DUMBARTON DJ Stephen Kirkwood has gone global after his album was highlighted on the iTunes US website.

 

The 25-year-old's mix Miami 2015, with Lange Recordings, has been included in the artist spotlight section of iTunes Dance front page.

It was the fourth listing on the music giant's Spotlight on: Miami 2015 slot when it was released earlier this week.

Stephen said it was 'absolutely amazing' to feature in the section, alongside Calvin Harris, Ministry of Sound and Defected Records.

The Miami 2015 album - which came out on Monday (MARCH 16) - features four of his own tunes and a selection of other artists mixed by Stephen, including Lange, Andy Moor, Ariel & Danilo and Antony Waldhorn.

He said the album was specially commissioned for the Miami Music Week.

He explained: "Stuart Lange, who owns the record label, was asked to put it together and he then asked me to do the mix.

"He gave me a call and it was great to be given the chance."

Stephen, who has just opened his own studio SKapade in Dumbarton, said he looked at Lange's recent releases and those coming out in around two months and chose a selection he thought would work well.

The album was put together in the past couple of months and has been received "brilliantly," he said.

He added: "To get such a high profile on iTunes has given it a massive boost. It was worth the effort!"

Stephen said he was starting work next month on a project with three local schools, Dumbarton Academy, Vale of Leven Academy and St Patrick's, helping five students who wanted to work in the music industry.

He said: "I want to help artists and performers get more established, and work on their own music.

"I'm still focused on DJing and production but this is building a business geared towards helping folk get into the industry. It can be really difficult."

Stephen is also hoping to release eight singles with Lange this year and working on two or three EPs.

He has been honing his turntable skills since he was a teenager when he discovered a passion for dance and trance "very early on."

Last month, he released 'Destination Titan' on the Lange label.

During his career, he has played on the same bill as Tiesto, David Guetta and Eddie Halliwell as well as playing alongside dance music legends including Carl Cox, Sander Van Doorn and Paul van Dyk.

He has also featured on renowned labels such as Spinnin', Aria, MLXL and Goodgreef.