LEE SU MIN
ALBUMS
During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the pace of our lives inadvertently slowed down. Yet, within new restrictions, opportunities to pursue personal projects arose. Looking to try something new, I turned my attention towards writing music albums, for nothing more than to continue making and sharing art. To sum up the experience: frustrating yet fulfilling, complicated yet exciting. Most importantly, I realised the necessity of the arts in colouring our world, in allowing us to recognise and reflect upon the subtle beauty in life. Since 2020, I have been releasing albums independently.
1. Stepping Stones
The first album from my 3-part album series exploring the theme of journeys, Stepping Stones explores different types of music, from acoustic to electronics. I sought to strike a balance between writing distinctly different and unique pieces, while maintaining some degree of cohesion across them, since they are part of the same album. Throughout the 3 months of experimentation, I familiarised myself more with the software instruments on Garageband and learnt more about the processes involved behind writing albums.
2. In Transit
Album 2, In Transit is inspired by the idea that we are never fully stagnant, but rather, always In Transit. Even if we are not moving in the direction that we hope to be moving in, we are still constant in motion, experimenting and trying new things. As we journey on, there is never complete silence and stillness, is there?
3. Between Breaths
Album 3, Between Breaths, marked a significant milestone in my journey, being the album that I worked on throughout my second year of the International Baccalaureate. 2021 was also a year to remember because it was the year of beginnings, and more so, endings. Even during the most bittersweet moments, it's important for us to remind ourselves to appreciate the spaces Between Breaths, and to enjoy the present, without worrying about the past or the future, even just for a moment.
4. Passing By
Album 4, Passing By, tells the story of leaving home and finding home in a new space, drawing inspiration from my personal experience of moving abroad to further my studies. It describes the emotions that one experiences as one leaves home, from excitement about what the future brings, to homesickness and feeling lost. This album encourages us to find small joys in our new home, and to enjoy the moments, knowing that life is Passing By - ever so transient and ephemeral.
5. Spaces Between
Album 5, Spaces Between, is an album of music for dance. Written specially for BREATH 2023, dACADEMY Singapore's annual dance production, this album comprises pre-show harp improvisations, a new original score for Ms Leia Ang's choreography, and a combination of compositions from previous albums for Ng Jun Xin’s choreography. It celebrates the spaces between music and dance, and harp and movement, and captures the value of remote collaboration despite the physical spaces between us. I am grateful for the opportunity to write music for dance despite not being able to dance in the show, or watch it live. This has been incredible!
6. Scattered Thoughts
Album 6, Scattered Thoughts, tells the story of navigating one's scattered thoughts by finding grounding in doing what you love and loving what you do. It draws inspiration from a year filled with art and shows appreciation for all the lessons, memories and experiences this year. Similar to previous albums, underpinning this album is dance and movement, which I am very thankful to have experienced on a much deeper level this year. Featuring tracks from Cabfest, this album highlights new discoveries about the intersection between music and movement.
7. Blossom
Album 7, Blossom, tells the story of seeing one’s passions Blossom. Comprising 7 improvised harp tracks in 7 different keys, this exclusively-harp album celebrates 7 years of learning the harp. Each track is an interpretation of, and a musical response to, 1 of 7 photographs of flowers. Tying the tracks together is a 7-note motif, formed from the letters in “Blossom”. Blossom reflects my deepening love for the intersection between composition, improvisation and performance, which I was encouraged to explore in several projects this year. Blossom is also a thank you album to everyone who has been a part of my harp journey.