James Wilson-Rhead is a London-based composer whose work spans concert music, theatre, film, television, and animation.

His diverse portfolio includes electronic compositions influenced by contemporary dance music, chamber and choral works, as well as big band and orchestral pieces. His music has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and featured in international TV advertisements and short films.

Drawing from a rich background in jazz, European art music, folk, pop, rock, and electronica, James blends these influences in both his solo compositions and his band, kibbokid.

He has collaborated with major brands and creative agencies to compose music for advertising campaigns for Sony PlayStation, 3M, Chevrolet, Nestlé, and Branston Pickle. His work has also been featured in performances and installations at prestigious venues, including the National Gallery, the Tank Museum, and the London Transport Museum.

In 2015, James collaborated with Sir Timothy Ackroyd and acclaimed film director Nicolas Roeg (Don’t Look Now, The Man Who Fell to Earth) to compose an original score and sound design for The Fuse—a play co-authored by Ackroyd and the late Dame Beryl Bainbridge. The West End preview run received critical acclaim, with discussions underway for a television adaptation.

Education

James holds a Master’s degree (MComp) in Composition for Screen from the Royal College of Music, London, where he was generously supported by an Angela Nankivell and a Douglas and Hilda Simmonds Award. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz (BMusJazz Hons) from Birmingham Conservatoire and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCertHE) from the University of London.

As a Senior Lecturer and Module Leader for Advanced Composition at Point Blank Music School, James teaches both at the London campus and online.

For academic enquiries, please email: james(dot)wilson(at)pointblankmusicschool(dot)com.