Beauty in the Ashes

INSPIRED ISLAND BAY SINGER-SONGWRITER

Island Bay resident Donna Muir says the songs that make up her first album are message driven.

‘I guess that I have something that I want to communicate. On the surface, ‘Beauty in the Ashes’ is about suffering and grief.

I tried to write about suffering and loss. I think a lot of the songs will have a high degree of resonance with people who have struggled with this in their lives.

Hopefully though there is a degree of redemption and hope – out of the ashes.

Singing is a way to communicate about people’s difficulties, to make a difference in people’s lives – and possibly encourage some kind of change.

It has been really good to have a creative project”.

‘Beauty in the Ashes’ was released by Jayrem Records on 2 August 2010. It had been recorded over a five year period.

Donna wrote the lyrics and melodies, and her singing tutor Jonny Spence wrote the music and arranged and produced the album.

“I started off with five of my own songs and five covers but ended up with 13 of just my own”.

Donna’s husband Peter, who plays the drums on the album has always encouraged her – sometimes with a critique and sometimes with constructive advice.

Donna, Peter and her group recently performed her album songs for the local community at St Hilda’s Church, Island Bay.

“It was very much a local thing with friends, family and neighbours. It was a wonderful evening. It was a lovely warm environment”.

WONDERFUL LADY – AND OUR CLOSE NEIGHBOUR ACROSS DERWENT STREET

Donna Muir is of Scottish and Maori (Aitanga a Hauiti / Ngati Porou) descent has a background that includes shearing gangs, missionary work, studying drama (and acting), vocalist for Wellington band Salt Licks - and working as a dedicated mid-wife.

She is also a competitive and winning Lyall Bay surfboarder.

Donna's husband Peter is a great builder - he built our new barbecue deck!

Details of her album and how to purchase it online can be found at the Black Seeds Website at:

http://blackseeds.amplifier.co.nz/artist/60271/donna-muir.html

[Interview notes courtesy of Agnes Ginestet, CityLife News, 30 June 2010]