Paul Conchie — a.k.a. The Conch — is the low-frequency force behind The Rifters, wielding his tuba like a sonic sledgehammer. But his journey started long before the stage.

Picking up the tuba at just 9 years old under the guidance of Martyn Evans, Paul quickly made waves — becoming the youngest member of the Oldham Music Centre Youth Brass Band at 11. From there, his brass band credentials grew fast, with stints in top ensembles like Ashton-under-Lyne, Dobcross, and Mossley, as well as numerous orchestras and brass groups.

At 16, Paul earned a scholarship to the Junior RNCM, where he studied with renowned tuba virtuoso James Gourlay, before going on to continue his musical education at the Royal Northern College of Music itself.

With The Rifters, The Conch brings that rich classical training into a whole new world — fusing technical finesse with raw, riff-heavy energy. Whether he’s locking in the groove or blasting a bassline that rattles ribcages, Paul gives the band its unmistakable depth — both sonically and soulfully.