Chris Marshall:
the cv and mini-biog
After getting a science degree in 1977 in Manchester, UK, I played in numerous bands, doing loads of sessions as a keyboard player and vocalist, then started to compose production/library music in the mid 1980's.
With fellow studio and live band players, formed the Rhythm Shop with Phil Scragg (now with Just East), Doug Boyle (Nigel Kennedy, formerly Robert Plant and Caravan), Steve Bray (ex Toyah), Gary Hammond (Beautiful South) and Chris Blackwell (Toyah/commercials galore). In the early 80's the band recorded with and co-produced such diverse people as the late great Demis Roussos, Norman Wisdom and current BBC Radio presenter Sadie Nine.
Then I started composing various themes and scores for TV and film, plus contributed to some TV commercials. Here's an old interview I did with International Musician (wearing dubious t-shirt).
Was recruited by the Zomba Group in 1987 and worked full-time at Battery Studios London as an in-house producer, library composer, session keyboard player and arranger.
Composed scores and themes for BBC-2 and Channel 4 in the UK, and The Discovery Channel (with examples on the video pages).
Wrote and recorded over 30 albums of library music as Chris Marshall and under the pseudonym Matt Sinclair for Bruton and Chappell Music libraries, plus produced numerous titles for other composers.
Wrote tracks for Samantha Fox and produced Tight Fit for Jive Records. Zomba eventually were to be absorbed into Universal Music (as they are today). I started rhythmshop records (now rpl) in the mid 90's signing various acts such as Jonathan Hellyer (ex-Bronski Beat), Doug Boyle (ex-Robert Plant) and singer-songwriters Dave Pop! and Karen Bates, releasing CD singles, a DVD, an album, a compilation and many mixes.
Have continued to produce, compose and perform, and currently live in South West London with my own recording studio "rpl studios" purpose built on the premises. Recently co-wrote and co-produced a track for New York band The Ones' next album.
Throughout this time (since 1980 with "Biddie and Eve") have performed with, recorded, produced and been MD for singing and cabaret partner James Biddlecombe (aka Biddie).
From 2013 I've been composing new ballads for Universal and continuing to gig with Biddie, but primarily have been in the studio to write, produce and record albums for many including former cohort Jeff Mason, James Biddie Biddlecombe, and be involved in projects featuring such talent as Angie Brown, Chris "La Voix" Dennis, Dave Pop!, Sarah Moule and many others plus spend a small amount of time giving the occasional lecture at the London Centre of Contemporary Music.