alumni news

Ice Dob

Extraordinary talent does not usually come from a band with members aged between 13 and 15.

Ice Dob is one of three members of a band called The Mocktales, formed during Lockdown 2020. We are not only impressed by their sound but also by the way the band conducts itself. The members demonstrated their generation’s commitment to ‘give back’ with their ‘20 Gigs in 20 Days’ in summer 2020, raising funds for the Mizen Foundation @mizenfoundation. While performing around London, the Mocktales were spotted by TALENTBANQ and invited to play Eccleston Yards.

Ray Jones, CEO of TALENTBANQS who in his own words has spent his career seeking out talent believes “Ice Dob and the Mocktales are an exceptional talent”.

At another London busking location, the band impressed Harry Mead, owner of The Court in Soho, as he was passing. He left his card in their collection pot with a message to get in touch. This led to the band’s first live performance in October 2020. Since then, the band has played at a number of weddings and private parties.

Currently, the three ‘man’ band consisting Ice on drums, brother and sister Mathew Cartlidge on guitar and vocals and Isabelle Cartlidge on base played at a pre-party for The Libertines on Saturday 20 November 2021 in Margate. The Mocktales are support band for The Libertines on 18 December 2021 at the O2 in Kentish Town. Exciting stuff!

Based in London, with the two girls attending Emanuel School, the trio pay homage to what has gone before with a blistering cover set from 50’s R&B and rock ‘n’ roll through to Mod, Punk, Britpop and Indie. In addition, they write their own original lyrics and music, influenced by the best of modern rock history. The band practice together every week in addition to individual music lessons and solo practice.

Ice has achieved Grade 8 drums and her passion for poetry has transferred to writing lyrics. Ice was the first Garden House girl to be selected to play a drum solo at Gala Night at the Cadogan Hall. Her family credits Mr James for starting Ice on her path.