By: Maria Genovezos, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
ATLANTIC COUNTY — Atlantic County woman Deidra McGrath is an intensive care nurse at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the lead vocalist of the alternative/pop-rock band Lilies of David.
Before working at CHOP, she worked on a telemetry unit at Community Medical Center in Toms River with adults and now works with children in an intensive care unit. The transition was a humbling experience.
“It feels like being a whole new nurse again, like a baby nurse again, because it is so different, not just intensive care but with the age groups,” McGrath said.
While adapting to a new work environment and expanding her nursing skills, the commute has been another challenge to navigate, prioritizing her energy for both careers.
“I am trying to adapt and see what I can do in my control,” McGrath said. “These moments in life, from my experience in the past, where you bite off more than you can chew, or go into something with expectations, and they’re different, you learn so much.”
As McGrath navigates her new nursing position, the skills that she has acquired throughout her nursing career have evolved into her singing career and vice versa.
For McGrath, aside from the finances and flexible schedule that nursing provides for her, it has taught her discipline, time management, and how to multitask mentally and physically. These skills transfer to her as a musician, not only with singing, but through content creation and preparation for a performance.
Music provides McGrath with a creative outlet and mental relief; both roles challenge her. The reward in the end is significant, recognizing her ability to be a positive influence.
“That is the most rewarding, being able to bring some positivity into the world, whatever the way may be, in both nursing and singing,” McGrath said.
After COVID-19 hit, McGrath found herself exploring music with her colleague Jeremy Rotolo , lead vocalist and rhythm guitar of Lilies of David, where he saw her potential, and McGrath embarked on her new musical journey.
“I showed Jeremy a recording of me singing from Soundcloud, and he was like, ‘Oh you’re really good,’ and I was like, ‘Really?’ McGrath said. “I didn’t believe it, and he said, ‘You could really sing, you have a raw talent.”
Although she had talent for music, McGrath pursued nursing to satisfy her other passions.
“A year later, I decided to go to nursing school because I found a passion for the human body, and I love to learn about biology, science, and the body, and ultimately, I liked the idea of helping people,” McGrath said.
While in nursing school, she was also writing and performing music. Leading her to today with a balanced approach of structure, medicine, planning, creativity, and passion.
What started as a fun exploration of music, throughout the years McGrath and colleague Jeremy Rotolo met the rest of the members of the band. Featuring Derek Arnheiter the drummer, Michael Pulice the lead guitarist, and Matt Sonzogni the bassist.
They began releasing their original music and performing open mics in Asbury Park, and in a full circle moment, performed their new debut album on Saturday, February 21, at Asbury Lanes.
“The turnout couldn’t have been better, with more than 200 tickets sold and the bill put together perfectly,” McGrath said. “It was Michaelini Petti, Sage Thomas, Range Life, then us, Lilies of David. Everyone brought great energy, those that performed and the audience. Tons of friends and family, incredible music and an overall unforgettable night.”
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