Chris Letcher graduated from Trinity College of Music, London in 2003 with a Masters in Music for composition. Currently studying towards a DMus in film music composition at the Royal College of Music, London.
He has released four critically acclaimed albums with the band urban Creep and fellow conspirator Matthew van der Want. Both albums written and recorded with Matthew van der Want, "Low Riding" (2000) and "Bignity" (2002) receiving nominations for South African music industry awards.
Recent film music compositions include a full length feature film ( A Case of Murder ), a Discovery Channel wildlife documentary series, an Amnesty International documentary, a documentary on the life of South African golfer Sewsunker 'Papwa' Sewgolum and an animated film screened at the London International Film Festival ( Baboon on the Moon ). Currently composing a score for the Zentropa-produced film My Black Little Heart, and arranging strings for a new Vusi Mahlasela album.
Chris has recently toured South Africa in support of his new solo album "Frieze" (November 2006) to rave reviews and the first single "Deep Frieze" receiving playlisting on most National, Community and College stations. He is based in London. His album is due for international release in March/April 2007. He has also been accepted for showcase at SXSW in Austin, Texas in March 2007.
Chris Letcher is also the name of the London-based band performing and recording Chris's songs. They are Dave Eugene Webb (drums, accordion), Chris Letcher (guitar, harmonium /synths, singing), Andrew Joseph (bass), Ross Richardson (guitar , voice) and Victoria Hume (keyboards, vocals).
"It's multi layered rock with genius-clever lyrics and a mysterious soothing quality to it. Simply the best." ***** Hagen Engler, FHM
"This is simply a great album. Truly world class. Intricate, complex, melodic, ambitious, funny, literate and so damn listenable it will make you gasp" - Jeremy Daniel, The Star
''Composer Chris Letcher, regarded as one of South Africa's best, explores the world of film-soundtracking. His music is enormously melodic with fascinating hooks that easily work their way into your grey matter.'' - Spitz London / Jan 2006
Lyrically astute and damaged, musically rich, insightful and crafted... this is defintely one of the best albums I've ever had the privilege of listening to. - Nashen Moodley / Sunday Tribune
There is a growing band of people who believe Chris Letcher is the best songwriter in the country. I am one of them. Letcher has the rare ability to write songs that when recorded are complex and layered but still remain beautiful in the minimalist context that live performances compel. Letcher is also one of the finest word craftsmen around. His sometimes biting but mostly tender lyrics that verge on the surreal are probably the most impressive components of his songwriting. - Toast Coetzer
A depth of raw feeling runs through their work, interlaced with a seam of cool, dry intelligence. It's this interplay of conflict and harmony between feeling and thought which shapes the album as a rich and mature work of art¦ It is enigmatic, mysterious, angry, sad, defiant, beautiful and unique. It goes down as a landmark South African recording, and will hopeful come to earn the respect it deserves. - Alex Sudheim / Personality
