Qymira Talks New Single, Her Voice And More

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Qymira has released her new single ‘Wait For No One’ which is out now and also founded The One Gaia Foundation three years ago helping all children in need. She very kindly chatted to us all about her music and work:

When did you begin songwriting?

Oh wow.. for as long as I can remember. I used to hum in the shower when I was a toddler and Mom used to ask me what nursery rhyme I was singing as she didn’t recognise anything and I would just say “my own”. Then I would walk to school to some sort of music in my head, like I had a different soundtrack everyday to suit every mood. But I thought that everyone would do the same. Then at A-levels Music, we had to write our own compositions and I wrote a symphony inspired by the highs & lows of a tennis match from the perspective of the player’s girlfriend in the audience. It was the most fun assignment for me and when I saw my grades I started dreaming… and now it’s surreal to be living that dream.

What is your earliest musical memory?

When I crawled up the piano stool at 3 years old attempting to play a C-major scale. I had been listening to my sisters practising everyday so I thought I’d see what it was all about when they went to their rooms. My eldest sister thought it was my 3rd sister playing and came out to complain that she wasn’t playing fast enough. Till she saw little me sitting there starring up at her. She ran to tell Mom, “Think it’s time she starts…”.

Your new single ‘Labyrinth Of Life’ is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind it?

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. Then 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.

Where did you record the song and who produced it?

The initial song was recorded in Hong Kong. The orchestral parts were recorded at the ABS-CBN studios in the Philippines. It was a real blast working with members of the Philippine and Manila Philharmonic Orchestras. Then the rap was recorded in London and we finished producing the final track there with Teeroy Morris.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

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.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Oh yes! To create the labyrinth of life, 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! And of course the orchestrations performed by the full orchestra provided the epic feel of the labyrinth.

Was it a difficult song to write?

Yes and no. The music was easy. The bass line came to mind one day and the chorus melody followed quite quickly. And because it’s like a fast rhythmic nursery rhyme, I wanted to contrast it with a more legato melody for the verse, like telling a story. And the orchestrations just flowed through the whole piece. I remember I was so inspired that I couldn’t stop composing and it sounded like a symphony with all kinds of instruments. I had to dial it down and hold back in the end. The lyrics were inspired by my personal experience. And that’s probably the more difficult part to write because I was going through a lot at that time what with Mom being very sick and all. And even though I wanted to share in this song what I newly discovered through all my research, keeping it light, entertaining but thought provoking was not a walk in the park, so I took some time and care in the lyrics department.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

To have connected with the audience – for them to have felt the gamut of emotions from my music and lyrics… and either relived their own experiences or been teleported to a fantasy reality for that moment, or even long after I have left the stage.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I just bring my electric violin which I call “Violectra” with me everywhere, and my magic bow which is custom made for me by the legendary designer, Philippe Vergez of the French luxury jewellery brand, VERGEZ. It has a lion on it, so I feel the lioness side of the chimera in me coming out to play every time.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Hong Kong. Vibrant, eclectic, cosmopolitan, metropolis, haven.

How do you look after your voice?

I stay away from cold drinks. My favourite drink is hot lemon and honey water.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

“The City In Glass” by Hugo Award-winning author, Nghi Vo. It’s about a demon and an angel, and a city that burns at the heart of the world. It’s an epic story of maddening contrasts where nothing is what it seems, nothing is meant to be. Expect the unexpected. I think that is life. Nothing is black and white, but myriads of grey. I love the contrast between the power struggle within oneself whether you’re an angel or villain where the strength and fragility shine through with each circumstance and emotion. It’s a perfect canvas for composing something that I call an epic euphony – sweet and epic at the same time. The different quality of all the instruments, orchestral and electronic, can each add a stroke of genius to the creation which can rouse the audience and tug at their hearts all at once.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

My taste is eclectic and my influences come from all over but mainly my musical background. My classical training and experience with the orchestra from a young age enables me to express with the piano, violin and compose music that is both melodically and harmonically driven. The RnB influences make me create rhythmic melodies with soulful chords. Add a dash of Latin spice sometimes and you have a fusion menu that’s a bit of a feast for the senses.
Some of my personal favourites are Hans Zimmer, Ella Fitzgerald, David Garrett, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, Billie Eilish, Fleurie, Evanescence.

Could you please tell me about your charity One Gaia Foundation such as when you first launched it, the foundation’s aims/mission statement and how people can support its work?

One Gaia, which means One Earth because Gaia was what the Ancient Greeks called Earth, is a global movement and foundation that promotes oneness. By tearing veils between worlds and connecting global talents and cultures – past and future – we champion children in need across the globe by offering them essential needs and opportunities to express their innate talents so that they can shine as one people under the mentorship of seasoned professionals through the universal language of music, dance, arts, films, fashion, sports and cuisine.

When I first started in 2019, I never thought I would officially establish a Foundation. A lot of my friends in Hong Kong, LA and London come from the Philippines from communities in need. I just wanted to do whatever I could to give them a hand up, starting from a few schools which were battered by Typhoon Odette. I felt sorry for thousands of children who were stranded with no schools to attend and had to walk to school barefoot for hours, so I offered some assistance by donating essential needs, school repair and supplies, and slowly, families grew into communities and spread to provinces, and little by little I was also able to witness the talents in these children and felt inspired to design different initiatives to help them further explore and develop them. When I saw the joy and hope on their faces, I knew this would be my mission for life. So I took the blueprint in the Philippines and applied it to other countries like Brazil and Jamaica, and was encouraged by the reception all around. I am confident that if given a chance, children in need from across the globe can work together joyfully to create a more hopeful world.

Experienced individuals in music, dance, art, films and sports can join us to share their skills and mentor these young talents.
Together we can Empower children in need across the globe through our initiatives designed for their various talents so that they can Express, Exchange and Engage in the Utopia of One Gaia.

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2024/2025?

Yes, I have a few. After “Labyrinth of Life”, the next release is “Melodrama”, before a whole concept album of songs that I am very excited to share next year.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024/2025?

Yes, I will be joining Boyzlife on their UK tour from this coming January, followed by other tours with some international acts that may take us to Europe, etc.

What makes Qymira happy and what makes you unhappy?

Qymira is complex yet simple at the same time. She is all about expressing herself to the fullest – to entertain, to engage, to inspire, to connect across genres, media and cultures. Seeing people smile makes her happy. Knowing that her presence and her work makes them happy makes her smile from the inside out.

What makes her sad is the exact opposite – a stifled existence that conforms to societal norms and expectations, where stereotypes and separatism ‘ is limit acceptance.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Fifth Element PR

Qymira’s new single ‘Labyrinth Of Life is out now.

For more information about One Gaia Foundation visit: https://onegaia.org/

For more information about Qymira visit her official website here: https://qymira.life/