In this exclusive interview, Qymira opens up about the inspiration behind the bold grandeur of her new single, ‘Melodrama,’ her fusion of classical and urban influences, the symbolism in her theatrical music video, and why now is the time to challenge boundaries – musical, cultural, and societal…
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single, ‘Melodrama?’
Actually, not many people know that I love poetry and enjoy writing poems as a hobby. During the pandemic I wrote a few and one of them was inspired by a pretty hot topic in the world of politics at the time. I was very passionate about that as it was related to war and peace, which I have always felt strongly about. But because I never wanted to discuss politics or religions, I thought it would be good to incorporate that poem into my music so that I could take creative license to express my thoughts. So “Melodrama” was born, packaged in a way where it could be interpreted freely from different perspectives – current affairs or personal relationships, and no one would be offended. The “rap” parts are the poem I wrote during the pandemic. With such a title and subject matter, strings are the obvious choice to score the story as it creates drama and emotional turmoil bringing alive the story in a most cinematic way that hopefully stays around for a while.
Described as a fusion of hip-hop and dark-pop grandeur, Melodrama is your most dramatic release yet. How did you blend genres and instruments to create its hypnotic sound?
Much like my name, Qymira, inspired by the Greek mythical beast, Chimera, which is a 3-headed animal, I’m very much about contrasts. It’s not a formula, but more a state of being which comes naturally to me. I was blessed to be raised in a very multi-cultural environment between the classical world of piano, violin, orchestra in HK and the UK, and the urban world in LA. Both are parts of me and I find myself flowing between the two depending on mood and circumstances. I find that fusion creates magic which can be hypnotic. In the world of entertainment where music, especially, is universal, it is also a perfect platform to reach out to a wider audience, maybe even bringing these different worlds together to share something in common which they otherwise would not have.
The single explores themes of power, illusion, and manipulation. How do these ideas come through in the track?
Through the lyrics and rap which started off as a poem, like a script in a movie. The music serves as the dramatic score with the cascading cinematic strings enhancing the power theme, and the rhythmic melody and harmony depicting the sense of illusion, and finally all orchestrated or manipulated into a musical display of power play on all levels.
In the music video, you’re seen conducting the Qymira Symphony Orchestra. What inspired you to include this, and how does the orchestra’s elegance reflect the song’s message?
The Melodrama music video is high-drama about control, deception and power. Orchestral strings is the obvious choice to score the story as it creates drama and emotional turmoil bringing alive the story in a most cinematic way. Unlike traditional orchestras which symbolise elegance, with the Qymira Symphony Orchestra where the musicians perform in unconventional ways, sometimes acting as characters and playing by heart, it’s the perfect instrument to show the dynamic between the puppeteer conductor and her puppet players. I wanted to convey the lyrics from opposite perspectives. Where I am conducting, I am actually playing the character of a dictator puppeteer dressed in all her designer outfits, whilst manipulating the musicians like her minions luring them into playing her symphony orchestrated by her. Where I am singing and rapping in designer gowns, I am actually playing the “people”. Adorned with the finest whilst living a lie and falling victim to the system. The historical Pinto Art Museum with its haunting sculptures and theatrical scenes then act as the eerie battleground of power and vulnerability.
The haunting string arrangements add a whole new dimension to the track. Do you think classical music deserves more space in the pop world?
Absolutely. At the end of the day, music is music, every genre gives a different tone and feel. We are often categorised and labelled in life, compartmentalised in different boxes. Especially as artists. But I think we should think out of the box and appreciate the beauty of the different flavours and sprinkle them on our creations to enrich the stories we are trying to tell. Like spice on pizza. It’s all about the balance. Classical orchestral music conveys intensity and myriads of colours, textures, sounds and harmonies all of which creates and enhances the drama and emotional turmoil. Like in Melodrama, I wrote the strings as a variation of the motif in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 to create the intensity and urgency. The right dose creates magic in a song and strengthens the narrative, tugs your heartstrings or keeps you on the edge of your seats.
With its cinematic energy, Melodrama feels like it could belong on a film soundtrack. If it were to score a movie, which one would it be and why?
Even though Melodrama was inspired by two different scenarios that share the same sentiment and narrative in modern times – one personal and one public, the poem which is the rap takes on a historic tone to paint the visuals and illustrate the drama and torment. Eg. Tied to the stake by one man’s act. The movie(s) which this would fit, word for word, would be The Tudors or The Other Boleyn Girl. Henry VIII was a master of power, deception and manipulation, who let multiple ladies “floating on cloud nine in his melodrama” and “letting them down and watch them drown like a floating clown”. Time to do a remake of the infamous Henry VIII and his wives!
You’ve recently been honouring Mother Nature in celebration of World Earth Day. Why do you feel it’s more important than ever to raise awareness about the ongoing climate crisis?
Our climate crisis is getting rapidly more and more serious. Sea levels are rising, the Arctic is melting, coral reefs are dying, oceans are acidifying, and forests are burning. Humans tend to take more than give. But we’ve come to a point where if we don’t wake up now and start loving this rented home of ours in our lifetime, Earth won’t have anything left to feed us and we will also become history.
You toured with Boyzlife earlier this year – can fans look forward to more live performances soon?
Yes, there
are a few potential UK and world tours that are looking quite promising at the moment – just working out the schedule as I am currently in pre-production of a feature film in which I will be playing the lead role. I’m also finalising my album “Labyrinth of Life” and working on its multimedia stage show. I’m super excited about that as this will be a full length immersive experience, which will also feature my piano albums and the Qymira Symphony Orchestra.
What’s your favourite part of being a musician? Is it writing songs, performing live, or something else entirely?
All of it. Each is liberating in its own way. I love writing as I get to express my thoughts, feelings and emotions in a creative way, be it through music or lyrics, whilst performing live enables me to express my heart through my instruments – my piano, my violin, my voice, my body… and connect deeply with the audience right there and then. And nothing is more rewarding than when they feel you and join you. The energy is electric. You get high from it, all of it.