Student launches his first album

A LIMAVADY High School student has been described as "a remarkable creative talent" after writing a debut album to raise funds for a cancer charity.

16-year-old Connor Richmond will launch his first album 'Smiling' this week, with all proceeds going to the Angels of Hope ovarian cancer support group. The GCSE student was inspired to dedicate the proceeds of the album after the death of a close friend from the disease. At present Connor studies GCSE music at St. Mary's, a provision brought about by the Roe Valley Learning Community.

Speaking about the debut album Connor said: "It was part of my course to write some songs, I decided to make some more and create an album."

"It was a great experience, layering tracks for the album, it's exciting. It's about getting the confidence in my voice, as well as faith in myself and my music"

The student, who hopes to raise over 1000 for charity, received help from friend and fellow Limavady High School Kensie Smyth, who contributed vocals to the album. The duo, who have named themselves 'Just Us', were flanked by demand for the album after selling out all 15 copies created for this year's Danny Boy Festival. The young artists say that each song on the CD has "a reason" with one song 'Smile' dedicated to the pal Connor lost.

"It was the first funeral I had ever been too," reflected Connor, "All the songs have a reason, there's meaning behind every one".

He continued: "I really like contemporary ballads, written by the likes of Phil Collins and The Eagles, so I suppose you could say that's who influences my style of music and writing".

Vice Principal of Limavady High School David Dunlop praised the creative work of the 16 year-old student.

Mr Dunlop said; "He's a remarkable creative talent. Connor is a sensitive young man and for his age he's got a very mature way of writing about emotional issues.

"From the school plays Connor would know my son, he has a recording studio, so I recommended he put down some songs - it soon became an album".

The official launch of 'Just Us' debut album 'Smiling' will take place on Thursday, June 3 at Limavady High School, 7:30pm. Admission is 2 and the album will be on sale for 5. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Angels of Hope - an ovarian cancer support charity. For more information be sure to visit http://www.limavadyhigh.co.uk or http://www.angelsofhope.org.uk.

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