“Soaring On,” the forthcoming single by Leeds-based composer Sheila Rafferty, is a high-quality release that we are pleased to feature on our webzine. Set for official release on October 25th, 2025, the track offers a vivid and transportive listening experience shaped directly by the natural landscape that inspired it. Recorded on location in the North Yorkshire Moors, the piece channels the region’s open skies, windswept expanses, and untamed beauty through an evocative fusion of atmospheric synth textures and organic percussion.
The foundation of “Soaring On” lies in Rafferty’s command of synth-driven electronic composition. Her sound, positioned between EDM, electronic, and drone, carries a notable fluidity that anchors the entire track. Rather than drawing from specific artistic influences, the piece is intentionally unique, shaped by the environment in which it was created. Rafferty’s melodic choices lean toward the ethereal and expansive, allowing the synthesizer to mimic the sensation of air currents rising and falling over the moorlands. Sustained tones gently stretch across the stereo field, building a sense of vastness while remaining intimate enough to invite close listening.
Beneath this melodic surface lies a rhythmic layer crafted by Ian Rafferty, Sheila’s husband and collaborator on the project. His conga grooves introduce a steady, understated pulse that interacts seamlessly with the drifting synth lines. The relationship between rhythm and melody is one of the track’s defining features: the percussion grounds the composition while still allowing the synth motifs to stretch freely across the soundscape. Ian’s congas do not overpower; instead, they trace subtle patterns that give shape to the atmosphere. The interplay generates a warm, enveloping quality that is central to the track’s identity.
The recording process contributes significantly to the release’s character. Rather than being produced in a studio, “Soaring On” was captured directly into GarageBand while Rafferty and her husband were staying near their holiday home on the North Yorkshire Moors. This decision allowed the environment to become an active participant in the creative process. The natural stillness, shifting weather, and sense of open space inform the pacing and dynamics of the piece. The result is a composition that feels inseparable from the landscape that inspired it—a sonic reflection of a place where time seems to slow down and widen.
Atmospherically, “Soaring On” leans into the immersive qualities associated with drone and ambient electronic music, yet it maintains a rhythmic identity that keeps the listener engaged throughout. The synths build soft, layered harmonics that gradually shimmer and recede, while the percussion maintains a cool, steady groove. Together, these elements form a cohesive structure that evokes movement without urgency—an upward, gliding sensation aligned with the title of the track. The listener is invited to imagine the moors’ open horizons, the quiet force of the wind, and the emotional impression of standing within such a vast natural setting.
The significance of the release lies not only in its atmospheric design but also in its portrayal of wildness and timelessness. Rafferty’s composition celebrates the moors through sound rather than narrative, offering a listening experience rooted in place. The absence of external influences contributes to its purity; the music exists as an auditory snapshot of a specific environment at a specific moment. In doing so, it provides a contemplative space for listeners drawn to nature-inspired electronic music.
While Rafferty does not currently have live performances scheduled, “Soaring On” functions effectively as a statement release, demonstrating her ability to merge atmospheric electronic synthesis with grounded, tactile rhythm. Its warm, immersive texture highlights the synergy between the two contributors and showcases the strength of their collaborative dynamic.
As its release date approaches, “Soaring On” stands as a compelling piece that captures the essence of the North Yorkshire Moors through synth-driven ambience and carefully layered percussion. The track’s serene yet expansive design positions it as a transformative listening experience for fans of electronic, ambient, and drone-oriented music.