DkIT Student Releases her Debut Album “Storytelling”
15 February 2023Rhíona Mc Phelim is a 21-year-old musician, composer, and music promoter from County Monaghan. Composing for just under two years, her debut album, “Storytelling”, consists of eight short compositions that are inspired by some of her favourite films.
Rhíona who is currently a music student at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), was inspired to start composing her own scores during lockdown.
Rhíona said;
‘Due to having a lot of spare time during lockdown, I explored my love of tv and film, and found that many of the most well-known and effective scenes are made so much more powerful because of the scoring. Previously I tried to compose my own scores, but I was never satisfied with my work and often faced a creative block. It wasn’t until 2022 that something clicked; I became a bit more patient and driven and ended up releasing several instrumental singles. I enjoy composing because I am fascinated with how certain notes, chords and rhythms can exactly translate to the emotions, movements or moods being portrayed on-screen. I love the relationship between music and visual media, and always enjoy seeing how film directors and composers work together’.
Rhíona who is completing her BA (Hons) Music in DkIT, plays many instruments and like many young people in rural communities, she joined the local Comhaltas during her primary school years and learnt how to play the tin-whistle and the piano. Around the age of sixteen she taught herself how to play the drums and bass. Rhíona grew up in quite a musical family and was raised on lots of classic rock, blues and metal music, she also started learning the marimba during her second year at DKIT, for her classical performance module and solo tuition.
Rhíona said;
‘I always knew I wanted to enter into something musical and creative at third level, but I was struggling to choose between two or three music courses before the CAO deadline closed. Though I wanted to improve my performance confidence and musical skills, being a full-time professional musician was not one of my main ambitions. Many music courses focus on performance modules and popular music production, and I was looking for a diverse course that would allow me to instead develop my skills in different genres, improve my research and writing skills and introduce me to new areas in music. DkIT perfectly suited my character as I could develop my skills as a contemporary, classical, and Irish traditional musician whilst improving my knowledge of theory, explore sound design, musicology, music education and more’.
She also added;
‘DkIT has by far, the most diverse music course in the country. If you want to be not only a strong musician, but also a well-rounded individual in the music industry, the BA (Hons) in Music course will allow you to find what you’re passionate about’.
Additionally, Rhíona has also set up her own music promotions company Cobra, which she established to support and showcase the best rock, blues and indie music from Ireland and abroad. Rhíona said;
‘When the pandemic shut down the live music industry, it was devastating to see so many acts struggle, particularly debut acts who missed out on significant opportunities and experiences. I wanted to explore the journalism, public relations, and promotions side of the music industry, so Cobra started as an Instagram based music blog where I wrote reviews of new releases and promoted rising independent acts. It is still an Instagram based platform; however, my area of content has expanded. I curate over sixty country-by-country and genre-by-genre playlists and have created several directories to help acts tackle their own PR, highlight music and arts events across the country, and am currently working to conduct press release campaigns for other artists in the future’.
After Rhíona completes her studies in DkIT, she hopes to work in PR, promotions and event management, and continue to compose music on the side. She would like to work with a rock and blues-based label or platform and seek out opportunities in the film industry to develop as a composer.
To listen to Rhíonas album click on the following links:
Stream Rhíona Rua | Listen to Storytelling on SoundCloud
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