Pitch perfect: Dundee graduate provides soundtrack to Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games

Lewis Davie was Musical Director for part of the spectacular opening ceremony which took place at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro last week. The 31-year-old, who hails from Dundee, utilised a myriad of technology to ensure that the show did not miss a beat as the athletes presented themselves to a global audience of millions. 

A 2017 Applied Computing graduate, Lewis says that the knowledge he obtained during his studies has been integral to his career.

“Music has been my passion since I was a teenager but I was always aware of how hard it was to get employed in this industry,” he said.

“I decided to study Applied Computing as I thought it was quite a versatile qualification, but also because the knowledge I gained would supplement my musical career. Knowing the technical side is incredibly helpful when putting on shows and if I hadn’t done my degree at Dundee then I would not have been able to get near an event like the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.”

As a player of several instruments, Lewis believed that he may one day enjoy a career on stage. But by mastering his technical skills through working with many bands he has quickly established himself as a musical director, session musician, and playback technician, working with successful artists, including Nathan Evans and Saint Phnx.

“It was a long road to get to the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“COVID was quite a negative thing for a lot of people, but for me it allowed for a reset and I launched myself into working in the music industry. When you get to know lots of musicians and start working with other bands and artists then you get recommended for other things. My career has just snowballed from there.”

One such connection was made after Lewis worked with the Scottish duo Valtos, one of the acts which performed at the Glasgow 2026 opening ceremony. With his reputation in the industry now established, the former Dundee High School pupil was approached by the band to assist with the production, a task he admits was daunting.

“I've done TV stuff before, I've helped large artists out at various events, but I had never done anything on the scale of the Commonwealth Games before.

“When we started, the biggest problem we had is that we didn't know how many athletes were going to be in the parade. To play for the duration of the parade, it helps to know how long you need the music to be!

“After the first rehearsal we realised we needed more music and it was impressive that everyone was able to prepare that so quickly. Then on our second rehearsal my watch warned me that my heart rate was unusually high, so the preparation was clearly quite a tense experience!

“However, when it came to the opening night, I must admit that I don’t think I’ve ever felt so calm in my life. I was sitting, getting ready to do my bit and I heard the cues prepping me to stand by to press play and I got into a sort of flow state. It must have been the adrenaline pushing me through.”

With his biggest show to date successfully navigated, there is little time for Lewis to relax as he continues to work with some of Scotland’s biggest artists.

“My next big job is performing with an artist supporting Amy MacDonald, who is touring in Germany. She’s massive over there and we’re playing big venues, around 5000 people at some places across the country, which is going to be fantastic. I’ve also got lots of festivals lined up, including Belladrum, and I’m teaming up with Valtos later in the year again, so it’s a very exciting time.”

You can follow Lewis via his Instagram account, or via his website at www.lewisdavie.com.