‘The value was unlimited’ - Solent alumnus carves out music industry success

The Solent graduate, who sits on the University’s Creative Industries Impact Board, has spent the 15 years since he graduated carving out a successful career in the field in which he studied.

Racking up experience at Vevo, Sony Music’s The Orchard and, now, Distiller Music Group, James credits his university experience for setting him on the path to success. “The value was pretty much unlimited,” James says.

“I had access to incredible facilities; recording studios, rehearsal space, TV and radio studios – all of which are industry standard. Solent, and the whole university experience, really assisted my journey into work and the industry itself.”

During his degree, James gained experience at The Joiners in Southampton – an iconic space once voted the country’s best small music venue. He says, “I gained real-life experience facilitated by the University. This led me to many contacts I still speak with on a regular basis.”

James’ career so far has seen him work with a wide range of much-loved artists, from Scissor Sisters and RAYE to Blossoms and Skepta, as well as emerging musicians who have benefited from his support. The learning and teaching experience James had at Solent has continued to influence his career:

“I was on a course with passionate lecturers, who took a genuine interest in myself and what I wanted to achieve. My third-year project allowed me to launch and run my own record company, which paid dividends down the line and still does to this day in terms of experience and contacts.”

It is this practice-led approach which Solent University prides itself on as a triple TEF Gold institution. Course Leader Music Industries, James Hannam, says:

“We are delighted to see James progress to another senior role within the music industry, following his successful time at The Orchard. His professional journey since graduation is an inspiration to our current students.

“We are also grateful to James for his ongoing contribution to both our Music Business Mentors programme and the University’s Cultural Industries Advisory Board, where his input continues to enhance our suite of music courses.”

Find out more about Solent's music courses here.