Friday, 13 December 2024
Gavin Holligan
After signing a lucrative deal with premiership team West Ham FC, shortly followed by a debut appearance at Anfield against Liverpool FC, no one would ever imagine that a professional footballer would ever turn his back on the world of sport and find his way onto the big stage performing with Stevie Wonder, Jocelyn Brown, Aswad and Floetry, but that’s what Gavin Holligan did!
Despite making the unlikely transition, and enjoying various touring stints as background vocalist and keyboardist with established names - including Duffy (number 1 smash hit with 'Mercy' 2008), and Gloria Gaynor (legendary singer of disco hit 'I Will Survive'), Gavin became restless with the repetitiveness of it all, and eventually concluded that it was time to develop his own ideas.
The BRIT School graduate slowly detached himself from the session scene and put together a local monthly showcase called 'Chemistry' (guest performers included Katy B, Shola Ama and Jaz Ellington - finalist on 'The Voice' TV series 2012). Meanwhile, Gavin assembled a shop-basement recording studio ‘Brownhouse Music’ in the hope of honing his instinctive songwriting and production skills.
After an extended period of experimentation, Gavin recorded and independently released self produced uptempo song entitled 'Brighter Day', which was picked up by 1xtra DJ Lewis Barker and featured on the ‘BBC introducing’ radio show in 2008.
Gavin swiftly noted that it was mainly his emotive lyrics, spacious arrangements and heartfelt live performances that always seemed to capture his listeners so effortlessly. Consequently, Gavin retreated back to the drawing board to explore a more fitting sound to accompany his unique vocal talent
While on the journey to finding his own artistic identity, Gavin (born and raised in South London) has been quietly hard at work, penning and composing material for other artists and bands. Notable efforts include; ‘Fly Again' released by female trio 'Stooshe' , which was co-written with song-writer extraordinaire Jo Perry and Incognito lead vocalist Mo Brandis.