Charlie Allen Guitarist
About
My name is Charlie Allen
Music has always been the driving force in my life. It has been my motivation in the darkest parts of my life to keep fighting, but most importantly it is what I love to do the most. I feel at home on a stage and holding a guitar is where I truly feel comfortable. It is because of these reasons that I left home at age 18 with the goal of becoming a Professional Musician, where I could perform the music I love, assisting artists realise their musical visions, and help to bring forward the next generation of musicians.
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I am versed in Classical, Jazz, and Contemporary Musical Studies, recently graduating with First Class Honours from Falmouth University. It is here that I found my predominant genre of Jazz, which has taken on the form of lots of Nu-Jazz/Future-Jazz projects where I was able to make an impression, starting to establish myself amongst some of the best Jazz Guitarists in Brighton & the South Coast. As a big fan of the Jazz/Hip-Hop crossover that exists, I have played for artists in the genre, including award-winning rapper Kavzad.
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On top of this, I have toured across the United Kingdom with multiple acts including former Hard Rock act Brazen Bull and with Contemporary R&B/Neo-Soul singer Fari Chiketa, receiving various accolades and achievements along the way - including but not limited to:
- Award show nominations
- International Radio Play, ranging from the USA to Japan
- Featured in the same magazine as Alice Cooper (Powerplay Magazine)
- Performances at multiple SoFar Sounds Sessions
- Performance at Brighton's prestigious Soho House
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As a Performer, Educator, Composer, & Producer I have never been happier; taking large, continuous steps in my progress on the way to a lifetime full of music.
Professional CV
Skills & Expertise
April 2023 - present
Fari Chicketa
I was asked to join Fari Chicketa's Live Band after collaborating on her song 'Compulsion'. The first performance in this group was at Brighton's famous festival, The Great Escape. Extensive gigging has followed since, taking the band across the south of England where they have played such venues as Windmill (Brixton), and The Exchange (Bristol).
January 2023 - present
Ena
Ena reached out to me during the beginning of 2023 needing a guitarist for live accompaniment. The first performance together was for a 'Valentine's Day Special' hosted by SoFar Sounds - achieving a dream of mine to play a SoFar Sounds Session. In August 2023, I accompanied Ena on classical guitar as she performed at The Sunset Showcase hosted by Relax&BakeFM at the prestigious Soho House in Brighton.
July 2022 - present
Kavzad
I first started collaborating with Kavzad towards the end of 2022, with the first project being an EP release show held at Green Door Store, Brighton. It is with Kavzad's band that I also started to make a name for myself in the area as I was able to demonstrate more of my lead-playing. Having played at venues such as The Hope & Ruin (Brighton) and numerous headline shows at the Green Door Store, I have also started to take on compositional responsibility for his future material.
January 2022 - present
Peripatetic Music Teacher
After having some experience of informal lessons, I began my teaching career with Brighton and Oxford based music agency, Susanna Cassam Music Tuition. At present, I have students both privately and through the agency where I am responsible for creating lesson plans, accounting, and scheduling. In April of 2023, I joined The Rock & Pop Foundation/SCAMPS as a Visiting Music Teacher where I teach in multiple schools across the south of England. It was always my dream to make my living from music/teaching and I attained that goal at the age of 20.