Iryne Rock, Christian Artist and Songwriter
Christian artist Iryne Rock’s style of music cuts across multiple genres to produce her signature sound. Born in Nigeria and relocated to the United States at 17, Iryne’s eclectic style is influenced by her heritage and the music she listened to and loved over the years. “I grew up listening to all kinds of music- afrobeat to gospel to pop to alternative rock to RnB to electronic music to contemporary Christian music,” she says. “It didn’t matter who sang it or where they were from. If I enjoyed it and the words were positive, I listened to it. I recognize that not everyone has that appreciation or perspective regarding music, but God has used this to help shape who I am as a songwriter. I know I have an exoticness to my style, and I thank God for my heritage.”
Iryne is fortunate to have spiritual mentors, including her parents, whose impact on her ministry cannot be understated. Iryne gave her life to Christ at an early age and was involved in the choir. She is a firm believer in the word of God and most recently served as a Youth Pastor and worship leader at her local church in Maryland, where she developed her vocal and songwriting abilities.
When did you discover your gift as a singer and songwriter?
When I was very young, before the age of 10, my entire family had gathered to study the word, and my mother asked us to break away to come up with a new melody for the first few verses of the Psalm and then present it to the family. I went into my little corner and started singing. I was so focused on my composition that I didn’t notice when the room became quiet as they listened to me. When I had finished singing my melody to myself, I surprisingly turned around to an audience and applause. This single experience changed my life.
How do you view your gift to sing as a vocation-a call from and a duty to God?
I can see it as both. The bible says, “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men and that every good and perfect gift is above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change..” I think everything we do is an extension of a gift and opportunity God has given us, so it all goes back to Him. So, like the bible also says, whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as unto the Lord.
Tell us about the current project you are working on and why you feel now is the time to release it?
I have an EP titled Never Known and a new single, Story. We worked on the EP through the pandemic and Story earlier this year. It’s the summer, and we believe it would be a blessing to us as we celebrate making it through the global pandemic.
What inspired you to do this project, and what is a typical day like for you as you work on this project?
Life experiences and the word of God inspired them. Story was inspired by the tales my parents and aunties told me of Nigeria when they were growing up. A typical day would be writing my lyrics and melody, getting approval from my husband and kids, and heading to the studio to come up with great music with great producers like Billy Smiley and Dami Adeoye. Then we record, and it’s always a lot of fun!
How do you feel this project will positively help and impact the lives of others?
It should bring a sense of nostalgia and a sense of hope.
What overall message would you like to convey to the world through your gifts and ministry?
A message of joy, love, and peace is what I hope to give to listeners. Times are changing, but our God does not change, and His love endures forever because He is love. We have hope and a future, so let’s lift our heads up high.
How can readers connect and learn more about you?
My music is on every musical platform: Audiomack, Spotify, Boomplay, Amazon Music, iTunes, and Pandora. Everywhere you listen to music, including YouTube, you’ll find Iryne Rock.
You can also find and follow me on social media- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. I would love to hear from you and show you what’s coming. Thank you for this opportunity.
