After signing a lucrative deal with premiership team West Ham FC, shortly followed by a debut appearance at Anfield against Liverpool FC, no one would ever imagine that a professional footballer would ever turn his back on the world of sport and find his way onto the big stage performing with Stevie Wonder, Jocelyn Brown, Aswad and Floetry, but that’s what Gavin Holligan did!
The BRIT School graduate slowly detached himself from the session scene and put together a local monthly showcase called 'Chemistry' (guest performers included Katy B, Shola Ama and Jaz Ellington - finalist on 'The Voice' TV series 2012). Meanwhile, Gavin assembled a shop-basement recording studio ‘The Brownhouse’ in the hope of honing his instinctive songwriting and production skills.
After an extended period of experimentation, Gavin recorded and independently released a self produced uptempo song entitled 'Brighter Day', which was picked up by 1xtra DJ Lewis Barker and featured on the ‘BBC introducing’ radio show in
2008.
Gavin swiftly noted that it was mainly his emotive lyrics, spacious arrangements and heartfelt live performances that always seemed to capture his listeners so effortlessly. Consequently, Gavin retreated back to the drawing board to explore a more fitting sound to accompany his unique vocal talent.
In 2018, and after years of experimentation, Gavin felt it was time to bring his own music to the world, with the release of a heartfelt song entitled ‘More Than One’. More Than One received tremendous reviews, mainly due to its powerful lyrics and emotive vocal performance. The song was also accompanied with a picture collage Youtube video featuring a string of soul stirring images.
Since the release of his heartfelt ballad, which won the attention of the likes of Judi Love (BBC radio) and Dawn Butler (UK Labour Party), who welcomed him to perform the song at the Houses Of Parliament.
Both of Gavins’ releases in 2022 were playlisted by Jazz FM, whilst his meloncholic athem, ‘This Hotel Is Closed’ has become a firm favourite amongst soulful jazz critics far and wide.
Gavin Holligan could easily be summed up as a 'modern day - classic artist', delivering much of the craftsmanship you would expect to hear from iconic heroes of old. With a rich musical history, potent songs, quality musicianship and an engaging stage presence, you can't help feeling that Gavin Holligan will always offer up his audience something worth waiting for!
