Gavin Chappell-Bates

Gavin Chappell-Bates is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and live looper from Cambridgeshire, England performing ‘effervescent emotive yin / yang indie-pop-rock’.

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’, ‘Refugee’ and 'Church Of Rock 'N' Roll', 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 Janice Long's show on BBC Radio 2, and he regularly appears on BBC Introducing, as well as other local and national stations. He has been nominated for the second year running as Best Male Solo Artist in the 2016 NMG Awards and has a growing fan base in France where fans run dedicated social media sites.

Gavin set off on his first ever tour in September 2014 and has gigged relentlessly since. His shows vary for every performance from live looping to playing with a band to stripped down performances with an acoustic guitar, harmonica and stomp box. He has performed at The Rescue Rooms (Nottingham), Hoxton Bar and Sebright Arms (London), The Hunter Club (Bury St. Edmunds), Norwich Arts Centre and The Portland Arms (Cambridge), as well as Homegrown Music Festival, Strawberry Fair and The Willow Festival.

“Unapologetic and uplifting pop-rock… these honest and accessible tracks are going to put a smile on your face…We foresee Gavin snagging some more promising support slots and making medium-scale festival appearances next year. If he’s not, we’ll eat our hats.”
Never Enough Notes