Collaboration
Callum Rowe Is Making Music, Mates, and Magic
Callum Rowe has been playing music since he could walk. Now with 14 years of live gigs under his belt and a degree from the Royal Northern College of Music, Callum is back on the Isle of Man doing what he does best, connecting people through music, with a Gef 30 Under 30 Collaboration win (supported by Robinson’s Food Hall) to prove it.
Running the Show and Sharing the Love
Since October 2023 he’s been an Arts Graduate Intern at the Isle of Man Arts Council, juggling roles as a guitar tutor, professional musician, and community champ, all while inspiring the next generation of local talent
Callum’s gig at the Arts Council is all about bringing the music industry to life for locals. He runs ‘Music Pathways: Exploring the Modern Industry’, a free series of sessions designed to fill the gap beyond just teaching instruments. These workshops pull in tips from music pros, plus Callum’s own experience, to help folks dream bigger and chase careers they love. The highlight was a virtual Q&A with Liv Thompson, bassist for RAYE, who spilled the beans on international touring and life as a session musician.
When he’s not busy being the local music guru, Callum teaches guitar for The Rock Project and Kensington Arts’ Music Mentors. Whether it’s a room full of kids having their first guitar lesson or affordable one-on-one sessions, Callum loves sparking that musical fire.
‘Music is a friend for life,’ he says, and seeing his students stick with it keeps him buzzing. He’s also often found on stage with bands like Motherfunkers and Buncha Skankers, or lending his guitar and vocals to tracks.
Music’s Magic
Music’s power blows Callum away every time. ‘I still find it mind boggling that listening to literal wobbly air can transport us right back to our best and worst times.’
For him, music is more than just tunes, it’s a magic thread that ties us all together. That’s exactly why he’s so passionate about growing the local scene and helping others find their own soundtrack.
Family, Friends and Golden Advice
Callum’s biggest fan club? His family. With a whole century of live musicians on his mum’s side, it’s basically in his DNA. His parents have always backed his passion, even when it meant turning down more straightforward jobs. His brothers keep him grounded: one with serious work ethic vibes and the other with zen-like advice on mindset.
One piece of advice that stuck came from his RNCM guitar tutor during the pandemic when Zoom lessons felt like the worst thing ever. The tutor said, ‘Whenever I feel down, picking up my guitar makes me feel better.’ That totally changed how Callum sees his instrument, as a therapy tool, not just a noise maker.
What’s Next?
Right now, he’s busy writing music, both solo and with a fresh local band, Loft 47. Studio sessions are on the wishlist, but for now, Callum’s focused on putting in the work and seeing where the music takes him. Meanwhile, he’s keen to keep boosting the Isle of Man’s creative community and help local artists get noticed beyond the island.
Callum Rowe’s story is proof that passion, community and a killer guitar riff can take you far, on stage and in life.
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