James Appleby

A proactive, highly motivated worker determined to succeed. Can apply knowledge of both Practical and theory based music practice. I am a very fast learner and am very motivated to complete a task once started. Enthusiastic live performer Experienced team player and able to work on own initiative, does not consider failure as an option.

MUSIC

I have been a gigging musician since I was 15 years of age, first making money in The Roundhouse Jazz Ensemble, just over a year after learning my instrument. 

Being used to adapting to uncomfortable situations (being a predominantly begginer rock guitarist in a proffesional jazz ensemble) i learned quick to adapt in a live setting, how to serve the song and know my place. 

I have used these skills to continue making money through music over the years in covers bands, originals bands, function bands and tribute bands. 

In a couple of these bands I was lucky enough to record at The Roundhouse numerous times in the EMI studio. I learned a lot about the differences between playing a live show and recording. In another band later on in my career I gained a lot of recording experience in the bands home studio, and then recording and releasing our single ‘Welcome To London’ in 2012 which reached #48 on the UK Reggae charts and #9 on the Austrian Reggae chart. I have since recorded numerous home demos in preparation for my solo album i intend to record. 

In bands over the years I have played stages all over Europe, big and small, infront of ordinary people to playing to 500 celebrity only events at The Roundhouse. I have worked with some great musicians and crew members. I have learned so much and continue to learn every time I play. I am currently teaching myself guitar maintenance in the hopes that I can be efficient one day at setting up and repairing guitars and bass guitars. As well as being useful for groups I play with, I hope one day I could maybe make some money on the side doing it.

Other Work

As well as music I have done numerous other jobs on the side. 

In the summer months I regularly do quite a bit of freelance landscaping/gardening work. 

I have worked in a stable looking after the horses, maintaining the stables and even helped on a few horse riding lessons.

I have worked in retail, as a sales assistant in a reptile shop and also in a costume/party shop. 

I have been an assistant shop sign fitter.

I have worked in a hotel on reception, behind the bar and in the kitchen. 

I have worked as a cleaner in a music venue.

I have worked as a roadsweeper. 

I am very much a hands on practical type of worker. I like to learn by doing things and through trial and error. I believe in hard work and that it pays off. 

• Multi instrumentalist (Lead/Rhythm/Bass Guitarist, Backing Vocalist) - Guns 2 Roses                          April 2015 - December 2022
• Guitarist - Wild Honey                              September 2013 - June 2015
• Guitarist - The Puppet Masters September 2009 - March 2011
• Guitarist - The Edenites                           July 2011 - May 2014
• Guitarist - The Roundhouse Jazz Ensemble                                           October 2007 - August 2009
• Guitarist - The Peasants         September 2007 - August 2009
• DEP Guitarist/Bassist/Backing Vocalist - Numerous bands/artists/projects                              2010 - Present

• Landscaping/Gardening - Freelance      2009 - Present 
• Street Sanitiser - Serco                             2019 - 2020
• Front Of House/Bar Staff/Kitchen Staff - Travelodge                               June 2017 - September 2017
• Cleaner - The Roundhouse                       November 2014 - February 2015
• Assistant Shop Sign Fitter - Freelance   June 2011 - September 2013
• Stable worker/Riding Teacher - Warren Farm Stables                                               July 2010 - June 2011
• Assistant Sales Person - Pauls Reptile Den                                                                September 2009 - July 2010

• First Diploma - Music Practice               West Herts College
• First Diploma - Animal Care                    Capel Manor College
• 8 GCSE'S