Where Are They Now? ➕ Ross Barber-Smith
#WhereYourFutureMeansMore ➕ We really value our alumni and we love hearing where they are now and finding out how their careers has panned out. In this week’s blog, we caught up with former Music student, Ross Barber-Smith.
What course did you study at UHI Perth?
BA Hons Popular Music Performance, completing in 2009.
Why did you choose this course?
I knew I wanted to study Popular Music and back in 2004, the choice was mainly between Perth and Paisley. I already had Perth as my number one choice because I liked the idea of moving to somewhere which wasn't quite as big as Paisley and that was also a little bit closer to my hometown of Inverness. Once I got there, I was really impressed by the facilities – plus, I loved that on the day of my interview/audition, people were jamming together in the foyer. In a way, that made it feel like the right fit from the start.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
Before coming to UHI Perth, I was in 6th year at high school and was also working part time at Pizza Hut. I had also been designing websites as a hobby since the age of twelve.
Where are you currently employed and what is your job title?
Electric Kiwi. Web Designer for Musicians / Co-Host and Co-Founder of Bridge The Atlantic.
What does your job entail?
I create custom websites for bands, musicians, and music-related businesses. I'm also the co-host of Bridge The Atlantic where we interview people in the music and entertainment industries and offer advice and insight to artists and creatives.
Key milestones from graduation to now?
Starting my own business (Electric Kiwi) in 2011 and making that my full time job in 2013.
Biggest career highlight?
Working with The Isley Brothers (Iconic Music Group), Lea Michele (Glee, Broadway's Funny Girl), Neon Coast (artist management agency), Lil' Kim (Iconic Rap Artist), Faculty Inc (tour management and production), Dancing With The Stars Tour, The Overtones (Platinum Selling Music Group), Tyler Hilton (Walk The Line, One Tree Hill), Tom Ball (Britain's Got Talent Finalist), Lee DeWyze (American Idol Winner), Hueston (American Song Contest Finalist) and other award winning international artists. And on the podcast side, interviewing some of my favourite artists (Nick Thomas of The Spill Canvas, Nate Barcalow of Finch), influential music industry figures (vocal coach Melissa Cross, Lava Records founder Jason Flom), and award-winning actors (Melora Hardin, The Office).
Future aspirations?
To connect with more management agencies and labels to continue doing more of the same!
How did your course at UHI help you to get where you are?
Although I didn't know it at the time, the biggest thing I learned was the importance of networking. I also learned a lot about time management and becoming a self-starter. And I think being a musician and collaborating with musicians throughout the course helped me to understand how to collaborate with musicians on their websites, too.
Best thing about studying at UHI?
I loved being able to perform and learn how to become a better performer. And being able to spend time with like-minded people every day was an underrated bonus!
What did you like about the music facilities on campus at UHI Perth?
I liked that all of the facilities were modern and new. Everything was close together, easy to find, and pretty readily available.
Were your lecturers supportive during your time at UHI Perth?
Speaking honestly, there were definitely some lecturers who were more supportive than others! The ones who were supportive have also kept in touch since graduating, which definitely has been a nice touch. There are a lot of things that those lecturers said that have stuck with me, and that I reflect on positively – and I always try and maintain the advice that Ronnie Goodman shared about networking (even though at the time, I don't think any of us realised just quite how valuable and important that skill is!)
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying Popular Music at UHI Perth?
Probably the same advice I would give to anyone considering studying anywhere, and that's really just to do your research, speak to others who have studied there and make the decision that feels right to you! I certainly had an overall good experience, and I know many others did too. When it comes to a college or university course, you'll get out what you put in – so it's important that when you're studying, you really put the time and effort in as that's the way you're going to get the best results (both academically – and also personally and professionally in the long run!)
Let your musical ambitions take centre stage, on our acclaimed and well-established BA (Hons) Popular Music course. With expert advice from our team of professional performers, composers, and academics, find your voice and sing your heart out as you develop your creative and professional skills, in a positive and stimulating learning environment. Applications are open for September 2025 >>
