Singer-songwriter, philanthropist and esteemed orchestra conductor Qymira is ready to take on the new year with an inspiring new mindset. We caught up with the artist on her uplifting new single, her classical background, setting off on tour with Boyzlife this January, and more…
Hey Qymira! Congratulations on your latest release, Labyrinth Of Life! Can you share the inspiration behind the track?
It was inspired by my personal experience. Mom was very sick and I had dropped everything to go back to Hong Kong to take care of her. After a while I decided to continue with my music on the side, and trying to keep a brave face along the way. Whilst learning alternative healing methods to help Mom I ended up unveiling a lot of findings regarding our world, history, religions, origin, etc. that were not widely known, and after several years of deep research I decided to write about them in this song.
How did you blend modern sonic elements with your classical background to create its unique sound?
I feel like a bartender creating colourful cocktail sometimes. I am passionate about contrasts and often enjoy marrying different styles of music and culture that I’ve had the joy to experience because I feel that fusion creates magic. To create the labyrinth of life, I’ve also used the fusion formula. One of the things I wanted to include was different sounds from nature. It was a trip auditioning the sounds from the forest to the savanna, especially a monkey screech or a tribal chant which I asked my producer, Tee Morris, to imitate! Then the orchestrations performed by the full orchestra provided the epic feel and intricacies of the labyrinth. Eddie Craig added his electronic elements and worked his magic on the rainforest mix.
Were there any special or memorable moments during the recording process?
There are quite a few. The most memorable for me was conducting and recording the 60-piece orchestra in the Philippines. I remember it was a really hectic period and I only had a day to compose and write out all the parts for the different instruments. I started in Hong Kong, continued on the plane, then stayed up all night in the Philippines to finish them in time for the recording. It was simply an epic experience, not just a recording in the studio, but a full scale show taping complete with lighting, projections, etc. at the ABS-CBN studios. The wall of sound just hits you and their performance gave me the chills.
What message do you hope Labyrinth Of Life conveys to listeners?
I would invite the listeners to really hear the lyrics and think visually, but in short:
Drop our disguise, show our true face, leave the lies behind. Together we shall strive through this labyrinth called life.
You’ve recently announced that you’ll be supporting Boyzlife on their UK tour this January. How does it feel to share the stage with such iconic acts at renowned venues like Birmingham Symphony Hall?
It’s absolutely surreal. I’m still pinching myself now and again. First of all, Westlife and Boyzone both kept me company through heartquake and heartbreak. To tour with Boyzlife is already insane. To tour with them in venues where the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, etc had performed in on top of that? I’m just speechless. I literally have goosebumps thinking about it. It’s an absolute honour.
Which venue are you most excited to perform at?
Wow. Where do I begin?! One of the things I am in love with here is the rich history, music and architecture. And you got all 3 in spectacular display on this tour! I’m so thrilled to be on all these stages, it’s really hard to pick one. Eg. 3Olympia in Dublin where Charlie Chaplin, Adele, The Corrs, etc. performed. Blackpool Opera House, where Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, amongst many other greats performed at the 81st Royal Variety Performance in the presence of The Queen! And of course Ipswich Regent Theatre where Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones and The Beatles played!! I used to close my eyes and imagine walking on the stage where they all unleashed their magic… Now I can’t believe I’m living that dream!
How would you describe your live performances, and what can audiences expect from your shows?
Electrifying. Emotional. Explosive. Visually stimulating. My main goal is to entertain and connect with the audience, for them to feel the gamut of emotions from my music and lyrics… and either relive their own experiences or be teleported to a fantasy reality for that moment, or even long after I have left the stage.
Can you hint at any upcoming releases or new projects? Are you currently working on new music?
Yes, it’s been quite a year, I have a few. I can’t wait to share the music video of “Labyrinth of Life” later this month. We just finished the epic shoot with the award-winning film director, Pedring Lopez. It’s like a trailer for the Labyrinth of Life multiverse which I have been developing. Then the next music release is “Melodrama” in January, where the Qymira Symphony Orchestra is making its debut, followed by an orchestral album, and a whole concept album of songs.
On the movie front, I will be acting in and scoring for a couple of feature films. In between the tours, I will be diving in some action training to get ready for the shoots!
Finally, what are your biggest hopes and goals for 2025?
I hope 2025 will be the Year of Qymira lol, along with One Gaia (my foundation helping kids in need globally through music, arts and sports).
As a singer, I hope to continue to tour with many iconic acts, whilst also performing more on the piano, violin and with the Qymira Symphony Orchestra. As an actress, I am excited to dive back into the action, literally. I also look forward to sharing some multimedia projects that I have been developing, from music, films to stage shows where the young talents in need that One Gaia is working with will also be able to share their talents with the world. I am confident that, through the universal language of music, arts and sports, children in need from across the globe can work together joyfully to create a more hopeful world.
Listen To ‘Labyrinth Of Life’
