Kirin McElwain is a cellist and composer working in the realms of experimental, contemporary classical, and improvised music. Weaving together classical and Baroque influences with an affinity for sub-bass and harsh electronic textures, her music explores themes of desire, shame, perfection, and belonging.
Her solo discography includes the 2023 EP Viriditas (self-released) and the 2025 full-length Youth (AKP Recordings)— both included on year-end lists at A Closer Listen and Anxious Magazine— as well as singles and remix work for Mystery Circles and sound artist/dj/composer Omar Ahmad.
As a cellist, Kirin can be heard on various film and television scores, including Devonté Hynes’ (Blood Orange) solo cello score for the upcoming feature length film The Invite directed by Oliva Wilde. Kirin has additionally served as a music coordinator and cellist for composer Tamar-kali, in addition to work for clients such as HBO, National Geographic, Gimlet Media, and NPR.
Outside of the studio, Kirin has performed with Post Malone, Ioanna Gika, and This Will Destroy You, among many others at the MET, the Detroit Institute of the Arts, James Cohan Gallery, Neue Galerie, Carnegie Hall, National Sawdust, the Kimmel Center, Le Poisson Rouge, Public Records, and Roulette, in addition to many community-run venues.
Kirin has been an artist-in-residence at EMS Stockholm and Westben Center for the Arts, a New Amsterdam Records Composers Lab Fellow and her work has received support from the Foundation for Contemporary Art. Her duo with vocalist Alex Koi is the recipient of a 2024 Young Arts grant for their upcoming collaborative LP Wake which will be released in Autumn 2026.
@kirinmcelwain