Al Start

Hailing from Brighton, funky "Little London" by the sea, Al Start has been writing and performing since she was 12. Music and Art were always her focus; by day she was a metal sculptor; by night a gigging singer-songwriter! Her twenties were dogged by ill health; and it wasn't until 2000, when she was given the all-clear from radiotherapy treatment and she was finally able to get stuck-in to a serious music career.

She didn't waste any time, and put aside her welder and headed into the studio! Her first album, "Lammas" (2000), released with Al's sister & band, Toucan, brought rave reviews and full-houses all over the South of England.

"The perfect warm summer soundtrack to a love affair on the beach in Brighton."
Pink Paper

Al went back to college in 2002 and won a distinction for the Advanced Songwriting HND at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, (BIMM). She was chosen by BMG record executives to attend the infamous residential songwriting week with Chris Difford (Squeeze). Here she excelled, and co-wrote with top industry writers such as Helen Boulding (Alex Parks), Matt Deighton (Oasis/Mother Earth), John Hammond-Hagan (Liberty X) and Jill Sobule to name but a few. She has now been invited back by Chris three times.

This was followed by a solo EP, "Sea of Stars" (2003). Sales rocketed as did her national fan base, whilst supporting international artist Horse on her UK tour (2004). Now, five UK tours later, her first solo album, GO, received rave reviews and she sold out venues across the UK.

Her new album, "I Heart History" is a collection of true stories inspired by Brighton Museum's collections. Written in a six month research residency, Al's music is rocking the archives - and the galleries, as the songs are being played in the exhibition On the Pull at the Museum throughout 2008.