Artist Spotlight
Chromic Duo and NY Philharmonic’s Team Up For Augmented Reality Concert Experience in NYC
Chromic Duo – Lucy Yao and Dorothy Chan – are teaming up with the New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers Program for a project entitled “Emerald Futures” where they will combine the performance of the original compositions from the young composers (ages 12-16) with an augmented reality sound walk through New York City. The augmented reality experience will be available to anyone who would like to participate via the app Gesso (available on iOS and Android) starting on July 2nd.
An innovative way to experience music and storytelling, the walk will give listeners a multi-sensory experience as they experience the freedom of exploring the city while immersed in the sounds of original compositions. The scripted audio sound walk will lead listeners on a path through the city from New York’s Central Park to the Lincoln Center using a GPS trigger to create site-specific concert experiences, accessible to the participant at any time.
The experience culminates with Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya’s “We Belong Here” mural as a moment of reflection and response to ending AAPI hate. Phingbodhipakkiya created the “We Belong Here” campaign to confront the surge in bias and xenophobia against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders – a cause that Yao and Chan are also supporting in their forthcoming work with Mott Street Girls to support local Chinatown businesses that have been impacted by the rise of AAPI crime. “In the wake of exclusion, noticing how much oppression there is in our world right now, we want to create a hybrid experience to experience concerts in public spaces that is the epitome of accessibility and inclusion,” says the duo. “We are motivated to create spaces where stories can be told to foster a deeper understanding of humanizing perspectives.” Through their own self-discovery as first and second-generation Asian Americans, Chromic Duo understands how expansive the diaspora is and how it fails to describe who they truly are. “By having so much that is undefined, part of the beauty behind this project is to create moments where there is a grey area- where sound is met with a strike of lightning in color, where the history of NYC is reflected on through a contemporary narrative of music by the next generation of young composers and thinkers,” says Yao.
Overall, Chromic Duo hopes that this reflective music and narration will allow participants to immerse themselves in an experience that brings to light the stories and perspectives of people and communities around them so that they can be inspired to respond based on empathy instead of biased judgment. “We also hope to inspire the young composers of this program to lean into their curiosities, and always be questioning and challenging the norms of how things came to be,” says Lucy Yao. “We often ask ourselves, ‘how can we use music as a positive force and tool to bring people together?’ Music has the power to take your perceived biases and understanding of the world and challenge them.” By bringing a new perspective on how participants perceive their environment and connect themselves within their communities, they are excited to see how it can interact with music to create innovative ways of “going through the motions” in an amplified manner that allows for new connections to happen.
About New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers Program:
An afterschool program through the School Partnership Program for grades 7-10, the Very Young Composer’s Program exposes students to the instruments of the orchestra, nurtures their inherent creativity, and culminates with original works performed by members of the Philharmonic. Students with or without musical backgrounds create, notate, and hear their very own music performed by Philharmonic musicians — often the full Orchestra — with the help of Philharmonic Teaching Artists serving as mentors. The VYC idea is rapidly catching on as it has reached children on four continents in countries including Korea, China, Japan, Venezuela, Spain, and Finland. VYC students in various American cities are exchanging “musical postcards” with these children around the world.
About Chromic Duo: Chromic Duo is an award-winning electronic toy piano duo that brings new audiences together by creating new connections between classical music, electronics, and multimedia. “Tackling large issues with toy pianos” – Chromic pushes the possibilities of genres and performance by recontextualizing classical music in multimedia work inspired by the multitudes as third-culture-kids discovering their voice within the vast Asian American diaspora. The duo composes and reorchestrates indie, classical, ambient, and electronica into arrangements that use any combination of keyboard instruments – ranging from the toy piano to melodica, toy horn, audio-reactive installations, and instruments that link sound to color and movement. Widely known as creatives in other aspects as well, Chromic Duo has projects ranging from collaborations with the New York Philharmonic Young Composers Program, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Educational Initiative, working in collaboration with the Design Museum of Chicago for two world premiere pieces during the pandemic, and other virtual experience collaborations that bring light to Asian-American identities and racial power structures. They were recently announced as the winners of Concert Artist Guild and Young Concert Artists Trust – opening doors for prestigious debuts at famous international venues like Carnegie and Wigmore.
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Louise Goffin unveils her most introspective masterpiece yet with EP “What I Love The Most”
Delivering a rich tapestry of emotion and artistry, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and producer Louise Goffin takes listeners on a profound sonic journey with her latest EP, “What I Love The Most.” Seamlessly blending soulful introspection with melodic brilliance, this three-track masterpiece is a testament to Goffin’s evolution as an artist and a heartfelt homage to her creative collaborations with family and celebrated musicians.
The EP’s opening track, “Whole Damn Reason,” sets the stage with its vibrant pop sensibilities and heartfelt lyrics. Co-written and co-produced with her youngest son, Hayden Wells, the song exudes an infectious energy while exploring themes of passion, purpose, and possibilities. It’s an instant oozes with a classic pop charm that captures the euphoria of life’s defining moments, resonating deeply with Goffin’s signature sound.
Next, “Backseat” shimmers with introspective warmth and takes the listener on a reflective adventure of prolonged adversities. Co-written with her eldest son, Elijah Wells, and Puerto Rican songwriter Salomé Monroig, the track unfolds as a sonic declaration of empowerment, reclaiming self-worth and vulnerability. Its therapeutic undercurrent creates a vivid tapestry of resilience and personal growth, encouraging listeners to take control of their narrative, moving from the backseat of life into the driver’s seat of their own lives.
The EP closes with the hauntingly evocative “Dominoes,” a track that seamlessly intertwines poetic lyricism, pulsating rhythms, and masterful instrumentation. With contributions from Caleb Elliot on cello and Colin Lott on drums, this song is a powerful exploration of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Its timeless dynamism and soulful insights leave a lasting impression, showcasing Goffin’s ability to craft universal experiences through profoundly personal storytelling.
Recorded across iconic music hubs like Muscle Shoals and Memphis, “What I Love The Most” is a perfect blend of homegrown charm and studio polish. Goffin’s velvety vocals, layered harmonies, and intricate arrangements create a lush, immersive soundscape that transcends genres. Collaborations with her talented sons, legendary bassist David Hood, and other esteemed musicians elevate the EP, adding depth and authenticity to its rich tapestry.
With “What I Love The Most,” Louise Goffin solidifies her reputation as a vital voice in contemporary music. This collection of songs conveys a refreshing amalgamation of unparalleled experiences, sophisticated production, and a profoundly personal manifesto of love, resilience, and artistic expression. It is highly recommended for enthusiasts of introspective and emotionally impactful music, as this release is poised to become a cherished addition to playlists globally. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the artistry of Louise Goffin at her finest!
For more information about Louise Goffin, please visit [website].
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Artist Spotlight
“Walking Away” by Kelsie Kimberlin evokes an anthemic brilliance of empowerment to liberation
Recognized for her emotive pop prowess, Kelsie Kimberlin starts 2025 with a soulful masterstroke, delving deep into themes of resilience and rebirth in her evocative new single, “Walking Away.” This release marks her initial offering, 2025, which pairs impactful lyricism with a striking music video that Kimberlin herself directed. Shot on the hauntingly resilient streets of Kyiv, Ukraine, the visuals weave personal and political symbolism into a narrative centered on courage and transformation.
Kimberlin’s emotive vocal delivery captures the ache of breaking free from a toxic relationship, while the imagery in the music video enhances the storytelling. As she traverses the desolate, early-morning streets, she metaphorically sheds layers of clothing, representing the relinquishment of pain and abuse. By holding a stuffed toy, she subtly illustrates the concept of finding solace in vulnerability, embodying the notion of a fresh beginning marked by freedom and fearlessness.
The choice to film in Kyiv adds a significant layer of poignancy to “Walking Away.” Just as Kimberlin’s journey mirrors personal liberation, it parallels Ukraine’s ongoing fight for freedom and independence amidst persistent oppression. The song becomes a rallying cry for individuals trapped in toxic relationships and entire nations striving to reclaim their autonomy.
Musically, “Walking Away” thrives on its polished pop production, harmoniously balancing anthemic crescendos with Kimberlin’s heartfelt vocal performance. The melody lingers long after the track ends, a reminder of the strength it takes to walk away and the beauty that awaits on the other side. Kimberlin’s courage to candidly share her experiences boldly inspires others to embark on their journeys of self-discovery.
This single is essential for anyone seeking motivation to initiate a new life chapter. With “Walking Away,” Kelsie Kimberlin proves herself as an artist, a profound storyteller, and an advocate, delivering a universal message of resilience that resonates far beyond the music.
For more information about Kelsie Kimberlin, please visit [website].
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