'Surreal' as top music producer mentors student

A student says it is "surreal" being mentored on the music industry by Robbie William's producer, Guy Chambers.

Rory Black, 18, from Cannock, Staffordshire, is studying music at Telford College and came to Chambers' attention after winning a songwriting competition held in Lichfield.

Chambers is best known for his long creative partnership with Williams as well as collaborations with Kylie Minogue, Tina Turner, the Scissor Sisters and Tom Jones.

As part of his prize, Black got to perform his winning song, Know My Name, live on stage, accompanied by Chambers on piano.

"It was a surreal experience to share the stage with someone who has significantly impacted the music landscape," he said.

"At the end of the night I went to get one of Guy's CDs signed but instead of that he gave me his phone number.

"The next day we were meeting over breakfast and he started giving me advice and mentoring me."

The teenager has been invited to a recording session at the producer's Sleeper Sounds Studio in London later this year and will also get the chance to perform at a concert to an audience of music industry executives.

Chambers described Black's song on social media as "pretty much perfect".

"I don't come across this level of talent very often...he plays guitar beautifully and sings like a bird," he added.

Johnathan Abbott, learner manager for creative and music at the college, described it as an "amazing opportunity".

"To have someone of his calibre recognise Rory's talent is a huge endorsement — and a testament to the hard work, creativity and ambition Rory shows every day on his music course here at Telford College."

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