Former Forres music teacher Rona Valentine-Birnie releases debut album Rojoe
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A FORMER Forres music teacher has released her debut album.
Rona Valentine-Birnie (45), formerly a teacher at Steiner School, released Rojoe on Wednesday, October 7.
The 10-song album, which was originally set to be released in November, was recorded at the Unity Recording Studio in Auldearn.
Ms Valentine-Birnie said the reaction has been good so far.
"I just want to thank everyone who has bought the album," she said.
"I'll be on the radio soon in Scotland and Canada so the music is gradually making its way out into the ether!"
All songs on the album are acoustic folk pop, but it does differentiate somewhat. Dream A Dream, one of the album's two singles, even features a long electric guitar solo.
Ms Valentine-Birnie, whose music is released under the name Elle Valentine, said: "A few songs on the album are similar but most are quite unique.
"Some of the songs I wrote when I was a teenager, when I was upset. Standing Rock is inspired by the River Findhorn and supporting nature and wildlife.
"The landscape of the Cairngorms, Moray and particularly the River Findhorn, was my biggest inspiration when writing the album."
Rona, who sings, plays guitar, violin and piano, modestly describes herself as "a bit of a jack of all trades".
On the album she is helped by Joe Harfield, owner of Unity Recording Studios and Charles Thomson on electric guitar.
Rona has written two further albums, which she is now hoping to record and release. The second should come in the summer of 2021, with the third to follow reasonably soon after.
You can check out Rona's website at ellevalentine.hearnow.com and listen to Rojoe on all streaming services.
