The Nike Field Reporter

I believe great music is to the ears what an ice cream sundae is to the mouth but without all the calories. Recently, I attended a performance at the Mercury Lounge in New York City by 23-year-old singer songwriter Zee Avi, whose music not only satisfied my hearing but also touched my heart.

Born and raised in Malaysia, Avi is currently living in L.A. and touring the U.S. to support the May 19th release of her self-titled debut album, which she categorizes as a mix of acoustic, folk and jazz. Avi’s rise in the music industry has been somewhat meteoric after posting a performance on YouTube and receiving an unexpected worldwide response. Inspired by her life experiences, Avi writes music that reflects who she is and how she feels, as she plays multiple instruments including the guitar and ukulele. While she has the utmost respect and admiration for the musicians that have preceded her, she takes pride in the fact that she owns her music as she explained, “Making your music is all about having your own traits. It is about being creative. My musical influences come from everywhere.“

Ironically just as her musical influences come from everywhere, so do her fans. Irrespective of one’s native land or cultural background, Avi’s music resonates with all types of people. Avi told me she believes music is universal and I couldn’t help but agree after hearing her sing Monte, a song about her guitar. While I consider myself musically handicapped, when she sang the lyrics “Life has given me obstacles, Still I bite my tongue say it’s wonderful… But you, you came to break me, oh you, you came to save me,” I related to Avi’s love for her guitar as I feel the same way about my pen, the instrument I use to express myself.

With a magical ability to emotionally connect with her audience, it is no surprise people are showing up in masses to watch her perform live. As she is currently living her dream, she advises those with a passion for their own craft to stay true to themselves and to not be afraid to be different. While I plan to use Avi’s advice myself, I expect many others will do the same because although she is from a land far from here, her music and her message is foreign to none.

-Lauren Brill