Express & Star

Friends who met as music teachers in the 80s now producing their own songs

They first became pals while teaching the next generation of musicians and producers 40-odd years ago - now they devote their time to writing and producing their own songs.

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Andy Hubble from Wednesbury and Paul Harper from Newport record their tracks under the name Harper n Hubble Music

Now retired, Paul Harper and Andy Hubble are currently working on their fifth album, which will follow this year’s release Academic Life.

Paul, from Newport, and Andy, of Wednesbury, met in the mid-1980s while working at Sandwell College, where they taught sound production and music technology.

They both shared a lifelong love of music and have played with a number of bands over the years before forming Harper n Hubble Music.

“For me, it all stemmed from the Beatles. That’s where my interest in music began,” says singer and guitarist Paul, 66.

“I think they were the first band to write their own material at the time and they were all well-crafted songs. I think that’s why a lot of people got into music and had a go at writing songs.”

Andy and Paul first met while working at Sandwell College

Paul, whose other influences include The Eagles, David Bowie and Prince, went on to play in bands L 182 (A Passion) and Cinq Mars.

Andy, whose influences are rock, classical, smooth jazz and electro pop, was a professional drummer during his early career and performed and recorded with Snaps, The Victims and The Sunny Richards Band in the 1970s.