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Interview with Shirley Ly, a Rising Star in Classical Music – ‘The Representation of Female Composers Needs to Be Improved’

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1 year ago

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Shirley Ly

Shirley Ly is a rising star in classical music. Her music has been played around a million times in over 100 countries around the world, which is rather rare for a modern-day female composer. When listening to her music, we feel emotions spanning a very wide spectrum – her pieces are deep and thought-provoking featuring heart-warming melodies and harmonies. We recently discovered her music when we attended her wonderful performance at the Westminster Music Library on International Women’s Day this year, where we also heard other works by female composers, Louise Farrenc and Clara Schumann. We caught up with Shirley to find out more.

To listen to Shirley’s music, please click here.

It would be interesting to find out how and when you got into composing classical music.

Creating classical music developed into a passion of mine since I was a teen. I remember listening to the soundtracks in one of my favourite films, Amélie and being immediately transported to the enchanting, cobbled streets of Paris. I remember feeling so stunned when listening to Chopin’s Ballade No. 1 in G minor in the very heartfelt movie scene in the Pianist, when the German army officer Hosenfeld discovers Polish pianist Szpilmanthe in his hiding place. I love the purity and unity of Bach’s violin sonatas, the classical symmetry in Mozart’s concertos, the heart-wrenching phrases in Ennio Morricone’s scores. Classical music makes me feel a certain way that no other genre of music does… immeasurable amounts of emotion. Being able to reflect on my own emotions through creating music in this genre brings me great fulfilment – this is how I got into composing classical music!

What are your key inspirations? Would you say that they’re mostly from nature?

Nature is a huge inspiration of mine. My latest album, Paradise is inspired by my experiences of being in the ocean. I feel so lucky to have dived in some of the most beautiful places in the world, such as the Red Sea and Barbados, where I was able to come face to face with extraordinary, colourful creatures and stunning scenery. When I compose, I think back to those experiences and just try to create music which describes my visions and feelings in those moments. Other pieces I have composed inspired by nature include those in my albums, Blossom and Impetus. Vagabond’s Tale is a piece inspired by when I was walking through the Cotswolds (beautiful English countryside) in England. Swallows’ Silhouette is a piece inspired by swallows travelling through different weather to find their nests. Amber Leaves is a piece inspired by Autumn’s rich flora and fauna.

Other inspirations stem from relationships i.e., being heartbroken, experiencing unconditional love from family, my time spent with my beloved grandfather, as well as travel and dreams.

We really enjoyed your performance on International Women’s Day and find you very inspiring as we don’t often come across many female composers. What do you feel about the representation of female composers in the modern world?

Thank you. I feel that the representation of female composers in today’s world needs to be improved. I go to many classical music concerts, and still find that it is rare to hear any works by female composers, whether concerts are large-scale i.e., the BBC Proms, or not. Not only in relation to concerts, but also in relation to media broadcasts i.e., TV and radio. If I do want to hear works by female composers, I would need to actively search for performances as they remain a niche. I hope that more female composers’ works will be performed in the future, but this can only happen if female composers are given good opportunities to.

From my own personal experience when asking for opportunities to perform my own classical music at various venues which typically do showcase classical music, I frequently get rejection without any solid reasons. A common response is that me being a composer and playing my own compositions, would not be in line with the concert requirements. Another common response is that my compositions do not fit into the type of classical music which would usually be played i.e., it’s not from the classical or romantic era. Whenever I get these responses, I just feel that the world of classical music is still a very exclusive and cordoned off world. It really shouldn’t be like this. Luckily, the internet and social media improves accessibility, and allows me to communicate with audiences without such barriers.  

Why do you feel that it is important for female composers to have representation?

I think that it is critical for female composers to be represented simply because there are not many of us out there. By not representing us, our voices become unheard. Music is a form of expression of our identities. I would say that my gender as a female and my heritage, where my parents are from China and Vietnam, have influenced my music – people have commented that some of my melodies sound more feminine, and Eastern for example compared to other composers.

In general, I think people’s understanding of music will be more enriched and enlarged if people listened to works composed by female composers too. Female composers have had to endure many challenges particularly from society – for example, many careers in composition and professional musicianship were generally closed to women through much of European history. As I have mentioned previously, I still get a lot of push back from music venues when I ask to perform my compositions there, compared to if I propose playing more famous works by Beethoven, Chopin etc.

We understand that you are an independent artist. What are some of the key challenges you face as an independent artist compared to an artist who is supported by a record label?

As an independent artist, I am more limited by resources. I don’t have a great budget when it comes to recording, so my recordings may not sound as professional compared to those which are recorded in a renowned studio. However, I don’t let a lack of budget stop me from making sure I deliver the best possible quality of music – I work with extremely talented musicians and engineers as part of the process.

Further, as an independent artist, I do more in terms of promoting myself. I contact music venues directly to arrange concerts. I reach out to radio stations directly to play my works. I have to build my own contacts book effectively.

However, I do love the creative control that I retain as an independent artist. Whatever I want to create, I can create without restrictions and pressure.

What are your future plans in music?

I have just released my new album, Paradise, inspired by the ocean, marine ecosystems and marine species. I hope that you enjoy it! The album features compositions for piano, violin and cello, where many of the compositions are actually solo pieces. I find that it is quite rare for solo compositions to be performed, and I really want to emphasise the beauty and power which can be created through these instruments alone.

I will also shortly be releasing an album featuring 9 pieces inspired by my playful and mischievous cats. I live with 3 cats – sadly 1 is missing, which has caused me great anxiety.

In terms of future plans, I plan to compose orchestral as well as electronic works inspired by my travels in Southeast Asia.

Throughout, I will be performing at various concerts and gigs. Keep your eyes peeled!

Thank you very much for your time in this interview. We wish you all of the best.

Thanks for having me. All the very best to you and the readers.

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Boots and Bass Tour Leads Country EDM Movement

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2 days ago

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January 17, 2025

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Boots and Bass Tour

The Boots and Bass Country EDM Tour has quietly emerged as one of live entertainment’s most fascinating stories of late. By seamlessly blending country music’s heartland appeal with EDM’s contemporary energy, the tour is redefining expectations for genre-crossing performances across the United States.

At the heart of this groundbreaking tour is an exceptional lineup featuring DEEJAY Silver, John Price, and Rivas – three performers who have mastered the art of country EDM fusion. Drawing favorable comparisons to acclaimed acts like VAVO and MC4D, they’ve carved out a distinctive sound that resonates with audiences seeking fresh musical experiences.

The tour’s headline talent brings impressive credentials to the stage. DEEJAY Silver, known for his role as Jason Aldean’s touring DJ and his successful Las Vegas residencies, has built a reputation for innovative sound design. Rising star John Price, with his growing base of over 150k Spotify streams and position as Morgan Wallen’s VIP DJ, brings contemporary energy to each performance. Completing the lineup is Rivas, who earned recognition as Dustin Lynch’s supporting DJ and has become known for his intuitive ability to read and respond to crowd energy.

What sets this tour apart is its seamless integration of two seemingly disparate musical worlds. The production team has developed an innovative approach that honors both genres’ traditions while creating something entirely new. From sound design to staging, every element works in harmony to deliver an authentic crossover experience.

The tour’s ability to unite diverse audiences under one roof speaks to a broader shift in American music culture. Cowboy boots mingle with designer sneakers as country music lovers discover fresh sounds alongside seasoned EDM fans seeking their next electronic adventure. Young professionals aged 21 to 45 have been particularly drawn to these events, suggesting a generational openness to genre experimentation.

Industry analysts note that the evolution of modern concert experiences has created fertile ground for hybrid musical formats. The Boots and Bass tour exemplifies this trend, attracting both established country audiences and electronic music fans to venues that traditionally catered to just one genre. This natural crossover has helped introduce new audiences to venues across various markets.

The fusion represents more than just a mixing of sounds – it’s a reflection of evolving American musical tastes. Music historians point out that country music has always absorbed contemporary influences, from blues and rock to hip-hop, while maintaining its essential character. Similarly, EDM has demonstrated remarkable flexibility in incorporating elements from various genres. The Boots and Bass tour builds on this history of musical evolution, creating something both novel and authentic.

The tour’s production values reflect the sophistication of modern concert expectations. State-of-the-art sound engineering and thoughtfully designed lighting create an immersive atmosphere that enhances both the country and electronic elements of each performance. The experience seamlessly blends the warmth of country concerts with the dynamic energy of EDM productions, creating distinctive moments that resonate with diverse musical tastes. Industry veterans note that achieving this balance requires deep understanding of both genres’ technical and cultural nuances.

The production team’s expertise shines in their ability to maintain crystal-clear vocals – a country music essential – while delivering the powerful bass and dynamic drops that EDM fans expect. This technical achievement underlies the tour’s artistic success, creating an environment where both genres can truly shine. Custom visual elements complement the overall experience, drawing inspiration from both country music’s storytelling tradition and EDM’s cutting-edge production values.

Looking ahead, the tour’s continued growth suggests an emerging shift in live music presentation. As audiences increasingly seek experiences that transcend traditional genre boundaries, the Boots and Bass model demonstrates how authentic fusion can create compelling new entertainment formats. Their success has implications for the broader industry, potentially inspiring similar innovations across other musical genres. Music industry observers have noted that this fusion approach might pave the way for other unexpected genre combinations, opening new possibilities for artistic expression.

The tour’s expansion into new markets has been methodical and measured, with each stop building on the cultural bridges being formed between country and EDM communities. This organic growth has allowed the tour to maintain its artistic integrity while reaching ever-larger audiences. The careful attention to authenticity has earned respect from both country and EDM purists, proving that genre fusion can enhance rather than dilute musical traditions when approached with genuine appreciation for both styles.

For information about upcoming performances and tour dates, interested music fans can visit the Boots and Bass website or follow each DJ via social media. As this musical experiment continues to evolve, it offers an intriguing glimpse into the future of live entertainment – one where genre boundaries become increasingly fluid, and musical traditions find new life through unexpected combinations.

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Emerging Actress Jolene Legrand Talks Noir Revival and Her Rising Career

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1 week ago

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January 9, 2025

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Jolene Legrand

Venezuelan-born actress Jolene Legrand radiates enthusiasm when discussing her craft. Settling in London in 2019, she’s steadily built a reputation through award-winning performances that draw from her rich multicultural background. We caught up with her just as she was wrapping up her latest project, a noir-inspired short film that’s already generating buzz.

What drew you to acting in the UK film scene?

Since I moved to the UK in 2019, I wanted to create something to showcase my acting range. This industry gives you so many opportunities to tell meaningful stories, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.

How would you describe yourself to those just discovering your work?

[Smiling] I’m an ambitious and resilient person with a bubbly and kind personality. My work and art fulfill my life the most. I’m not perfect – one of my flaws is being quite anxious, but I’ve learned to look at the cup half full! Always start with the positive!

We hear you’re reinventing film noir with your latest project?

Yes! [Laughs] It actually started when a friend described me as a femme fatale. I dove into noir films and fell in love with the genre, and that’s how “Dance with the King” came to life. I’m working with the incredibly talented director Sonia Amino, and we’re currently in post-production. The whole vision was to create a female character who isn’t just mysterious and dangerous, but deeply human, with real emotions. It’s been amazing collaborating with Compact Film on this project, both as an actress and executive producer.

What kinds of roles and projects speak to you most?

I love thrillers, action, and psychological movies. As an actress, I want to use my voice to shed light on issues we still face nowadays, especially regarding how women are portrayed. I love my career, and I’m looking forward to seeing more growth and opportunities on the big screen.

What do you hope viewers take away from your performances?

[Thoughtfully] I hope my work inspires people. I like to think that if someone else can do something, so can I. So if I can, you can too. Never stop pursuing your dream and enjoy the ride.

What’s coming up next for you?

“Dance with the King” (currently in post-production) releases in Summer 2025! We’re planning a festival run first, then it’ll be available on platforms like Prime Video and Mubi. Meanwhile, I’m working on a feature film and continuing to audition – always staying busy!

Jolene sits in a behind the scenes look into ‘Dance with the King’

Between takes, Legrand continues honing her craft through masterclasses. Her technical skills as a mezzo-soprano, combined with stage combat training and fluency in Italian and Spanish, make her a remarkably versatile performer.

You can follow Legrand’s journey on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses, check out her work on IMDb, or find her latest updates on Linktree.

As our conversation wraps up, it’s clear that Legrand’s thoughtful approach to her craft and genuine passion for storytelling are setting her up for a meaningful career in cinema. In an industry often focused on instant success, her dedication to authentic character portrayals and meaningful narratives feels refreshingly sincere — and we’re here for it.

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clovers daughter Walks Us Through ‘are you coming home?’

Published

2 weeks ago

on

January 4, 2025

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clovers daughter

Something clicks during our conversation with clovers daughter (Noor Shami) – her presence somehow manages to transcend the distance between us. The emerging American-Palestinian artist, gearing up to release her debut single “are you coming home?” on January 22, radiates an authenticity that cuts through the digital static. Running just shy of three minutes, the track grabs you right away – it’s one of those rare songs that stops you mid-scroll, showcasing a sophisticated blend of indie-folk and pop that feels surprisingly lived-in for a debut release.

Your musical journey has an interesting start. How did it all begin?

“Music was never prominent in my family home growing up but it was always in my head,” she shares, her words carrying a genuine warmth. “I would make up words and run around the house with my $20 kids guitar strumming nonsensical chords hoping my entire neighborhood would hear me.” A soft laugh punctuates her memory before she continues, “Through years of playing in my bedroom writing terrible songs and singing along to my favorite music in my car, I knew this is what I wanted to do forever.”

For someone who hasn’t heard your music yet, how would you describe your sound?

She takes a moment to gather her thoughts. “You can find yourself getting lost in the indie-folk sound,” she explains, choosing her words carefully. “Imagine yourself fully immersed into the warmth of an acoustic guitar, the grit on an electric guitar and the rhythm of a heavy drum. My music is something you can sing along to, reflect to, cry to or sing along to. It’s uniquely different but universally relatable!”

Let’s talk about “are you coming home?” – there’s a striking maturity to it. What’s the story behind the track?

“The song is really a poignant exploration of distance, longing, and the bittersweet ache of holding onto fleeting connections,” she explains. “It captures moments of vulnerability—stumbling in the kitchen, whispered apologies left unanswered. The track grapples with themes of aging, wisdom, and authenticity. It’s about those moments that resonate with anyone who has questioned the fragility of relationships and self-growth.”

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?

“I hope the fans know that they aren’t alone in this world,” she reflects. “More people than you know are experiencing such complicated feelings about how they fit into their world. I want them to know it is okay to feel all the emotions: the ups and the downs.”

What’s next for clovers daughter?

“This single will be the first of many. I’ll have a lyric video, music video and a live acoustic performance of the track! And I’d say be on the lookout for some easter eggs on my social media hinting at my next project!”

You can find clovers daughter’s debut single “are you coming home?” on all major streaming platforms through her Linktree starting January 22. Follow her journey on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Merchandise is available through her online store.

There’s no shaking the feeling that we’re catching the first glimpse of something special. For an artist just stepping onto the public stage, clovers daughter brings both the technical finesse and emotional depth that hints at staying power. Watch this space – she’s just warming up.

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