Student Spotlight – Scott Brice

Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and influences?

I grew up playing predominantly heavier and more energetic styles of music. I would have considered myself a drummer first throughout my childhood and early teens. I started appreciating the power of quiet and introspective music more when I met my friend Neil, who I lived with in Aberdeen, and who showed me some of what are now extremely notable artists in my songwriting process, such as Johnny Flynn, Big Thief and Blake Mills.

I try to approach listening more inquisitively now than I used to. As to not subconsciously restrict my awareness of the infinitely good artists out there by being so stubborn about my own little niche. If it hits right I’m in! So I’ll generally try to take influence from musical decisions and arrangements that resonate with me, as well as non-musical ‘real lifey’ type things too.

Last year you released “Days Begun” and “Red Deer” can you tell us a bit about your experience writing and recording the singles?

Writing and recording Days Begun all actually happened really quickly. I think I made a demo the day I wrote it then immediately sent it to my friend Iain who runs Tomekeeper productions. Iain and other half of Tomekeeper Mark, both enjoyed the feel of the track and were interested in working on it. We recorded it a couple of weeks later. I then met up with a friend from back home – Pandy, to plan and film a music video. We used the first mix back from Tomekeeper when filming, but the final draft heard when watching the video had not yet existed. The end result of this is something that I am extremely proud of and so grateful to Iain, Mark and Pandy for their roles in the creation of this single.

Red Deer was far more rogue in terms of creative process, and is in fact the fourth version of this song in both arrangement and production. I wrote the first draft probably around 3 years ago and have several different evolutions in the form of lo-fi demos. I ended up recording this version during a sound pro class with my lecturer Shaun Neethling who also features on drums and bass, alongside another student in the class Sam Howatt who played the keys sections. The tracking was all done in around an hour and a half. Initially this was just to facilitate the lesson, so I was super pleased with the result!

You’ve recently become involved as a driver for touring musicians such as King Creosote, Bleed From Within and more, what has your experience been like on tour?

My touring insight has all stemmed from working with Frontierer in 2022 as their guitarist Dan took me under the wing (by making me drive a giant smelly van across Europe for 2 weeks) and exposed me to the reality of the touring industry, within the realm that Frontierer in particular operate at. This was an incredible first experience, to be with a band that are established and experienced. The rest of the bands I’ve worked with have been a domino effect from that. Some runs are 2-3 days long, some are weeks long and sometimes I’ll work the odd show. I also take on the role as either drum tech or guitar tech if the band need someone to look after either of these components. Because of this I’ve been able to meet some really inspirational musicians, see a lot of new places and gain insight into the process artists go through when organising and carrying out tours. I also got to go to download for free with Bleed From Within, which is pretty cray.

Why did you want to study at Riverside Music College?

My brother did! I heard about it from him, and was looking to move down to Glasgow already. This helped with the incentive and I’m so glad that I did it like that. I got to immediately be surrounded by other like-minded musicians, who are all in their own right just so darn talented.

How has the Music Performance Course helped you – which skills/knowledge/classes have been the most useful for you?

I think it’s more of a general beneficial experience being in the Riverside network of legends. I got a lot from most modules, I particularly love composition themed classes as that’s my fav thing. But overall the people I’ve met and been able to share and create music with would be where the positive impact is sourced!

What’s next in store for yourself?

Hopefully still/more music! Would love to keep working with and meeting as many artists as possible, whilst maintaining that the goal is to facilitate my own music. Hopefully one day someone will drive me around instead :))