ABOUT

 

 

 

Hi everyone, I'm Imogen! A Junior doctor and singer songwriter based in North London! Here's a little bit about my journey so far!

 

I have been writing songs since the tender age of 13, and my wider public support started to grow in 2010 when I entered the National Young Songwriter of the Year and my quirky lyrics and catchy melodies caught the eyes of celebrity judges Sir Terry Wogan, Midge Ure of Ultravox and Pink Floyd's Nick Mason. I was the only competitor to have 2 songs reaching the regional finals and with your support I achieved a place in the national final with my song Build My Wings. It was recorded in Mark Knopfler's British Grove Studios in Chiswick, under the watchful eye of producer AD Chivers. It was an incredible and inspirational opportunity to work in collaboration with session artists including John Blease, Danian Simes from 'Adam & the Ants', Simon Little, known for his work with 'The Divine Comedy' and Australia's internationally acclaimed Grant Windsor. We were delighted to raise £3000 for Barnardo's children's charity in the process! 

 

As University loomed, I was unsure how much time I would be able to dedicate to song writing and performing, so when sound technician Chris Brookbanks offered to record a selection of my ever growing repertoire, I jumped at the chance! As I waited for my A Level results, my first album Breathless was recorded featuring a number of school friends. I was delighted that 'In the Doldrums' - a track from Breathless was a finalist in the 2013 National Folk Awards.  

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Wearing my other hat, I attained a place at Cambridge University to study Medicine. The Cambridge experience opened up some wonderful opportunities for performing at historic and world renowned venues. These have 

included the Cambridge Union, the ADC theatre and a number of college "May Balls".

 

In my first year at university, I entered OpenMicUK - the UK's largest singing competition. After a number of rounds, culminating in the grand final at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, I was delighted to win the 'Future Music Award'. On the judging panel was the Mercury Award Nominated Producer Andy Ross. He was very impressed with my performance and my album Breathless and as a consequence, he invited me to record my second album at his internationally acclaimed AStar Studios in Manchester. He kindly offered to waive his normal producer fee to make the process (almost) affordable! 

 

With insufficient pennies in the bank, I embarked on a Crowd Funding Project with Kickstarter and with the help of 300 members of the public, I achieved my target of £11,750 and Queen of Hearts was born. I was unbelievably privileged to work in collaboration with some incredible musicians including Simon Moore (Drums), currently touring with Ruby Turner; Jim Kirkpatrick (Guitar), from the band FM; Simon Goulding (Electric Bass); Yamaha Scholar, Mark Lewandowski (Double Bass) and Andy Ross himself! It was a truly magical experience to hear the process evolve and I'm thrilled with the final results. Queen of Hearts was released nationally on iTunes and Spotify in October 2015 and CD's are available from my website - click here.

 

I had a quite wonderful experience at Cambridge University and then in September 2016 crossed to the 'dark side' (Oxford) to undertake my clinical medical degree.

 

But it wasn't all study! 

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I sang and wrote lots and lots and gained incredible experience along the way. I sang with The Oxford Alternotives, the oldest colligate A Capella group in the UK, competing in National competitions and excitingly, in the BBC 1 "Pitch Battle" Series and filmed a number of music videos which were released on Youtube in aid of various charities. I also wrote and performed with The Tingewick Medical Theatre Group, performing in the John Radcliffe Theatre in Oxford and to sell out audiences at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, so it's been a very busy and creative period for me. 

Towards the end of last year I decided it was time to record more of my own songs, so off I went to King Sound Studio near my home in Lancaster. With the wonderful Simon Moore on drums once again, the incredibly accomplished Steve Berry on double bass and the delightful Naomi Watson on violin, we recorded four jazz influenced original songs, under the skilful guidance of producers Chris Brookbank, Mark Gray and John Kirby. I am very proud of the results and delighted to announce that DOCTOR DOCTOR will be released on 1st October!

 

The songs, 'More Than Just a Pickle', 'Doctor Doctor', 'Bedroom Bossanova' and 'Cruel to be Kind', bring a mix of high energy, fast flowing song and musicianship, comedic storytelling and witty, sassy lyrics for you to enjoy: fast and furious to slow and sensual!

 

I have also filmed a music video entitled 'Bedroom Bossanova' with LNP Productions, to accompany the release of 'Doctor Doctor'. With that song title being more than a little suggestive, we decided to think out of the box and am very pleased with the rather quirky and entertaining result. I'm even more delighted to tell you that it has been shortlisted for the Prisma Independent Film Awards. Watch this space! So, to conclude; Doctor Doctor will be available from 1st October on Spotify and Apple Music on the Purple Porcupine Record Label and is available here.

 

Finally, I'd like to say Thank You! for being part of my story so far. You make this adventure possible and for that I am very grateful.

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So please look around my website and enjoy my music! For booking enquiries, general information or just to leave a comment click here. Information about future performances is available via the Events Guide . Keep up to date with News and Events via my Facebook and Twitter pages. 

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Imogen Rae x