Kevin Sargent
Composer
Hello. I’m Kevin Sargent, multi-instrumentalist and composer. I’ve enjoyed an almost impossibly varied journey, from opening for the Ramones on drums to performing as a piano soloist in concertos with a national orchestra.
I was proud to be nominated for a BAFTA for my score for Emmy-winning drama The Hour (Kudos/BBC) and an Ivor Novello Award for A Waste of Shame (BBC).
Productions I have scored have won the Prix Europa Best Drama by We’ll Take Manhattan and International Emmys by family films Katy (CBBC), and Ratburger (Sky/King Bert).
I love bringing stories, worlds and performances to life with memorable, intelligent and characterful musical choices rooted in a sense of place and purpose.
Hello. I’m Kevin Sargent, composer and multi-instrumentalist best known for my work in film and television. I’ve enjoyed an almost impossibly varied journey, from opening for the Ramones on drums to performing as piano soloist in concertos with a national orchestra.
I was proud to be nominated for a BAFTA for my work on Abi Morgan’s Emmy-winning newsroom drama The Hour (Kudos/BBC) and an Ivor Novello Award for the film portrait of Shakespeare as poet, A Waste of Shame (BBC), scripted by celebrated author William Boyd.
I had the honour of working closely with a hero of mine, the late Ennio Morricone in Rome – rhythm-programming and remixing one of the maestro’s final projects.
“Your score, besides being so right for the movie, also displayed a rare quality among composers these days: you write terrific melodies! I was very impressed …”
Burt Berman, President, Music Division, Paramount Pictures
As a classically-trained pianist, my performance as joint soloist in the Malcolm Arnold double piano concertos with the Ulster Orchestra was broadcast on BBC R3 and is available on the Naxos label and major streaming platforms.
As drummer, percussionist and keyboardist signed to A&M and Elektra Records, I recorded three albums with influential band Thrashing Doves, touring the UK and Europe and headlining across the USA, and working with some of the world’s top producers and recording engineers.
“Really so delighted with what you’ve done. Sophisticated, original, sexy, emotional, layered, witty, understated and elegant. Everything we hoped for.”
Sandra Goldbacher, director The Hour
Productions I have scored went on to win notable prizes including the Prix Europa Best Drama for John McKay’s We’ll Take Manhattan and International Emmys for both Katy (CBBC) and Ratburger (Sky). Both Katy and The Wrong Mans (Hulu/BBC) earned two BAFTA nominations and The Hour no less than five. Killing Joe (Joy Films) was Oscar-nominated as Best Short Film. The Primrose Railway Children was nominated for several Children & Family’s Emmys, winning one.
“Your willingness, talent and great attitude for going above the call of duty was refreshing, thoughtful and extremely appreciated.”
Jack Binder, Producer, The Upside of Anger (Sunlight Pictures)
Commercials I’ve scored include influential and award-winning work for global brands such as Dove, Adidas, Patek Philippe, Hyundai, Harrods, Volvo, Financial Times and Sony Playstation. The Guinness commercial has become a much-loved, timeless staple of the advent season in Ireland for over twenty years.
“As ever, your response was creative and inspired”
Mal Stevenson, Creative Director, BBDO Dublin
A founder member of The Hurricane Club, London-based comedy improvisation team, I performed at their weekly West End venue for several years, sharing the stage and scenes with amazing comedians including Robin Williams.
For several years, I served as Media Council Chair and a Board Director of the Ivors Academy for Music Creators, the UK’s leading body representing composers and songwriters.
Currently I am also Composer-in-Residence at Northern Dance, Newcastle’s pioneering contemporary dance company, and have recently completed a concerto for alto saxophone and string orchestra.