18-Year-Old Singer-Songwriter Christina Li Explores Love, Youth, and Life in Stunning Debut EP ‘Strings’
From Christina Li
🍊 STRINGS: OUT AUGUST 22 🍊
Writing those very words alone is absolutely mind blowing. This EP has truly been years in the making, and an incredible journey beginning to end, from recording voice memos to exporting the final masters three years later. Words can’t describe how stoked I am for you all to hear these songs that I’ve poured my heart and soul into.
So help me on this final leg of the journey by staying engaged with all the coming updates over the next two weeks! I’m gonna need you all to make this release drop big!”
album art by: Isabella Hamlen & Madeline Lee
photography by: Kendal Duff
features by: ÉMIR, Cameron Herring, Yas Akdag & Thomas Bergeron
production by: Christina Li
session musicians: Arayana Carr Mal — Violin / Joe Wang — Violin & Viola / Nadia Jo — Cello / Thomas Bergeron — Trumpet / Sam Watson, Atang Peloewetse, Angelique Alexos, Isabella Hamlen, Josh Oduro, Tony He, Soo Oh, Sarah Jung, Max Brown, Colby Amos, Elliot Flagg, Mira Binzen, Talia Rajasekar — Background Vocals / Josh Oduro — Electric Bass / Mike Shalaby — Electric Guitar / Jacob Winthrop & Gabe Bango — Percussion
music consultants: Thomas Bergeron & Sam Watson
marketing consultants: Atang Peloewetse, Helen Mak, Elven Shum, Justin Winley & Amir Royale
engineered by: Christina Li, Aaron Kates, Yas Akdag & Amir Royale
mixed by: Christina Li
mastered by: Christina Li
EP Review
Christina constantly amazes me with her deep commitment in pushing her songs to be the best version they can be. This is especially exemplified in her first single “Young & Reckless.” After listening to the final version of the song and comparing it to the previous versions, I can hear how her song–that she deems as “her baby”–has flourished beautifully. From major changes in her voice recording to the addition of strings and the subtle blending of all the elements, it is evident on how much thought and dedication she has put into the song. That’s why I love this song–it is a reminder of her growth as a musician, reflection of her tireless efforts, and manifestation of her love for music.
Christina understands how music transcends language, cultures, and backgrounds. Listening carefully, you can hear how each song has its own unique quality and characteristic and how, simultaneously, each song is a story that Christina conveys. Christina, as a poet, develops detailed plots, asks daunting questions, and seeks genuine answers. Christina, as a musician, translates her emotions into a variety of instruments, invites others to collaborate, and pours her heart & soul through her voice.
What strikes me the most is how the songs are both personal reflections and an invitation for listeners to reflect. She excellently ties each story together as she constantly asks questions that she’s encountered and candidly digs into the emotions that humanity struggles with: “Where did the time go” (“Truth”), “Who am I? Why am I?” (“Golden”), “All that I ask of you is to listen” (“If You Care”). Because of this, one of my personal favorites is ‘Golden’. It is so rich with complementary layers that individually come to shine throughout the song. She also paints pleasant pictures through her lyrics, highlighting the feeling of wonder and contemplation that the raw instruments and ad-libs give. Not only am I naturally drawn to longer songs for their unfiltered creativity, but after living right across from her for two years, the familiar pair of her voice and guitar have a special place in my heart.
“Stay Foolish” is such an incredibly engaging song, not only in terms of dancing, but in how it taps into your youthful emotions. It is great to listen to the result of Christina’s engagement with the community.
For me, “If You Care” is probably the most personal song. Christina skillfully blended the lyrics, guitar, strings, and her voice, resulting in such a gentle yet powerful song–a reflection on Christina’s mindful and understanding personality. The first time Christina performed it was during an Albany Road Coffeehouse. I remember how that song emulated such raw emotion and how the dozen or so people in the room listened silently, intently, and, frankly, teared up.
Another moment in the album I love is the most chilling, dramatic song: “When I Let You Go.” It starts simply with Christina’s soft, stripped voice, then steadily builds up to a strong harmony of piano and multiple voices. In contrast, she starts with long, thorough observations then eventually uses repetition to emphasize her questions.
Although “Pretty Girl” may sound sensual, the lyrics pose the point of connecting with a lover on a deeper level. I love how the rap fits in so well and how its distinctive vibe makes it stand out from the rest of the album.
Click here to listen to Christina’s stirring pilot, and hear her journey of self-discovery.
— Written by Helen Mak
Cover Art for ‘Strings’:
Click here to listen to the full project.
About the Artist
Singer-songwriter, producer, composer and arranger Christina Li is a prime example of the up-and-coming DIY recording artist generation. Her musicianship began as a child with classical education; she then moved to contemporary when she was 12, and now maneuvers comfortably through a variety of genres. She finds her sound in the blend of Korean pop, American R&B, indie pop, and more. Christina splits her time between homes; one in Hong Kong and the other in New York City. After graduating from New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music Summer High School program in 2019, Christina is now pursuing her undergraduate education at Columbia University; developing her musicianship and establishing herself as a bright, bold new force in a rapidly changing industry.
Social Media
Linktree - https://linktr.ee/christinalimusic
Facebook - https://facebook.com/christinalimusic
Instagram - https://instagram.com/chrissytinali
Twitter - https://twitter.com/chrissytinali
Contact
Personal Website - https://christinalimusic.com
