From writing her first songs as a 10 year-old on a Casio keyboard to performing at Glastonbury and supporting Bob Dylan, singer songwriter Polly Paulusma (you say it pauls-mer) has enjoyed an exciting and continually evolving musical career.
She signed to Bjork’s One Little Independent Records (formerly One Little Indian Records) label in 2003 and released her debut album of beautifully crafted folk/pop, ‘Scissors In My Pocket’, the following year.
Recorded mainly in her garden shed, the LP received plenty of critical and popular acclaim, and catapulted her onto the live circuit. She went on to travel around the world, performing with the likes of Coldplay, The Divine Comedy as well as major festivals including T in the Park and the Cambridge Folk Festival.
Since then she has had 10 releases - four self-penned studio albums with their 'sister' albums, a feature film soundtrack and an album of traditional folk songs and spoken word, 'Invisible Music'. This showcased in musical terms her PhD research on the novelist Angela Carter's previously-unknown folk singing activities. This work was also published as an academic monograph by Bloomsbury in 2022.
Polly founded folk label Wild Sound in 2012, which signed and supported nine other artists (such as Maz O'Connor, Matthew the Oxx, Harry Harris and Stylusboy), with Polly co-producing some of the albums released. Wild Sound is now a folk imprint at One Little Independent.
In February 2025, Polly will release her eagerly-anticipated sixth studio album 'Wildfires', produced by Ethan Johns, and featuring the musical talents of Neil Cowley (Neil Cowley Trio) and Jon Thorne (Lamb, Yorkston Thorne Khan).
Visit pollypaulusma.com for more.
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A great song can become truly timeless, remembered for generations as part of the world’s cultural legacy. Whether you want to craft a killer melody or pen poetic lyrics, our tutors will teach you everything you want to know, including all the production, performance, professional and entrepreneurial skills needed to ensure that your unique creations get the recognition they deserve. You’ll also benefit from A&R-style critique sessions, collaborative opportunities, access to fully equipped live rooms, recording studios and tech suites, and a community of inspiring contacts and friends.
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Songwriting courses
A great song can become truly timeless, remembered for generations as part of the world’s cultural legacy. Whether you want to craft a killer melody or pen poetic lyrics, our tutors will teach you everything you want to know, including all the production, performance, professional and entrepreneurial skills needed to ensure that your unique creations get the recognition they deserve. You’ll also benefit from A&R-style critique sessions, collaborative opportunities, access to fully equipped live rooms, recording studios and tech suites, and a community of inspiring contacts and friends.
To catapult your songwriting and music career to a whole new level, email our friendly Admissions Team at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.