time I ever heard Robert Johnson strum the delta blues, or Pink Floyd produce a spellbinding and forward thinking track, I knew my passions lie as much in popular as they do classical music. These worlds have fashioned the musician I am today, as both a singer/songwriter and film composer. The various bands and ensembles which I have been a part of throughout my musical life have meant I have enjoyed tours of major European cities and been able to play at stunning venues such as The Royal Albert Hall.

My new EP (tracks of which can be heard in the media section), which will culminate in a debut album, represents the style of songwriting that has spawned from both my personal experience and from the influences of others. The lyrical soul nuances, which dominate the verses of 'Blink and its Over' and the Dylan-esque acoustic nature of 'Blessed be you' illustrate the breadth of styles incorporated in the music. The tracks draw on inspiration from artists ranging from Steve Wonder and Jason Mraz, to the rock bands of the 60's and 70's. Nevertheless, I have attempted to create a sound which can be clearly defined as my own. The songs probe and highlight the elements that unify us in our lives. The good times and the struggles, the ecstasy and the heart break, the peaceful and destructive nature of all people. Over the last few years the material has been received with excitement both at home and abroad. The independent music network www.indiecore.com highlighted my profile as a featured artist as well as distributing my songs for broadcast in American movie theatres. In early 2008 The Times online wrote a media feature on my progress into the world of music, both as a singer/songwriter and a film composer (Barry can you put the link here too as is in the film comp. bio thanks!).

As well as personal material, I have had the joy of writing and producing songs for other artists and labels. This allows me a completely fresh outlook on the songwriting process and has given me the opportunity to explore other people and represent their point of view in song. I also work as a keyboard and vocal session musician, both on studio recordings and live performances, throughout London. This finally brings us on to what matters most. My many years of live performance experience ranging from pop and rock, to big function cover bands, classical masterpieces and original theatre, is what has really shaped who I am. Whether it's by yourself, in a band or an eighty piece orchestra, music is meant to be performed and as I hopefully grow in the world of music, I will get the chance and pleasure to perform for more and more of you.

Biography: Film Music

Upon graduating from the University of Nottingham in 2006, I took up the opportunity to study Composition and Production for screen at the prestigious Royal College Music. This offered me the unique prospect to study under some of the most renowned screen composers and producers teaching in the world and helped to sculpt my enthusiasm and talent for the field of music:

- Joseph Horowitz; composer of countless BBC dramas and winner of an 'Ivor Novello' award 9in a career which spans 40 years)

- Howard Davidson; the composer behind TV dramas and documentaries including the BBC's colossus multipart documentary 'India'.

- Mike Mcevoy; film composer and songwriter who has collaborated with musicians such as Paul Oakenfold and Jools Holland and directors such as Richard Linklater

This wealth of experience, coupled with the college's cutting edge recording facilities, gave me the tools required for musical management, composition and production in a wide range of music mediums, genres and industries.

At 11 I attended the Redbridge Music School where I studied cello, composition and orchestral studies. It was here that I started to gain valuable experience which would last into my adult career. I then spent three years away from London studying music at the University of Nottingham, where I increased his work in both classical and popular music, and was introduced to the film making society, beginning my interest in music for screen. This allowed me to follow up my passion later at the Royal College.

Since back in London, I have set about working in the areas of film, documentary, animation, song writing/production/arrangement and theatre. The ability to compose in an extensive variety of musical genres and a hard working attitude has given me the rare opportunity to ply my trade across these differing mediums. In 2007 year I was short-listed as a finalist in TCM's worldwide 'Young Film Composers Competition'. In the summer of the same year some of my music was showcased at an animation festival at the National Gallery. Later on this year there will be cinema screenings of three film projects which finished production in early 2008. In the world of popular music, my classic and strong songwriting style is attracting interest from labels and artists alike. This provoked an article in the Times online to chart the progress of myself as a composer and songwriter in the music and film industry (link available at www.michaelhyman.co.uk). I am currently in the early stages of a new musical theatre project (in conjunction with Axsl productions) and have begun to work on another animation project in conjunction with the National Gallery and channel 4.

Knowing the value of collaboration, I have made a special effort to explore the young film making talent across the UK. These include Ross McGowan, an innovator in crossing animation with live acting, culminating in the work of 'Tantalus' (2007) and Ryan Waters who created 'Beneath the sky', a look at a British soldier's last days before flying out to serve in Afganistan.

On top of work as a screen composer I have worked as a session musician at studios across London, specialising in keyboards and vocals. I have currently two solo EP's, with a full album on the way (tracks from which can be heard on www.myspace.com/michaelhyman) which have been recorded in conjunction with producer and guitarist Mike Koch. This has led to me becoming a featured artist and major American interest.

CV

CV

Albums/EP's

Standing on the edge of eternity (2005): 5 tracks 20.14mins

Ancient but reborn (2006): 2 tracks 8.11mins

Journey of a Troubadour (2007): 8 tracks 33.42mins

Pasty Lee (2007/2008): 4 tracks 13.22mins

Going Nowhere Fast (production 2008)

Film

After London: Dir. Henry Darke (2006)

Tantalus: Dir. Ross McGowan (2007)

The Piano Player: Dir. Ben Christopher (2007)

Nance's House: Dir. Rob Harper (2007)

Love Noir: Dir. Ilya Stewart/Olga-Mila Gots (2008)

Beneath the sky: Dir. Ryan Waters (2008)

Ikarus: Dir. Joannna Viehof

Animation

Hermes: Dir. Anne Gerrish (2007)

Lasting Waltz: Dir. Michael Smith (2007)

Asleep: Dir. Chris Stanman (2008)

Revitalised: Dir. Maria Kyoto 2008)

Polar Panic: Dir. Maria Kyoto (autumn 2008)

Performance (excerpt)

Royal Albert Hall (London)
Royal College of Music (London)
Sound Club (London)
Ice Bar (London)
Albert Hall (Nottingham)
New Theatre (Nottingham)
Djanogly Hall (Nottingham)