Today we’d like to introduce you to Yae Seul Kim
Hi Yae Seul, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader Srisley hails from Korea and began her illustrious career at the young age of 11, making her debut on KBS (Korea Broadcasting System) with a solo performance of Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu. She holds a master’s degree in jazz music from Kyung Hee University Graduate School in South Korea and received a World Tour full scholarship at Berklee College of Music. Srisley’s decision to leave her well-established career in Korea to undertake a grueling 14-hour journey to study Latin American music reflects her unwavering dedication to her craft.
Srisley’s leadership skills are evident in her experience as Artistic Director in Korea, where she managed approximately 40 musicians and tap dancers, directing all performances and participating as a performer herself. She is also a member of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute and the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, where she works under the mentorship of Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer Danilo Pérez and renowned drummer Terri Lyne Carrington.
Srisley was selected as a finalist in the esteemed Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition and was honored as a composer at Berklee’s annual Career Jam. Additionally, she won first prize in the Charleston International Music Competition in the 20th Century music category. As a finalist in the Detroit Jazz Combo Competition, she performed at the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe and the Detroit Jazz Festival- Midtown After Hours Series.
Most recently, Srisley headlined a concert at the Berklee Performance Center with her ensemble, Srisley and Friends.
Her artistic philosophy is centered on the importance of fostering human connections, with a deep reverence for collaborative musical endeavors that remains at the core of her creative expression.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Making the decision to move to Boston was far from easy. At the time, I was pursuing a PhD in Korea and enjoying a stable, fulfilling life. The choice to relocate to the U.S. to pursue a second bachelor’s degree felt like a pivotal moment, one that significantly altered the course of my life. Now, I am fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring individuals who provide me with invaluable energy and encouragement. While there are moments when the language barrier hinders my ability to fully articulate my thoughts and emotions, I am deeply grateful for the ability to communicate through music.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Korean musician specializing in Afro-Cuban and Latin fusion music. My real name is Yae Seul, but I am known professionally as Srisley. I am a pianist, arranger, bandleader, and currently in the final semester of my studies in film scoring. I have a deep passion for orchestration and arranging, and I feel most fulfilled when performing. Many people are often surprised that, as an Asian, I perform music from the other side of the world—Latin American music. My introduction to this musical realm came through the legendary pianist Michel Camilo, whom I greatly admire, and it is for this reason that I have come to the U.S. to study, despite the 14-hour flight from home.
Recently, I was selected as a finalist in the piano competition at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, and I also performed at the Detroit Jazz Festival’s Midnight Series with my group, the Srisley Trio. In addition, I toured Honduras with my trio and held several masterclasses. Most recently, I led a performance at the 1,200-seat Berklee Performance Center, directing nearly 30 exceptional musicians under the banner of Srisley and Friends.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I live in Boston, and the clear skies and fresh air here always make me feel satisfied when I air out my home in the morning. However, what I dislike is the constant honking. People here are polite, always holding doors and displaying good manners, but when it comes to driving, it’s noisy and unpleasant. Why can’t they wait even a second!?
Pricing:
- what is this for..?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.srisley.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Srisley_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@srisley
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/srisley-music
Image Credits
Photos courtesy Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation, Jeff Dunn, photographer