Performance students at Newcastle College were given an unique opportunity last week to perform alongside Kuill, an emerging singer-songwriter who appeared on season 13 of “The Voice” and won the BBC’s "Let it Shine".

Kuill, who is known for his distinctive sound and personal lyrics, attended Newcastle College on Wednesday 14 May, where those studying Music and other courses in the performing arts were invited to ask questions about everything from getting started in the music industry as an independent artist, to Kuill’s experience on popular TV shows and working with some of the biggest names in pop. The session is part of Newcastle College’s commitment to providing its students with meaningful opportunities and exposure to real industries as they progress their studies.

In addition to the Q&A, Kuill performed a variety of recognisable covers as well as his own tracks, and selected one lucky music student to perform at his show at Alphabetti Theatre on St James’ Boulevard later that evening.

A range of gifted students were selected to be shortlisted by their lecturers, with Kuill choosing Louise Mountain, a final year student studying Newcastle College University Centre’s BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance degree to showcase her incredible talents.

Speaking on his visit to Newcastle College, Kuill said: “It's been amazing performing for the students and also doing questions and answers with them. I think there's such a wide variety of roles within performing arts, and it's really nice to see so many young people enthused about engaging in all those different roles. I always love learning about what people want to do career-wise and their version of what they see as success.

“It's really important for young music or performing arts students to have real-time exposure to people in the industry because the internet and social media are confusing places that make you believe that it's certain things you need for success when in fact there are so many diverse roles within those industries.”

Speaking about the opportunity given for her to perform alongside Kuill, student Louise Mountain said: I'm really excited. I finalised my creative project on Monday, so it feels right to have this performance to wrap it all up.

“We've always had opportunities through Newcastle College University Centre to help us build connections and our network, which is so important, especially in the music industry. The only way I would have ever had these opportunities is through doing this degree.”

Kuill expressed his excitement for having Louise join him at Alphabetti Theatre, adding: “She's got an exceptional voice and the storytelling element of her music really matches up with what I value in music as well. I like performers who can tell you a story, and you believe it when they're singing it, and she's got a really gorgeous, honest tone. I'm looking forward to seeing where her career goes.”

Gemma Wynne, Head of Music and Performing Arts at Newcastle College, said: “We were over the moon to welcome Kuill to Newcastle College and offer our students this unique opportunity. It’s really important that our students get the chance to learn from people within the industry and to hear success stories that can inspire them. It was brilliant to see the students asking lots of questions, and I could see how Kuill's story got them thinking about their own future. 

“We are also thrilled that Louise got the chance to perform with Kuill. She really deserves the opportunity, and we can't thank Kuill enough for offering this kind of support to our students, it really can make all the difference in someone's career."