We had the good fortune of connecting with Zimu Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zimu, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
For me, happiness often comes from discovering different cultures and musical traditions. Whenever I step outside my familiar surroundings and encounter new sounds, languages, and artistic expressions, I feel a sense of curiosity and excitement. Each culture carries its own history and emotional depth, and experiencing it through music can be incredibly meaningful.

Music is one of the most powerful ways to connect with people and places. A melody or rhythm can carry the spirit of a culture, allowing us to feel emotions that go beyond words. I enjoy exploring many different styles of music—from classical and folk to pop and traditional forms. Each style opens a new perspective and often inspires new ideas in my own musical journey.

Through these experiences, I have come to realize that music transcends language and geography. It becomes a bridge that connects people from different backgrounds. Whether sharing music during a celebration or quietly listening to unfamiliar melodies at night, those moments bring me a deep sense of joy.

In a fast-paced world, staying open to different cultures and sounds continues to bring me happiness. These encounters remind me how rich and connected our world truly is.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My artistic journey has been shaped by exploring a wide range of vocal traditions. Over the years, I have studied opera, jazz, and traditional Chinese singing, and each discipline has given me a different understanding of the human voice. Rather than limiting myself to one genre, these experiences encouraged me to look beyond stylistic boundaries and search for a broader musical language.

This curiosity gradually led me toward world music. I became particularly fascinated by how different cultures use the voice to express spirituality, storytelling, and emotion. Through my work, I hope to create music that reflects dialogue between cultures while still respecting the depth of each tradition.

The journey has not always been easy. Moving between different vocal traditions required me to constantly rethink my technique and artistic direction. There were moments of uncertainty, but those challenges ultimately helped me better understand my own voice and identity as an artist.

Recently, my focus has been on the musical traditions of the Himalayan region. My upcoming album is inspired by the sounds and cultural heritage of the Himalayas, and I have been learning directly from local artists and musicians. This process has been deeply meaningful for me, as it allows me to experience the music not only as a performer, but also as a student of the culture.

What I hope the world understands about my work is that music can be a bridge between cultures. My goal is to share sounds, stories, and traditions that connect people across different backgrounds, while continuing to learn from the communities that inspire my music.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my bestie to New York, a city that embodies diversity and vibrancy. Here, you can experience the world in a single city, with every neighborhood radiating its own unique culture, cuisine, and music. We would start with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, immersing ourselves in treasures ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern masterpieces, feeling the intersection of history and creativity. Then, we would head to Flushing to savor my favorite authentic Chinese dishes, experiencing the city’s rich culinary diversity. As night falls, we would stroll through Times Square, weaving through the neon lights, street performances, and bustling crowds that give New York its unmistakable energy.

In New York, every moment feels like a small adventure. Whether it’s art, music, or food, the city captivates the senses and shows the beauty of diversity, offering every visitor a chance to discover their own unique experience.

Other: email: Zimuli.music@gmail.com

Image Credits
Xing shan zao

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