Producer Stephen Kirkwood’s new trance track — The Blitz — came to him as he mulled over stories about World War Two told to him by his grandparents, John and Mary Mulgrew.

With Mary still living in Dalmuir, Stephen credits the pair for helping inspire him for his latest record — and his decision to pursue a career in music.

The 25-year-old told the Post: “This record is probably the most personal track I have put together. It’s very emotional with a haunting piano section.

“During World War Two, one of my great-grandparents came in with a poke of chips. Suddenly, the air-raid sirens went off and ten minutes later the house was destroyed. The immediacy and brutality of it all is horrific.

“This track tries to reflect on some of the emotions which people would have experienced and makes me think back to the stories I was told.

“My grandpa passed away in 1997 but he was constantly playing the piano. Those early musical memories have stayed with me and definitely played a part in me choosing to pursue a career in music.” It is a career which continues to flourish. After starting out DJing, Stephen introduced club nights to his home town of Dumbarton when he was 17 after spotting a gap in the market.

Dubbed Culture, the nights were extremely popular and Stephen soon found himself travelling across Scotland and beyond. He then took his first steps into becoming a producer and is completely self-taught.

His studio adventures have seen him feature on some of the scene’s most renowned labels such as Spinnin’, Lange, Aria, MLXL and Goodgreef.

Trance track Mars One, meanwhile, has found its way on to the Ministry of Sound’s Trance Nation compilation.

Stephen’s studios at Dumbarton’s Castlegreen Street seem a long way from the days of producing tunes from his bedroom — and he hopes it just keeps getting better and better.

The former Gavinburn Primary pupil added: “It’s all about building an awareness at home and further afield. “I would love to go to Argentina and the USA to work. There’s interest as far away as South Africa and India so hopefully I can carry on increasing my profile and who knows where it’ll take me.” Stephen Kirkwood’s track — The Blitz — is available on Lange Recordings from November 24.

More information about the producer and DJ can be found by logging on to his website: www.stephenkirkwood.co.uk