Biography

Rich Batsford is establishing himself as one of the most exciting emerging pianist composers in the UK with performances of his hypnotic and beguiling piano music.

Within a minimalist framework, Rich's piano music evokes the richness of French composers such as Satie, Debussy or Ravel combined with elements of post-rock and downtempo electronica. Although meditative in overall tone, the set reaches powerful and intense climaxes.

Based in Birmingham UK, Rich Batsford has been performing solo in and around the Midlands for four years, "Quietly building a following for his melodic and magical compositions" Birmingham Post

Depending on the venue, live sets will include performances of original, contemporary classical chill-out piano music, alongside original, reflective songs and the occasional Brian Wilson cover.

His debut self-released album of instrumental piano music "Valentine Court" is available now via iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby etc and is beginning to earn an excellent reputation. The first album of songs is planned for recording in 2011.

Key performances to date include: The Big Chill Festival, ArtsFest (main stage), Gigbeth Festival, Drop Beats Not Bombs, Moseley Festival, Birmingham Cathedral.


Rich began his musical training in the local Church Choir before exploring his love for vocal harmony further with the National Youth Choir and later the CBSO Chorus. Then, in the 1990’s Rich was lead singer and main songwriter with guitar outfits Serene Machine and Maroon and more recently, performed some of his favourite songs regularly to crowds of thousands in professional ex-chart Beach Boys and Four Seasons band, Gidea Park.

Currently, Rich is working with Muslim and Christian musicians organising concerts under the banner of "Musituality" - in which Musicians of various Faiths (or none) come together and perform. Rich is a regular meditator practicing with the Triratna Buddhist Order.