He was a member of Josef K, Orange Juice and Aztec Camera
Post-punk guitarist and singer-songwriter Malcolm Ross has been honoured by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) for his remarkable career in music.
Malcolm shot to fame in the 1970s and 80s as a member of Josef K, Orange Juice and Aztec Camera, bands which came to define the new wave sound of independent Scottish label Postcard Records.
His music career saw him perform and record alongside numerous artists, while also releasing three solo albums.
Beyond his early years in the industry, Malcolm went on to work across music, film, theatre, sound installation and interdisciplinary arts practice. His film work included a role musical consultant on the Beatles biopic Backbeat and he contributed original music to the soundtrack for the Jonny Depp film Chocolat.
Born in Malawi and raised in Edinburgh, Malcolm was formally made a Doctor of the University during an ENU graduation ceremony at the city’s Usher Hall.
Reflecting on his honorary graduation, Malcolm Ross said: “It’s special. I’m getting near the end of my career I suppose, and it’s lovely and flattering to receive some recognition from an institution I’ve always admired.
“I didn’t really expect to be offered something like this. I was surprised, but pleasantly surprised.
“Because I grew up in Edinburgh, Napier was always in my awareness, even when I was still at school. So it has brought back memories.
And his advice for ENU’s new cohort of music graduates? “Make music you’d like to listen to, always. Make music you’d like to listen to.”
Presenting Malcolm with his doctorate, Zack Moir, Professor of Music at ENU’s School of Arts and Creative Industries, said: “Malcolm’s career reminds us that our professional lives rarely follow a singular path.
“They are shaped by collaboration, adaptability, and a willingness to remain open to new ideas and opportunities.
“At a time when our turbulent world increasingly needs more creativity, imagination and human connection, Malcolm Ross stands as an example of what it means to sustain a lifelong commitment to creative practice.
“His contribution extends beyond the wonderful music that first brought him recognition. It can be found in the collaborations he has fostered, the projects he has helped realise, and the opportunities he has created for others to participate in and benefit from the arts.”
ENU’s summer graduation ceremonies were held at the Usher Hall between 8-10 July.