Dave Gillies: The Multi-Talented Producer, Composer, and Voice-Over Artist Shaping Scotland’s Creative Landscape

Who Is Dave Gillies?

Dave Gillies is a highly accomplished Scottish producer, freelance voice-over artist, composer, and musician based in Glasgow. Over the past decade and a half, he has built a distinguished reputation across film, television, radio, theatre, and music. His career spans several creative disciplines, showcasing a rare versatility that makes him one of the most dynamic talents within the UK’s independent media and arts sector.

From his early work in radio production to establishing himself as a respected producer at Mechabradypus Films, and from composing theatrical soundtracks to narrating audiobooks, Dave Gillies has consistently proven his ability to excel in a range of creative environments. His career trajectory reflects both dedication and mastery — qualities that define his unique professional identity.

Career Journey of Dave Gillies

Early Creative Foundations

The professional journey of Dave Gillies began in the early 2010s, when he emerged as a freelance composer, songwriter, music supervisor, and session musician. His work during this period laid the foundation for the multi-disciplinary path he would later follow.

Between 2010 and 2012, he served as a singer, songwriter, and pianist for the UK-based musical group Dirty Keys. Performing original material across different venues helped establish his musical credibility and sharpened his on-stage presence. This was also the time when he began forming deeper connections within Scotland’s creative networks.

Radio Production and Broadcasting

From 2010 to 2013, Dave Gillies expanded his portfolio into radio. He worked as a Presenter and Producer at Subcity Radio, based at the University of Glasgow. Across nearly three years, he produced monthly radio shows that explored soundtrack music and related history. This role demonstrated his editorial skills, sound design abilities, and storytelling instincts — qualities that he would carry into later film and voice-over work.

Professional Work Across Film and Media

Dave Gillies as a Producer at Mechabradypus Films

One of the most prominent roles in the career of Dave Gillies is his position as a producer at Mechabradypus Films, a creative studio focused on film, television, and radio production. Since joining the company in 2016, he has spent nearly a decade contributing to high-quality projects that highlight creativity, originality, and strong narrative craft.

At Mechabradypus, he has been involved in the development and production of short films and storytelling projects that often push boundaries. His ability to blend technical precision with artistic nuance sets him apart as a forward-thinking producer with an instinct for compelling visual and audio content.

Leadership at Team Candiru

Another major chapter in the career of Dave Gillies began in 2014 when he became Producer and General Manager at Team Candiru. This award-winning production company focuses on natural-history filmmaking, with a strong emphasis on conservation storytelling. Operating between Glasgow and Bristol, the company has gained recognition for producing meaningful documentary content that bridges science, nature, and cultural themes.

In this role, Dave Gillies has demonstrated exceptional leadership and creative oversight. He supports productions that highlight ecological preservation and wildlife narratives, helping to bring important environmental issues to mainstream audiences. His commitment to conservation through film illustrates both artistic passion and social responsibility.

Voice-Over and Audiobook Success

Freelance Voice-Over Artist — A Decade of Excellence

Since August 2013, Dave Gillies has worked as a freelance voice-over artist, now holding over twelve years of professional experience in the field. His vocal versatility and narrative delivery have made him a sought-after talent, especially in the audiobook world.

As a narrator, he brings stories to life with clarity, character, and emotional depth. His ability to adapt tone, pace, and accent enables him to handle fiction, non-fiction, and documentary narration with equal skill. This branch of his career highlights his strong command of audio performance and his deep understanding of storytelling rhythm.

Why Dave Gillies Excels in Audiobook Narration

• Natural storytelling ability

• Clear diction and expressive range

• Strong understanding of pacing

• Ability to maintain listener engagement

• Professional consistency built over more than a decade

These elements combine to make him a standout figure in the UK audiobook scene.

Musical Contributions and Creative Composition

Composer, Songwriter, and Musical Director

Long before his film production achievements, Dave Gillies established himself as a respected musician. Since 2010, he has worked as a freelance composer and musical supervisor, focusing on theatrical soundtracks, original compositions, and consultancy for performing groups.

His work often involves shaping musical identity for productions, guiding performers, and crafting soundscapes that elevate dramatic storytelling. This multifaceted role demonstrates his deep understanding of both music theory and audience emotional experience.

Member of “How to Swim”

In addition to his composing work, Dave Gillies is known as the bass player in the Scottish band How to Swim. His involvement in the Glasgow music scene reflects his ongoing dedication to collaborative music-making and performance. The band’s energetic style and artistic originality align well with his creative personality.

Dave Gillies Wife

Dave Gillies is married to Katy Maclure, a Scottish travel editor and writer. The couple publicly celebrated their first wedding anniversary in October 2024, sharing heartfelt posts on Instagram. Katy works as an editor for The Detour at Jack’s Flight Club and often documents her travel and creative life online.

Professional Style and Creative Identity

What Makes Dave Gillies a Unique Creative Professional?

Across all fields — film, music, radio, and voice-over — Dave Gillies is defined by:

• Multi-disciplinary expertise

• Strong artistic intuition

• Leadership in production environments

• Commitment to conservation storytelling

• Consistent professional evolution

• A collaborative and innovative approach

His ability to effortlessly integrate music, narrative, and visual media makes him an invaluable contributor to Scotland’s cultural and creative industries.

Quick Info

Conclusion

Dave Gillies stands out as a compelling example of modern creative versatility. With more than fifteen years of experience spanning music, narration, film production, and natural-history documentaries, he has carved out a meaningful and influential career. His contributions to Scottish and UK media continue to grow, supported by a reputation for professionalism, artistic depth, and unwavering creative passion.

As he continues producing films, composing soundtracks, and lending his voice to literature and documentary projects, Dave Gillies remains a dynamic and respected figure whose work resonates across multiple artistic disciplines.

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