55 BPM started life as a musical side project in 2012 from a bedroom near Birmingham.  After a short time playing in a West Midlands based indie/folk band together, Charlotte Rose and Lydia Pickering decided to form 55 BPM and combine their musical skills to write their own tracks. Drawing influences from bands such as Boards of Canada, Alt-J, Sigur Rós and The XX, their music mixes ambience with authentic instrumentation and relaxed vocals.

Charlotte is from Birmingham, she studied classical trumpet at The University of Hull and has toured Europe and the USA playing trumpet with various bands, supporting musicians such as Kula Shaker and Mika. She brings a unique, soft brass sound to 55 BPM that adds heavily to the serenity of their tracks. Also, Charlotte’s skills on the violin have given the duo scope to build on their richness of sound whilst retaining an authentic feel to their music.

Lydia was born in Birmingham but grew up with her family in Norfolk where she took up the guitar and piano at a young age.  Before moving back to Birmingham to attend university seven years ago, she toured parts of the USA playing guitar in a local jazz band.  55 BPM has provided her with the opportunity to be creative with dynamics, constructing intricate guitar and piano parts which are both easy on the ear and expressive in tone.

Soundcloud has given 55 BPM a platform to share their music with people from around the globe.  They have been overwhelmed with how well their tracks have been received by the online community and inspired by the positive feedback they have been given. 

The duo are currently working towards the completion of their debut EP which they are hoping to release later on in the year, alongside their music video for ‘When the Transient Happens’. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMn3IfmYQ6w

If you would like to keep up to date with what 55 BPM are up to and be the first to hear about their upcoming tracks/EP, join them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/55BPM) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/55BPM).  

Keyboards, guitar, vocals and other by Lydia Pickering

Trumpet, violin, vocals and other by Charlotte Rose

We are open to collaborations, just message us. Hope you enjoy. Charlotte & Lydia x

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