Music – WEST | Alumni Blog

Scottish Rom-Com Written by UWS Graduate Makes Cinema Debut

25Sep

By uwsalumniNo Comments

Alumni Stories, Featured

Scottish Rom-Com Written by UWS Graduate Makes Cinema Debut

A contemporary Scottish romantic comedy written by University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate Kevin Walls has been released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland. Kevin Walls BA (Hons) Commercial Music 2012 Set in Glasgow, Premature follows two flatmates navigating an unexpected pregnancy after a one-night stand. Blending humour with honest, character-driven storytelling, the film explores ambition, self-determination and unpredictability through a millennial lens. Kevin, who wrote, directed and produced the film, said: “Premature is a romantic comedy, but at its heart it’s a coming-of-age film about two millennials who aren’t quite fully formed. “We made Premature to connect with audiences, so bringing it to cinemas is incredibly exciting. This has been a truly collabora...

Honorary Doctors Awarded in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours

22Jun

By uwsalumniNo Comments

Honorary Graduates

Honorary Doctors Awarded in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours

Congratulations to two members of the University community who were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours published recently. Patrick Doyle and Willie Mackie were both awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) as part of the King's Official Birthday celebrations. Honorary Awardee Patrick Doyle received his CBE for services to film. The composer received his Honorary Doctorate in 2018 and has received numerous accolades including two Academy Award nominations, two César nominations, an Ivor Novello for Henry V and a Scottish BAFTA lifetime achievement award. Dr Patrick Doyle CBE Read more: Award Winning Composer Receives Honorary Award from UWS The Chair of CentreStage in Ayrshire, Willie Mackie, received an Honorary Doctorate from the University in 2019....

25 Years of Commercial Music – A Celebration

1May

By uwsalumniNo Comments

News

25 Years of Commercial Music – A Celebration

BA (Hons) Commercial Music at The University of the West Of Scotland is 25 years old! Celebrate our industry changing course with us at our live event. For over 25 years, the Commercial Music degree at UWS has nourished creativity, collaboration and innovation in the Scottish Music Industry and beyond. Join us for a celebration of our students, staff and alumni, featuring live music, special guests and awards. Wednesday 20th May 2026Barras Art And Design (BAaD) in Glasgow7:00pm til 9:00pm (Performance starts 7:15pm) This is a ticketed event with full details here: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Glasgow/Barras-Art-And-Design-%28BAaD%29/25-Years-of-Commercial-Music---A-Celebration/42313227/

Exchange Programme That Helped Launch 1,000 Music Careers Turns 30

24Mar

By uwsalumniNo Comments

News

Exchange Programme That Helped Launch 1,000 Music Careers Turns 30

A University of the West of Scotland-led international music exchange programme that has helped launch the careers of more than 1,000 young people is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. EuroGig, which began in the 1996–97 academic year as an exchange between Scotland and Germany, has expanded into a five-partner European network involving organisations in France, Italy and Belgium. Since 2001, the programme has given student performers, tour managers and technical support teams the chance to work on live music events at home and abroad, helping them build international experience while gaining practical insight into the industry. Former EuroGig event managers have gone on to work for major organisations and events including TRNSMT, Glastonbury, DF Concerts and others ...

14Jan

By uwsalumniNo Comments

Alumni Stories, Featured

Alumni Band Record EP at UWS Ayr Campus

An indie band made up of University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduates is getting ready to release their new EP recorded at UWS Ayr Campus studios. KB & The Raskals is a Scottish indie band known for their heartfelt songwriting, energetic performances, and forward-thinking approach to modern music. The band formed in 2023 at UWS and consists of lead singer Katelyn Baxter, bassist Dominic Rafferty, guitarist Robert Lithgow and percussionist Jamie McAtee. Frontwomen Katelyn said: “We all met while staying in the halls of residence at UWS. Rab, Jamie and I studied on the BA Commercial Music degree before continuing onto the MA Music (Songwriting) course at UWS and our bassist, Dominic, studied BA Filmmaking & Screen Writing. “Studying at UWS was a defining experience for...

Graduate Signs Deal with Leading Chillout Label

17Dec

By uwsalumniNo Comments

Alumni Stories

Graduate Signs Deal with Leading Chillout Label

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) alumnus has signed an ongoing deal with critically acclaimed music label Café del Mar. Joe Hume, a pianist and composer originally from Ayrshire, previously attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music at the age of 17 before going on to study in Paisley and graduate from the BSc Music Technology degree at UWS. His track Angelica features on the Café del Mar 45th Anniversary compilation album, celebrating 45 years of soundtracking sunsets in Ibiza. The album brings together a carefully curated selection of chilled-out tracks that reflect the spirit of the original sunset bar. “I'm really proud that one of my tracks is featured on this album,” said Joe. “As someone who’s been a fan of the brand since I was a kid - and who grew up listening...

2Dec

By uwsalumniNo Comments

News

UWS Giving Day 2025

On the 27th and 28th November 2025, we held our annual UWS Giving Day, and we are delighted to share the results. Over the two days, 47 generous donors came together to raise £3,073 and thanks to the kindness of a match funding donor, every gift made during giving day was doubled which brings our grand total to £6,146! This incredible support will go towards two vital funds that make a real difference in the lives of UWS students. The Hardship Fund provides emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected challenges such as housing insecurity, delays in funding or lack of essentials. It ensures that students can stay in education and focus on their future, even during times of crisis. The Development Fund empowers students to lead innovative projects, access indu...

Perfect Trio Honoured at UWS Winter Graduation

21Nov

By uwsalumniNo Comments

Honorary Graduates, News

Perfect Trio Honoured at UWS Winter Graduation

A Scottish singing star, football legend and an inspiring parish minister have been recognised as part of University of the West of Scotland's (UWS) winter graduations. Singer and songwriter Eddi Reader MBE has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from UWS for her contribution to music and the arts. The award was presented at the University’s Winter Graduation ceremony at Paisley Abbey on Tuesday 18 November, where she joined hundreds of graduating students celebrating their achievements. Born and raised in Glasgow until she was 16 and then spending her late teens in Irvine, Eddi Reader began performing at a young age, using music as a way to connect with others through busking and appearances in local folk clubs. Her career has spanned genres and decades. From early work with p...

Canadian TEDx Talk Delivered by UWS Alumnus

23Oct

By uwsalumniNo Comments

Alumni Stories

Canadian TEDx Talk Delivered by UWS Alumnus

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has delivered a TEDx talk in Canada on the theme of kindness being a core leadership competency. Robin Young is a Canadian native who studied Commercial Music at UWS Ayr campus as part of the partnership with Harris Institute in Toronto, Canada. Graduating in 2013, he also subsequently completed his MBA at UWS in 2021. At TEDxOshawa his presentation explored how small, compassionate actions can create a powerful ripple effect in personal and professional environments. “Earlier this year, I stepped out of my comfort zone and delivered a talk on leading with kindness,” explained Robin. “In the talk I encourage leaders to pause, reflect and choose kindness in times of stress and negativity, in order to create positive and lasting ch...

9Sep

By uwsalumniNo Comments

News

Become a Mentor at UWS

Can you motivate people? Do you like helping people to develop? We are looking for inspiring professionals to mentor our students! The UWS mentoring programme is about to kick off for 2025-2026 and we are looking for alumni to get involved in the programme. Alumna and mentor Sarah said: “If I was to give one piece of advice for people thinking about doing mentoring… It would definitely be just to go for it. I got a lot out of it, passing on advice to my mentee and keeping my connections with UWS alive.” As a mentor, you will share your experience of work to help motivate and inspire your mentee and practice many skills including coaching and leadership. “Why did I become a mentor at UWS? First of all it was to give something back. I really enjoyed my time at UWS, it was an extr...