Each month, we catch up with pointblank students and alumni to showcase their successes since studying with us, giving you an insight into how music industry careers are established and nurtured right here at pointblank. In October 2017, we’re catching up with a diverse set of breaking talent: DJ and producer Sam Shelley (Sub Neo Music), label-head Lee Graves (FAK3) and international touring DJ DeeAfro. Want to join them? Check out our London, Los Angeles, Ibiza, Mumbai and Online course pages to begin your own journey to the top.
Sam Shelley (Sub Neo Music) – DJ Course
Sam Shelley is a DJ and producer from North London. It was a summer course in DJing at pointblank that laid the foundation for Sam to go on and become a full-time musician. Since 2015, Sam has released on Tech-House labels No-Attitude and Mind Ability and his recent House Dealer EP dropped on Sub Neo Music last month reaching #19 in the Tech House Beatport 100. Sam has played at EGG, Ministry of Sound, Lightbox and this summer headed out to Ibiza to play at Pure among other clubs. Check Sam out on Facebook or Beatport.
“I played the drums and studied music theory during my time at school,” Sam told us of his musical upbringing. “I always felt I had a natural ear for music and wanted to follow this at pointblank. My tutor was so passionate about DJing and under his guidance, I was surprised at how quickly I progressed. pointblank really ignited the fire in me.”
DeeAfro (Simma Black, Simma Red & More) – Music Composition
DeeAfro has been Djing in clubs since the age of 18. She guests on Select Radio, holds residencies at The Gallery and CLub Aquarium and plays all over the world. She has released on a wealth of labels including Simma, In The Loop and Huge Recordings and tracks have appeared in top 20 lists on Traxsource and Beatport. Find DeeAfro on Facebook and Soundcloud.
Lee Graves (FAK3) – DJ/Producer Certificate
Lee Graves is a DJ, producer and lately label-head at the newly formed FAK3, a subsidiary of Playhouse Music Management (PMM) in London. FAK3 came about after a colleague at PMM learned of Lee’s attendance at pointblank and the two of them hatched the idea. The label launches at Egg London on the 10th November and Lee and fellow former PB student Ben McGreal are playing. For any students hoping to attend the event, contact theo@pointblankmusicschool.com for guestlist.
“I think the biggest things I took from my studies,” says Lee, “was that it felt like home in the world of music. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, not just for the skills I learnt but the connections I made. I now have a 15+ plus roster of producers from all over the world with loads of upcoming releases that will take us well into the new year.”
These are just two of countless successes our students achieve. On our courses, we strive to not only give students the tools they need to allow their artistry to flourish, but to give them the business nous to succeed and encourage collaboration with the wealth of talent among fellow attendees. Our flagship BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Degree in association with Middlesex University teaches you everything needed to succeed in music, as does the Online Degree. Or you could double down on the industry aspect of what we do with a Music Industry Course. For information on all our courses and ways to get in touch, head to our contact page.
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