Southampton Film Week recognises student talent at Solent
Two Music Business students took home a trophy at the 2024 Southampton Film Week.
30 January 202529 January 2025
With a slate of industry successes, a lecturer at Southampton Solent University is showing students how to succeed in the the competitive world of music, most recently co-writing the iconic Simple Minds' latest release.
As an Associate Lecturer in Popular Music, Paul Statham is a regular source of inspiration and insight for music students at Solent. Now, the University community is celebrating the release of Simple Minds' latest single, Your Name in Lights, co-written by Paul.
The track had its debut on Monday 9 December on Radio 2's Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, signalling another success for Paul, who has enjoyed an illustrious career as a songwriter.
The importance of role-modelling, which is to say connecting students with professionals who are active in their field, is something Solent is committed to, with the most current industry trends and experiences influencing teaching. Paul says:
"Having an active career allows me to remain up to date with changing themes and stylistic influences in current popular music, and to bring in relevant contemporary writing briefs for students. It also allows me to engage with different learning institutions, take the best bits and bring them into my Solent teaching experience.
"Most importantly, working in my studio and engaging with real-world business situations, such as with publishers, managers and sync companies, allows me to honestly de-mystify a lot of assumptions and share this with students."
Paul has contributed to songs which have sold more than 30 million copies, giving BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Production undergraduates the opportunity to learn first-hand what goes in to writing music for some of the most recognisable bands and artists in the world.
When it comes to enhancing student experiences, Paul uses his own from the industry to help undergrads carve out their own successes: "I try and bring real-life writing scenarios and song briefs into my teaching.
"Having written across, and had successes in, a wide variety of genres, we look at a range of song styles. From niche styles to big sellers, I introduce a technique or area of songwriting - such as rhyme scheme, title placement, melodic arc and contrast - to each seminar."
The value of this exposure for students is inimitable. Solent's Course Leader Popular Music Production, Toni Diaz, says:
"Paul's expertise in professional songwriting is a real asset to the course, providing real-world insights to our music students. With his guidance, our students are inspired to write songs of their own, utilising his immediate knowledge of the industry and its processes to carve out success on their own terms."
Under the supervision of lecturers like Paul, graduates go on to thrive in the music industry at labels including Sony Music and Columbia Records. Combining teaching from professionals with industry-standard facilities and studios, Solent equips students with the sought-after skills required to thrive in the competitive music industry.
Want to know what studying popular music at Solent is all about? Find out here.