The Session Player’s Playbook: Charlie Fowler on MDing, Networking, and Navigating the Live Scene
The life of a session musician and Musical Director (MD) is one that often operates just out of the direct spotlight, yet it’s absolutely crucial to the success of so many artists. Charlie Fowler’s talk provided an incredibly insightful and honest look into this world. From University Stages to National TV
Charlie began by taking us back to his time at Bath Spa, including his involvement with the band “Trick the Fox,” alongside fellow student Ren. After a period working in cafes upon moving to London, his first significant music opportunity came via a friend from university: playing (and often miming) in the band on The X Factor during the One Direction era. While perhaps not the most creatively fulfilling role, he emphasised how this experience became an invaluable networking ground, connecting him with established session musicians.
It was these connections that led to his first major touring gig as a bassist for the artist Foxes, which in turn led to supporting Pharrell Williams on an arena tour. These experiences were clearly pivotal, not only in establishing his career but also in igniting his passion for Musical Direction.
The Art and Craft of Musical Direction
A significant portion of Charlie’s talk focused on his role as an MD, a position he has held for artist Mahalia for around eight years, alongside playing bass for her. He also shared his experiences MDing for an impressive roster including Little Simz, Kylie Minogue, Take That, Stormzy, and K-Pop stars like Jungkook and Jin from BTS. What I found particularly interesting was his philosophy on MDing: he stressed the importance of building the live show with the artist, fostering a collaborative environment where the band members also have a stake and can contribute ideas, rather than simply dictating parts. This, he argued, leads to a more energetic and engaged performance.
He also touched upon the technical side, such as using Ableton for live shows due to its stability and flexibility, and the importance of session musicians being adaptable and knowing their gear inside out—from understanding synth bass to being familiar with specific drum pads like the SPD-SX or amp modelers like the Kemper or Quad Cortex.
Wisdom from the Road and Rehearsal Room
Charlie offered a wealth of practical advice for aspiring musicians. He repeatedly highlighted the power of networking – not in a forced way, but by being personable, humble, and making genuine connections. He also shared a rather hair-raising (literally!) anecdote from his X Factor days involving pyrotechnics and a guitarist not paying attention to safety briefings, to underscore the importance of professionalism and being aware of the entire production.
Charlie Fowler’s session was a masterclass in the realities of being a working musician and MD at the highest level. His blend of technical knowledge, industry experience, and down-to-earth advice provided a clear and inspiring roadmap for anyone looking to navigate the live music scene.