A QUEENS University student has been hitting all the right notes in his latest album release aimed at schoolchildren.

John D’Arcy, a former Aquinas pupil studying for a PhD in Sound Art, has written ten songs for his new album, ‘Walk Around Lisburn’.

The songs are aimed at young children and are all about things and places they know. One of the songs includes a vocal collaboration with the choir of Harmony Hill Primary School in Lisburn.

Better known for his upbeat pop music, John has produced this album which is a bit like a children’s ‘concept album’, but instead of telling one particular story, they are all centred around a child’s typical day.

‘Walk Around Lisburn’, the title track, highlights all the places John likes to go in Lisburn and then of course there is his favourite place – Music Matters, the music shop.

However, John also took topics such as the Linen industry and made them interesting and relevant for younger children, as well as giving the kids lots of fun songs to sing, some of which are just a good laugh, such as ‘Superfoods’, ‘Juicy Juice’ and ‘The 50p Shake’.

“I had a really good time making this album as it is a complete contrast to the work I normally do. In a way it was quite liberating. It was great to see how much fun the children had making the album and of course their parents also got involved and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”

The fun of singing the songs is obvious from listening to the CD – you can clearly hear the children from Harmony Hill laughing and singing their hearts out.

Speaking about the album, John said he was very impressed by the children and their attitude.

“I had a really good time making this album as it is a complete contrast to the work I normally do. In a way it was quite liberating,” he said. “It was great to see how much fun the children had making the album and of course their parents also got involved and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”

The project was supported by the Lisburn Arts Advisory Committee and Lisburn City Council, and many of the songs feature Lisburn landmarks and local history.

The new album is available for download from walka roundlisburn.com and from Music Matters, Lisburn.