Cambridge based musician Gavin Chappell-Bates has just released a video for his track 'Church of Rock n Roll', we were asked to feature it as an EXCLUSIVE play, who were we to turn down such an awesome track, hope you enjoy it....
If you'd rather listen to the track without the vide, you can do so too....
Having lived with, and overcome, depression, anxiety and self-harm, Gavin writes music which is insightful, thoughtful, heartfelt and uplifting. Music kept Gavin alive through dark times and he wants to share this positivity, and raise awareness about mental health in the process, with the world. He sings songs about rock ‘n’ roll, growing up, politics, suicide, love, hope and determination.
After playing in various bands, Gavin released his first solo EP – ‘Black Holes’ – in February 2015. His debut album, featuring the singles ‘Black Holes’, ‘95’, ‘We Are The Ones’ and ‘Refugee’, was released by R*E*P*E*A*T Records in April 2016. The album was recorded by James Coppolaro at Mix 66 and friends, family and fans voted for their favourite songs to appear on it. Recorded with a full band (including strings and a choir), tracks on the album shift from acoustic folk to blistering pop-punk to 90s Britpop to anthemic indie-rock to epic balladry.
Gavin’s musical journey began with a junior school project on ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ and a lifelong love affair with The Beatles and rock ‘n’ roll. Inspired by two friends, one who could play like Hendrix at the age of 8 or 9 and the other who was already writing McCartney-esque-songs, Gavin picked up a guitar and, after a few early lessons with Ezio’s Booga, began teaching himself to play.
Rock ‘n’ roll soon progressed into rock music and an adoration for Aerosmith, especially the guitar playing of Joe Perry. But it was the first time that Gavin played a 7” of ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’ by Manic Street Preachers that his musical path was forged. Leant the record by his sister having seen this unique and mesmerising band performing on TV the night before, Gavin knew that, as he listened to the song, this would be his favourite band for the rest of his life. After this Gavin began to write songs and learned how to sing. He has been constantly improving and evolving ever since.
Gavin’s music has featured on Tom Robinson’s show on BBC 6 Music and he regularly appears on BBC Introducing, as well as other local and national stations. He was nominated for Best Male Solo Artist in the 2015 NMG Awards and has a growing fan base in France where fans run dedicated social media sites.
Gavin appears live at three festivals this summer
Jul 8th Willow Festival
Jul 10th St Ives Carnival
Aug 20th Wigan Live
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