Alex Cumming on SoundBetter

Professional Accordionist and Singer specializing in Folk, Traditional and World music sounds to suit any track.

I have been a professional musician, performer and composer/arranger now for close to 15 years. I am a classically trained Accordionist and singer who specializes in folk music, be that singer-songwriter, celtic, period music and more. I have been touring for over 10 years with my own bands and in the last 5 years have been providing top quality session musician services both in person and from my home studio.

I am equally happy reading sheet music of a pre-arranged part as I am learning by ear and creating unique lines. Provided music for Theatre, TV, Film, Audiobooks, Video Games, Albums and more.

As well as providing accordion and singing services, I am an accomplished arranger and composer, for both instrumental and vocal pieces. I am also the producer of the Dr. Mama Podcast, which I edit, record and release.

Fun facts about me:
- Born & bred in England, so have that lovely authentic English accent.
- I was once a Pierrot clown
- I won a lady gaga impersonator for my wedding on a BBC Comedy Game Show.

Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.

Credits

Discogs verified credits for Alex Cumming

James Findlay
James Findlay
The Teacups (2)
The Teacups (2)
Ange Hardy
The Teacups (2)
Bellwether (5)

Languages

English

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Interview with Alex Cumming

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I have just finished and released a brand new album, and my next recording project will be with my duo partner, working on a new EP
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The creativity and collaborations.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: I am more than just a pirate ;-), but tbf, I enjoy these recording projects as well! haha (harrharr)
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Accordion, Piano, Studio One, Desktop Computer and my Presonus interface! Boring I know, but music making!!!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I became a semi-professional performer at 14, performing one to three shows a week most of the year. I then studied music technology, music and performing arts at 6th Form College (ages 16-18) and progressed to college to study at Newcastle University on the Folk & Traditional Music degree. I majored in Singing and minor in Accordion, which I got 1st in both. I have since being performing, touring and recording in both UK and over the last decade in the USA.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Taylor Swift! Her ability to not only write good songs that actually tell a story, but her ability to tell a story through musical arrangements is also inspiring. With her move to some more folky albums, I can but dream to be her chosen accordionist one day!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I most regularly work in Folk, Singer-Songwriter and acoustic music settings, but I have also recorded in Rock, Pop, Classical and film as well.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Arranging with the accordion! It's something I love, and I pride myself on being able to tell a story musically with my arrangements and changes in harmonic and melodic structures to evoke an emotion and journey.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: The accordion is a magical instrument, it can bring beauty with drones and juicy emotional chords, but it can also be an upbeat rhythmic back-up or shred melody lines.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I will workshop the song with the client either in person, or via a zoom call. If this is not doable, I will make small 30s samples to send and see if things are heading in the correct direction. From this creative stage, I will then record full tracks and allow changes and edits once the client has heard them
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a small studio set up at home, with PreSonus studio gear. Recording, editing and mixing done with my DAW of choice, Studio One.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: My biggest inspiration is Pete Ord, my long-time producer collaborator for my own projects. Taylor Swift is also a huge inspiration on industry work.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I most regularly record accordion for singer-songwriters and celtic bands, plus other industries such as audiobooks and video games.