Song Release

Sixth Former Iona has released her first single during lockdown, writing the lyrics and the melody on her piano at home.

Although she has written a number of songs, it wasn’t until the pandemic took hold that she decided to release her first single, Plastic, on Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer via Distrokid.  Recorded in the bedroom of a musician and producer friend, it features the original single take of her vocals with an intro sample of a Robin Williams interview. Overall, it took about two months to perfect.  The artwork was created by a fellow South Hampstead pupil and talented artist, Misha in Year 11.

Reflecting on the positive influence of the school’s music department, Iona recalls how she was encouraged by Director of Music, Dr Collisson, to write a song for a female suffrage celebration in Barking’s Broadway Theatre. “I think that was the first time I realised I could actually write. I was given so much support from that experience… it made me really want to continue writing and performing. The music department have always been amazing – they care about all genres of music, and are always so invested in all of us.”

The school allows us to grow into ourselves and really supports the cultivation of creativity.

Iona, a Sixth Form Drama Scholar, is currently studying for A Levels in Drama, English, Music and  Philosophy & Religion. Keen to pursue her singing and song-writing, she plans to record more songs once the crisis is over and release her first EP.