Lockdown Echoes Shape New Musical Vision

A New Musical Journey Inspired by Everyday Moments

The unique experiences of daily life, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, have served as a powerful source of inspiration for a new musical project by a Northern Ireland composer. Rory Friers, known for his work in film scores and as a guitarist and songwriter in the rock band And So I Watch You from Afar, has created an ambient EP called Home that captures the "fragile beauty" of everyday moments.

Friers spent six months at Glendun Care Home in Cushendun in 2022, engaging with residents and staff to capture the essence of their lives. Using handheld recording devices, he documented laughter, conversations, and even silence—moments that eventually formed the basis of his compositions. These recordings became the foundation for two tracks on his new EP, both of which are string and guitar-based pieces inspired by real-life experiences.

The First Stage: Home I

The first track, Home I, was inspired by a recording made in a house in Ballycastle, near where Friers grew up. It features a young mother and her newborn child navigating the early months of the pandemic. Their voices, breaths, and presence were captured, and Friers composed around them to create a musical environment that feels "tender, resilient, and deeply protective."

"I always liked creating music that kind of leant into or built a kind of environment for people to have a bit of escapism," Friers said. "I never was really drawn to very prescriptive music or songs."

This approach allowed him to focus on the emotional landscape of the moment rather than following traditional song structures.

The Second Stage: Home II

The second part, Home II, took place at Glendun Care Home during the later stages of the pandemic. Over the course of six months, Friers built relationships with residents and staff, capturing meaningful moments that would later inspire his final composition. He visited the care home once a week, spending time with residents and recording their conversations.

Friers collaborated with the production company Dumb World as part of a project called Constellations of Noise, which brought together artists and community groups. This collaboration connected him with Glendun Care Home, where he found a wealth of stories and experiences to draw from.

A Special Connection with Josie McCambridge

One resident who left a lasting impression on Friers was Josie McCambridge, who was "born and bred" in Cushendun. Before moving to the care home, Glendun was a bar where Josie used to perform as a singer and guitarist every Saturday. During Friers’ visits, Josie would sit in the same chair in the same room, often engaging in quiet conversations that eventually led to meaningful interactions.

"Josie sat in the same chair in the same room every time I visited; he was a quiet man but great craic once you got chatting with him," Friers recalled. Josie would occasionally sing songs for him, prompting Friers to quickly grab a recording device to capture the moment.

One particular song stood out—a tale about a young man leaving his hometown of Ballycastle to seek riches in America, only to regret it later. Friers was moved by the performance, noting that "the whole room kind of stood still." The staff, who had heard Josie sing regularly, recognized his special gift for storytelling through music.

Friers rushed home, hoping the recording would be close enough in tuning to allow him to compose a piece around it. Although unfamiliar with the song, he reimagined it to evoke the atmosphere of Josie's performance and the setting they were in.

"Lo and behold, it was pitch perfect," Friers said. "He was singing completely unaccompanied just acapella, so it was kind of an incredible feat for anyone to be able to do that in the first place."

Conclusion

Through Home, Friers has created a powerful tribute to the resilience and beauty of everyday life. His work not only honors the individuals he encountered but also invites listeners to reflect on the quiet moments that shape our experiences.