Derek Ryan has derived inspiration from the current Coronavirus lockdown and linked up at a distance with Country Queen Philomena Begley to duet on his new song. ‘It Won’t Rain Forever’ is released on Friday 15th May with proceeds from the song supporting the charities Age NI in Northern Ireland and Alone in the Irish Republic.

The new song is the first time the two performers, at opposite ends of the country music spectrum, have come together to record. Both have appeared regularly on stage together but this is their first recording.

The last time Derek and Philomena collaborated was the release of ‘My Life, My Music, My Memories’ the song Derek penned to coincide with the release of Philomena’s autobiography.

This week Philomena reached a landmark 58 years in showbiz and up until the outbreak of the Coronavirus was still performing.

The current lockdown has brought challenges to the recording process. With social distancing the order of the day, both Derek and Philomena had to record their vocals apart in their homes, as being together in a studio wasn’t possible.

‘It Won’t Rain Forever’ was written after Derek watched Philomena’s touching Skype interview with Miriam O’Callaghan on the Late Late Show last month. He contacted her about recording the song after hearing her story of only being able to see her grandchildren through the window of her home because of social distancing restrictions. It was then he realised the song was appropriate for the times we are going through and that Philomena was perfect to sing it along with him.

Speaking today, Derek who like many other musicians can’t wait for restrictions to be relaxed and a resumption of live music, said he sang a demo of the song on Facetime to Philomena and was delighted when she instantly agreed to the recording.

“I must admit the setting up of the remote recording was difficult and not the studio setup we are both used to. However, we are delighted on how it has turned out.”

Derek also said that the sentiment of the song about the isolation the elderly are going through at present made teaming up with Age NI and ALONE the obvious choice to benefit from the proceeds of the song from streaming and downloading.

Age NI is dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life helping thousands of people every year through companionship, advice and support. ALONE Ireland supports and empowers older people to age happily and securely at home including those who are lonely, isolated, frail or ill, homeless, living in poverty, or are facing other difficulties.

The link for voluntary donations to support the two charities is www.derekryanmusic.com/donate.
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‘It Won’t Rain Forever’ will be included on Derek’s next album, which he is currently working on and available through Spotify and other download platforms.