Composer’s Spotlight: Cliona Molins performs ‘New Blues’

Composer’s Spotlight Series: Cliona Molins performs ‘New Blues’

In this interview, Cliona shares her experience performing New Blues. When others heard this piece, they are surprised that blues can also be played via harp. She once attended a workshop by Deborah Henson-Conant and got inspired to play her music.

Do YOU want to play Deborah Henson-Conant's 'New Blues'? You can now learn to play the Blues in Hip Harp Academy at your OWN level - like you were born with it in your hands.

>> Join Hip Harp Academy <<

Cliona Molins

Clíona is a Sydney-based harp player, teacher, and composer. She was classically trained in Dublin where she studied both the Irish and Concert Harp. Outside of playing Irish harp repertoire, Cliona is inspired my harp music from South America (especially Venezuela) and kora music from West Africa.

Continue reading below for the full interview with Cliona Molins

Watch Cliona Molins playing ‘New Blues’ in a restaurant in Sydney called Peanut Butter Jelly.

A Mini-Interview with Cliona

How would you describe your experience of playing the piece?

Fun, Bluesy, Different, Rhythmic and Joyful

What do people say when you play this piece? Do you have favorite memories of people’s reactions to it?

I play it all the time and find that many people come up to me afterward to say they never thought they would hear blues on a harp. It opens up lots of conversations! If they are knowledgable about music, I talk about ‘lever trickery’ allowing the higher octaves to play the blues scale…while have the left hand maintains the harmony.

What drew you to this piece – why did you choose to learn it?

Many years ago I attended a workshop with DHC in Edinburgh and was blown away by her introduction to jazz and blues on the harp but also, her teaching and her sense of fun! When I came to Sydney I was determined to play some of her music. She continues to inspire…

What does this piece add to your repertoire (and/or your life) that you didn’t have before?

A sense of fun. Blues notes. Not taking myself too seriously. Shifting the atmosphere from classical or contemporary to something a bit different.

What would you tell someone else who’s thinking of learning this piece that you wish you’d known before you learned it?

I think playing it has helped me get a sense of the rhythmic feel between the two hands. I now use this in other music (eg South American harp music, irish music). It took a while to get a sense of it in my body -that did not come immediately. After playing it many times as background music, I was able to feel more confident. I definitely think it was important to learn to play it by memory!

What do you think you can get from working directly with the composer of the piece that you can’t get from the sheet music?

I think DHC inspires us to have fun while being dedicated to learning the music well. Sheet music is a great reference point to have after being inspired. I thank DHC for inspiring so many!

Anything else you want to say?

Message to my younger harpist self, I am reflecting on how important it is to get out there to workshops, festivals and concerts to see the music that inspire you. If you enjoy what you play you will definitely be a more inspiring performer…

Please follow this artist on social media and let them know what has opened up for your own self-expression in seeing and hearing their performance, and please share in the comments below.

Website: clionaharpist.com.au
Instagram: @clionaharpist
Linktree: @clionaharpist
Bandcamp: clionaharpist.bandcamp.com

Stay tuned for more artists soon and check out my Composer’s Spotlight blog series, featuring other talented musicians who played my song! If you’re playing my music, apply here to be in the ‘Composer’s Spotlight’ blog series.