IT Services Staff Spotlight: David Murphy

4 Jun 2024

David Murphy works as a Data Analyst in Enterprise Solutions Group in IT Services.  David is also a musician and is best known for his work with the pedal steel guitar. David tells us about his career in IT and life as a musician. 

Tell us about your career to date?

I studied software development, working for 15 years in IT roles with Bupa Ireland and Musgrave. I joined UCC in 2017. Parallel to that, I’ve been a very active session musician and band-member, balancing recording and touring around Ireland, UK and Europe alongside my IT role.

David, what is a standard day working in UCC like for you? 

In Enterprise Solutions, we work with many units across UCC. We look after the enterprise data and analytics platforms for Finance, HR and Student Administration amongst others. We are currently building a new cloud-based data platform which is very exciting and will revolutionise how data is managed and processed for automation, integration and analytics in UCC.

Working in IT Services, what do you enjoy most?

Having two very contrasting roles allows me to flex both sides of my brain – the logical left side and the creative right. Working collaboratively with people in both roles is hugely enjoyable and very rewarding.

Tell us how you came to music and some highlights of your music career to date. 

I’ve played music all my life and gravitated towards pedal steel guitar in my 20’s. Since then I’ve been lucky to collaborate with diverse Irish and international artists for concert performances as well as performing on live national radio and television. I also regularly contribute to records across a range of genres, spanning pop, Americana and folk to ambient, experimental music and film soundtracks.

Congratulations on launching your solo album.  How has that experience been and what is next?

Thank you! I recently released an album of my own entitled “Cuimhne Ghlinn: Explorations in Irish Music for Pedal Steel Guitar” and have been overwhelmed with the response from the music press and from record buyers all over the world, which has really taken me by surprise. The all-instrumental album re-casts ancient Irish harp tunes and historic airs into the 21st century led with pedal steel guitar and is a first for both the instrument and the Irish music tradition. I’m looking forward to a busy summer ahead with festival shows including Kilkenny Arts Festival, Electric Picnic and Galway and Doolin Folk Festivals amongst others. 

You can find out more about David’s music and album by visiting his website davidmurphymusic.com