With AAPI Heritage Month just behind us, Singapore-born New York-based singer-songwriter Adam Lim steps into the spotlight with his debut EP Sunrise. Blending the emotional depth of soul with the sophistication of jazz, Adam’s music reflects identity, storytelling and quiet resilience. Through textured vocals and intimate lyrics, he invites listeners into a world shaped by personal experience – moving gently between cultures, emotions and sound.
In this interview, Adam shares the inspirations behind Sunrise, how his journey from Singapore to New York continues to shape his voice, and why storytelling, community and emotional authenticity remain at the heart of his work.
Congratulations on your debut EP Sunrise! What stories or emotions did you hope to capture through this project?
Thank you! With Sunrise, I aimed to capture several emotions that one may encounter in their life: pain, hurt, healing, gratitude and love, expressed through different lyrical stories in each song.
What was the writing and recording process like for Sunrise? Were there any moments of challenge or unexpected breakthroughs?
Much of it was during my stay at Berklee College of Music. I wrote the music thanks to the interesting projects our professors gave us on aspects of lyric writing and songwriting, while some of these songs came spontaneously to me. The recordings of each song happened while I was in Boston, recording with my friends from Berklee which was so much fun. The biggest hurdle was getting everything recorded within a reasonable timeframe because my friends and I were busy with school and graduation! A large breakthrough for me was that I was able to hone my skills as a musical director, guiding recording sessions the way I needed it to be.
You recently performed for Sofar Sounds in Boston and later opened for the MixedMusicians Summer End Sessions. What made those shows memorable for you?
These shows were incredibly fun to play in. The intimacy of both shows and how most of the audience members knew nothing of any of the musician’s song lineup, but in doing so, we were able to craft a sensitive and intimate connection between us and the audience. And most of all, the energy of both shows was all about kicking back with a drink to some good music during the sunset with those you love, what more could you ask for?
How do you prepare for live shows and stage performances?
To prepare for a show or production, I practice the music and also rehearse my stage presence and words, because those things don’t always come out comfortably if you aren’t warmed up enough! There is also an important thing I do which I learned from my mentors which is to relax! Your best always comes out when you can relax and be calm in these big moments, rather than dialing in from a place of only stress.
You were the lead vocalist and composer for the BAFTA-nominated film To Kill the Birds & the Bees. What was it like scoring for film versus writing personal music?
It was incredible composing and singing for this film. The collaborative aspect of working with a whole team was so engaging. The biggest difference was probably having the musical seedling being given to me with the concepts the film team and director gave me, rather than me starting from scratch when writing personal music. This was liberating and fun getting to evolve the music with the needs of the film, and still providing expertise on how the song could go from a musical standpoint.
How do you balance your love for both technical craft and emotional authenticity in your work?
I always start my musical expression from the heart and soul, channeling emotion and a message first, before letting the technical side of musicianship imprint onto the music. Something my mentor taught me was that whatever comes naturally to you from your hours of technical practice and studies when you write or perform, will sound good, because its natural appearance will not be interfered with getting the technical side correct since it’s already ingrained within you. So, always soul and emotion first before technicality!
Now based in New York City, how does the city’s rhythm, diversity, or pace influence your sound?
Living in New York working not just as a performer but as a sound technician and music teacher for children with autism has definitely helped build a strong foundation of empathy and love in me. This pillar was always there, but now has been strengthened through my time as someone really living immersed in the music community ever since college graduation. It is the next step in my musical journey and has definitely influenced the way I compose and perform, with more
“emotional mileage”, if that makes sense.
What’s next after Sunrise? Any future plans you’d like to share with us?
I plan to channel these floods of new experiences I’ve been having as a musician, brother, son, boyfriend into my music, with a new found beaming pillar of empathy and hope, because we could all use that in our lives. I can’t wait to perform with my old buddies from Berklee and new friends alike and entertain new folks!
Interviewed by Talia S. Mei
