This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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First Minister meets talented young Scot
17/10/2006
First Minister Jack McConnell got a special preview of one of the brightest new talents in the music business when he was in Los Angeles today.
Robert Shields, 18, from Castle Douglas has just signed with Peermusic, part of Virgin Records, and he gave a live solo performance for the First Minister at their studios in Hollywood.
Robert was spotted by Globalscot Steve Melrose on a return visit to Scotland from LA. The First Minister held talks with Mr Melrose during his visit to Virgin about how globalscots and the Scottish Executive can help more new Scottish talent break into the music business.
The First Minister said:
"It's a long way from Castle Douglas to Hollywood but Robert shows that talent can take you a very long way.
"This is a wonderful story and one we have just heard the beginning of here today.
"Today also shows what a wonderful job Globalscots do for us. Steve spotted Robert. And he wants to do more to help. It is great to have these friends in great places.
"It was a real privilege to hear Robert perform today and I hope that in years to come when he is known around the globe that it will be even more special."
Steve Melrose has been Artists and Recording (A&R) Manager with Virgin Records since 2005 and joined the Globalscot network in 2006. He previously worked with Atlantic Records as A&R Manager and has over 10 years experience in the LA music industry. He also represents peerpublishing in the A & R field.
Globalscot is a network of more than 900 senior Scots, or those with an affinity to Scotland, who want to contribute to, and share in, the economic development of Scotland. The network seeks to harness the interest and inclination of senior Scots and those with an affinity for Scotland operating in business overseas towards helping to grow the Scottish economy. In so doing, globalscot provides a resource for Scotland that comprises a quality and breadth of skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts as well as enthusiasm, imagination and a genuine international perspective.
Robert Shields is a singer-songwriter, based in South West Scotland signed to Virgin Records by Steve Melrose. Robert won the UK-wide Make It Break It (MIBI) award for singer/songwriters and was recently named by the Glasgow Herald as one of Scotland's 20 most influential teenagers. He was also named a Young Scot Of The Year for musical achievements and is a recipient of The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust support. Robert has just signed a deal with Peermusic, a major US independent music publishing company. For more information visit: http://www.peermusic.com/artistpage/Robert_Shields.html
Scotland has increasing interest in this sector and the existence of the Cross Party Group (CPG) on contemporary music, formed in 2000, is helping to focus efforts in this area. The CPG comprises a broad cross-section of musicians, music industry figures, politicians, education experts and media representatives. The CPG believes that Scotland has the potential to be a world leader in the creation and marketing of contemporary music.