Singer-songwriter Robyn McCorquodale recently unveiled her single/music video, “Eagle,” a response to her father gliding through her journey from Heaven as she leads through every day without him.
“Eagle” honors all people we have lost but will always love and cherish as we continue to navigate life.
Robyn’s sound fits perfectly in the visuals of the video of “Eagle,” as she is seated in the middle of a beautiful, calming woodland landscape. Just as she did her whole life, she combines her passions and music to feel content with every moment and gracefully creates her music in the place where she can feel her father’s presence the most.
“Eagle” flows on soft, shimmering tones as the eagles fly in the sky, as she sees her father’s spirit have its wings open wide. Nature has taken its course, and Robyn embraces the world with her caring and lovely voice and smile.
Guitar Girl Magazine spoke with Robyn McCorquodale to discover more about why she makes music and how she got started in music.
Why do you make music?
Music has been my passion since the age of 7 when I picked up my first guitar! Musical expression is a rich experience. It is uplifting, healing, challenging, inspiring and so fulfilling on an emotional, spiritual, and intellectual level. I love the creative process. Whether it is playing an instrument, singing, or creating a new song, video project or concert, music is the most amazing passion for self-expression and personal/professional growth. No matter what chapter in life, music will always be my “go to place” and “anchor” and I’m so grateful to have music in my life. It continues to take me on an amazing journey!
What inspired your new single/music video, “Eagle?”
My Dad inspired the song, “Eagle”. It was written for his Celebration of Life. Dad was a very proud Life Member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He owned many eagle ornaments that he displayed in his car, home, and office. Even though he has passed from this lifetime, I feel his presence, especially when I look up and see an eagle flying above me, with open wings, like open arms, comforting, lifting me up and guiding me. Dad also embodied many attributes of the eagle that inspire me today: strength, courage, integrity, vitality, and tenacity. Although a very personal song, I hope that this power anthem will be a comfort to many people, as we all continue to move through life, with our memories, impressions, and the teachings of those we’ve lost and will forever love and cherish.
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
I studied music from the early age of 7, with classical training in guitar, piano, voice, history, and theory. After going through the Royal Conservatory of Music classical program (Toronto), I further studied music at the University of British Columbia where I graduated in vocal performance, with piano as my minor. However, I didn’t plan on a career in music. Also studying communications and working as a volunteer in television through my university years, I was heading for a career in broadcast journalism. But my life changed direction following university graduation, when I was presented with the unique opportunity to be the first entertainer in all of North America, to sing and play piano for the richest man in the world at the time, the Sultan of Brunei. That experience is a musical in itself to be written! But in brief, it launched the beginning of a wonderful journey that continues, traveling the globe, meeting people from around the world, creating and sharing music. A songwriter and recording artist, I brought all my travel and performance years of experience together in creating Diary of a Piano Girl: An Original Multimedia Presentation Featuring Songs, Stories and Seven Continents. Performed with a full band, this show features all original music and real-life adventures with photos/videos synced up to further enhance the show, that evolves as the diary continues to be written.
Where are you from?
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Did your hometown impact your sound?
Great question – something I’ve never considered – but I think ‘yes’ it did! I live by the ocean in the West End of Vancouver, and through all my international travels performing around the world, I’ve always accepted gigs that kept me close to the ocean. My lyrics and music certainly embrace and evoke images and sounds of the sea and wildlife, including the plentiful eagles that soar high in the Pacific Northwest where I live. I am surrounded by a stunning natural parkland setting with endless inspiration for songwriting!
Which amps, guitars, and pedals are you currently using?
Sorry, I never stepped beyond my acoustic guitar, but I love the instrument as much as I do the piano and have featured Vancouver’s and New York’s finest guitarists in my shows and on my recordings.
Are there any recording techniques you like to use in the studio?
Yes, but I leave this to the amazing musicians and producers I work with, to share their talents, skill and creative expression, to bring each song to life!
How do you keep your sound consistent on stage?
I don’t really think about having a consistent sound, but I think it happens organically, inspired perhaps partly by the lyrics that always aim to uplift and empower. I perform in a variety of ensembles, from solo to trio to quartet to full band. The band line-up is always consistent with a rhythm section, plus lead guitar, piano and keyboards. When performing my concerts, I have recordings and charts to guide the musicians, but otherwise, there is always room for individual creative expression of each musician. I love performing live concerts – being in the moment – allowing each performance to blossom in its own unique way!
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
I think we can all agree that Taylor Swift is killing it right now! My taste in contemporary music is more ‘song’ specific and not necessarily by artist. I love Sia’s tune ‘Unstoppable!’ I gravitate to any tune with a positive message!
What’s your definition of success?
Waking up each day, happy and grateful for everything and everyone in my life. Having the independence and freedom to live a life of creativity and be on such an amazing journey. Loving that I feel free, living without expectation, embracing life, open to unexpected opportunities, never knowing what lies up ahead. Having the opportunity to give back when and where I can. Other than music, I am a strong advocate for elder care and am grateful to sometimes combine my advocacy work with my passion of music.
What can your fans expect over the next six months? New material? Live gigs?
My next video project is a new song I recently recorded, ‘Go Beyond Belief.’ As the title suggests, the lyrics encourage us to go beyond our beliefs and dreams and venture to a place of ‘unlimited possibility.’ I also have several new tunes to record and am in the midst of planning the next Diary of a Piano Girl concert. The creative projects are ongoing and exciting!
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