Prioritizing
melodies that tell human narratives through layered orchestration, Jessica
Shih’s music defies trends and withstands time. Her compositions have a
versatility that complements a wide range of multimedia storytelling from
independent films to period dramas—they can in turn evoke grand tragedies as
well as small joys, lofty ardor as well as private nostalgia, elegiac majesty
as well as subtle intimacy.
A
composer, arranger, performer, and sound engineer, Jessica began her music
education in piano performance and has studied music theory, harmony, and
orchestration at Juilliard Extension. Drawing from such classical influences,
she writes primarily for piano and string ensemble with a focus on melodic
motion and high emotional intensity.
Jessica’s
music is adaptable to stories of human connections precisely because much of
her music arises out of witnessing such connections. She explains, “When I
witness a conversation or interaction between people, I make a mental note to
myself and just let it sit and brew in the back of my mind. Then, usually in
moments when I don’t expect it, the thing that I witnessed resurfaces as a
melody.”
A
meticulous observer by nature, her sources of inspiration are not limited to
scenes involving people. According to Jessica, even witnessing a forest fire or
a rainy day can feel like a “connection.” In her songwriting, she strives to
transform these observations into music that serves as bridges between
storytelling and felt emotions that resonate beyond fiction. “For me, the act
of creating music is a way to make connections between different aspects of
human experiences, both with other people and with the world around us.”
Though
her recent work is largely classical, Jessica credits its harmonic complexity
and playful whimsy to a production background in jazz. She is the founder of
Piadrum Records, a label based in New Jersey, through which she has produced
seven jazz albums between 2001 and 2007, performing piano on two of the albums.
Featured Musical Work - Period Dramas
1. Dances of the Royal Past 2. Stroll Down the Alley 3. The Disguiser 4. We Will Meet Again 5. Glass Doll in the Attic
Most Recent Musical Work
1. Side By Side 2. Little Kamila 3. On Your Mark 4. Field of Marigold
Music Video
This music is inspired by the opening title scenes for the 2015 Chinese TV series "The Disguiser"