The University of West London

Elton John to produce film based on university graduate

Friday 27 January 2012

A graduate's life story will be made into a movie by superstar singer, Elton John.

Lotte Mullan, a former BMus Popular Music Performance student at the University's London College of Music will see her story told on the big screen by Elton John's production company, Rocket Pictures.

The film will be based on Lotte's blogs about her experience in the music industry, which gained huge amounts of followers keen to hear her story.

Not only will Lotte be making an impact on screen but she will also be releasing her debut album 'Plain Jane' through her own record label, Raindog Records, on 30 January 2012.

Lotte worked with a range of different musicians and producers and recorded the album in just two weeks. 

So far the album has received critical praise with national newspaper The Guardian describing the album as 'exquisite' and music magazine Q stating that Lotte is 'Suffolk's answer to Joni Mitchell'.

The 26 year-old's album has also received widespread radio support with local radio, BBC London, Radio 2, Radio 4 and Radio 6 music playing tracks from the album.

Lotte states that her degree at the University's London College of Music helped develop her as an artist and prepare her for music industry. She said:

'The best thing about my degree was meeting other musicians, both staff and pupils.  The emphasis is on playing live and getting out there, which the College always whole heartedly encouraged.  I also found a lot of guest lectures and workshops really inspiring and a great opportunity to hear stories and ask questions.  The music business lectures have also been very helpful in my negotiating tactics.'

Lotte also had advice for current students at the University's London College of Music. She added:

'Play as much as you can.  Collaborate and meet other musicians- don't always just stick to the style you think you like as you can learn so much from looking and playing outside the box. Use the time at University to find out what you're really good at.'

Commenting on Lotte's success, Sara Raybould, Acting Head of the University's London College of Music said:

'I am delighted with Lotte’s achievement as a singer songwriter.  She is an inspiration to our current students and is a great example of just what you can achieve with the knowledge base and training offered at the University's London College of Music.'

Read more and hear about Lotte's story.