Director of Artist Development – Dutch Van Spall FRSA BA Hons FAETC

Dutch has worked in many areas of the industry and has enjoyed success as a songwriter, soundtrack composer – as well as developing technical skills through his training and work with the BBC and recording studios in the UK, other European countries and the USA.

Awarded Fellowship of the Royal Society of the Arts in 2014, Dutch has previously been a moderator, course writer and College Advisor for both BTEC and the Open College Network – and has worked on projects with the Learning & Skills Council and contributed to the Government’s Creative Apprentice scheme. He co-wrote the first full-time 2 year Media certificated course for BTEC in the late 80s – upon which most current courses are derived. He has served as a Board Member of Music West Midlands and was elected as Chair for 2 years.

Working with numerous industry names over the years, Dutch brings a wealth of experience to all areas of the company and concentrates his time overseeing the development of our label artists and exploring emerging opportunities and markets. Dutch plays the guitar and continues to write songs. You can often see him presenting some of our live events and occasionally filling in for other guitarists on stage and in studio.

“Be passionate about what you do. It’s the one thing we can’t teach you. Your determination and positive energy will help you reach your goal – and is probably more important than how many chords you can play or how many songs you have written.”

 

 

Creative & Vocal Director  – Nicky Stewart BA Hons 

Nicky has spent most of her life performing on stage, and has embraced the thrill of entertaining audiences, both in London and the West Midlands. She attained a BA Honours in Performing Arts, majoring Music at Middlesex University. Her talents were recognised at an early stage when she won ITV’s This Morning Les Miserables competition from thousands of entries – subsequently being awarded the role of the ‘Madam’ at the prestigious Queens Theatre in London’s West End. For the last 10 years, Nicky has put much of her energy into judging and supporting young artists at national competitions, vocal coaching, directing and co-writing for an array of companies and schools in London, Northampton and Rugby. She works as Head of Music within the private educational sector, covering key stages from Primary through to Secondary.

Nicky joined us 4 years ago and quickly established herself as our Head Vocal Coach, and was soon offered the post of Creative Director. Working with both Label Artists and Academy Members, Nicky has helped to develop the company to where it is presently. She set up our house vocal group – The Strawhouse Singers – named after our studio where they rehearse. From a small idea the group have released their own EP, headlined at Festivals and have their own concert and productions, the most recent Motown Music Show, performed at the Warwick Arts Centre, and most memorable, performing at London’s Bedford Club. Opera singer Jonathan Antoine chose them as his accompanying choir for the Birmingham leg of his National Tour.

Nicky has been co-writing with a number of our artists and her knowledge is valued throughout the Production process. 

‘Life shouldn’t be about focusing on your destination, but to embrace the journey and the many exciting roads it takes to get there.’