A fast-rising band who recorded their first single at University of the West of Scotland has been shortlisted for a prestigious national music award.

Bottle Rockets – made up of BSc Music Technology graduates John Tamburrini and Andrew Cummings, alongside Kenzi Murray and Sam Rae, is in the running for BBC’s Scottish Act of the Year.

The band used the state-of-the-art studio facilities at the UWS Paisley campus to record early material, and to give their musical aspirations a kick-start.

The band Bottle Rockets

ABOVE (from left to right): Sam Rae, Kenzi Murray, John Tamburrini and Andrew Cummings

John – who graduated in 2021 – said: “It’s fair to say that the band wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for UWS. We’re hugely grateful for the support we received early in our careers, and we were very fortunate to be able to use the industry standard recording facilities in Paisley.

“Andrew and I also use what we learned on the BSc Music Technology course on a daily basis – it’s shaped our approach to music and continues to help us to this day.”

The quartet has grown from strength to strength over the past year, playing at the legendary Barrowlands Ballroom, and winning Best Rock/Alternative at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards.

“We appreciate the continued support from UWS – we wouldn’t be where we are today without the BSc Music Technology course."
Andrew Cummings, Bottle Rockets

Andrew – also a 2021 graduate - added: “2023 was an exciting year for us, and we’re delighted to have started 2024 by being shortlisted for this award. We’re passionate about what we do, and it’s an honour that our music has been recognised in this way.

“We appreciate the continued support from UWS – we wouldn’t be where we are today without the BSc Music Technology course. We really enjoyed our time at the University, and the staff and facilities were absolutely brilliant.”

Colin Grassie, BSc Music Technology Programme Leader, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to watch Andrew and John’s careers go from strength to strength. They’re tremendous role models for our students, and the level of success they’ve  enjoyed since graduating less than three years ago is nothing short of astounding.”

The winner of BBC’s Scottish Act of the Year will be announced at a star-studded award show on Wednesday 27 March.

Find out more about studying BSc Music Technology at UWS here.