The inspiration for this song came from a hike that I undertook to the Sandy Bay Hut down at Lake Waikareiti, which is located in the Urewera National Park just outside of Rotorua. The reason I undertook this mission was to achieve mental clarity in preparation for starting at the SAE Institute for a Diploma in Audio Engineering.
This short musical piece is meant to invoke the feelings and thoughts that I was experiencing on this hike. This was a stressful time for me and my thoughts were emotionally loaded.
The aim of this project was to create an original musical piece with the duration being at least 1 minute and the maximum duration being 1 minute and 15 seconds. This piece needed to maintain a sense of melody, musical progression and tempo and include the use of multiple tracks, parts and channel assignment.

Waikareiti Track

This composition is part of the soundtrack I am writing for the up and coming film Jianjie. I composed, recorded and engineered this with a poem in mind that I wrote recently which says:
"Opinion does not confine me.
 My history does not define me.
The shadow of doubt evanesce
No longer bound by fear"
Copyright - Written by Donna Kavanagh, Thursday 1st October, 2015, Auckland, New Zealand

Evanesce

SWAN SONG

This is the 2nd half of a song I wrote back in 1998 when I was saying good-bye to my music after a traumatic event. I decided to develop the 2nd half of this song as part of the soundtrack for the up and coming film "Jianjie".

Copyright - Written by Donna Kavanagh, 1998, Auckland, New Zealand
Recording Copyright - Performed & Engineered by Donna Kavanagh, Thursday 01 December, 2015, Auckland, New Zealand

Meaning of Swan Song:
The swan song (in ancient Greek: κύκνειον ᾆσμα) is a metaphorical phrase for a final performance given just before death. The phrase refers to an ancient belief that swans sing a beautiful song in the moment just before death, having been silent during most of their lifetime. This belief, which is long-debated, became proverbial in Ancient Greece by the 3rd century BC, and was used many times in later Western poetry and art. A song of great sweetness said to be sung by a dying swan; the last performance or piece of work by an actor, athlete, writer, etc.

References: 
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_song
- dictionary.reference.com/browse/swan-song

Swan Song (Soundtrack Arrangement)

Copyright - Written by Donna Kavanagh, March, 2016, Auckland, New Zealand

Departing

Copyright: Written by Donna Kavanagh April 30th, 2016, Auckland, New Zealand

Desperate Chase

Last 20 Seconds Of "That Walk" Off I 'Must Leave Album' - Track 10.
1996, 2nd Album. Vocals Recorded and Album Mastered at York Street Recording Studios
Shortland Street, Auckland CBD.
Copyright: All music composed, arranged, lyrics and vocals by Donna Kavanagh.
Assistant Engineer: Donna Kavanagh

http://natlib.govt.nz/records/20784409

Last 20 Seconds Of "That Walk"

This is the theme soundtrack for film 'Black & Blue' (2016), a tale that depicts the struggles of two young adults (Finn & Ingrid) who strike up an odd friendship. Both fighting their inner demons they find solace in each other. As Finn becomes a source of support for Ingrid in her time of need, he soon finds himself confronted by his own fears & secrets.
This piece of music is the defining work for the entire collection of music written for this film. Each track has it's own personality but this theme song captures the essence of the entire project in less than 3 minutes. Enjoy!
Copyright: Written by Donna Kavanagh October 3rd, 2016, Auckland, New Zealand.
Music composer, producer and engineer: Donna Kavanagh
Mix & Master engineer: Cam Duncan

Black & Blue (motion picture theme soundtrack)

Excerpt from soundtrack composed for Film 'Black & Blue' (2016)directed by Piu Moropaya (NZ)
A tale that depicts the struggles of two young adults (Finn & Ingrid) who strike up an odd friendship. Both fighting their inner demons they find solace in each other. As Finn becomes a source of support for Ingrid in her time of need, he soon finds himself confronted by his own fears & secrets.
​Credits:
Composer/Producer - Donna Kavanagh
Engineers: Donna Kavanagh & Cam Duncan
Copyright: Written by Donna Kavanagh October 3rd, 2016, Auckland, New Zealand.
Notes: Music was inspired by the movie scene and a love for bike-riding, reflection and trance

RIDE, composed by Donna Kavanagh

Excerpt from soundtrack composed for Film 'Black & Blue' (2016)directed by Piu Moropaya (NZ)
​Credits:
Composer/Producer - Donna Kavanagh
Engineers: Donna Kavanagh & Cam Duncan
Copyright: Written by Donna Kavanagh October 3rd, 2016, Auckland, New Zealand.
Notes: Music was inspired by the movie scene and an overwhelming emotional experience

DISQUIET, composed by Donna Kavanagh

Excerpt from soundtrack composed for Film 'Black & Blue' (2016)directed by Piu Moropaya (NZ)
​Credits:
Composer/Producer - Donna Kavanagh
Copyright: Written by Donna Kavanagh October, 2016, Auckland, New Zealand.
Notes: My aim was to create an element of playfulness as the characters onscreen connect, which you can hear in the syncopated bass pattern. The development at the end of this piece is ascending to enhance the uplifting images of both characters smiling and enjoying each other’s company.

SET ME FREE, composed by Donna Kavanagh

Excerpt from soundtrack composed for Film 'Black & Blue' (2016)directed by Piu Moropaya (NZ)
​Credits:
Composer/Producer - Donna Kavanagh
Copyright: Written by Donna Kavanagh October, 2016, Auckland, New Zealand.
Genre: Electro- pop/Synth-pop/Dark alternative pop

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