Lincoln, Neb.--Glenn Korff School of Music alumnus Nick May (BM 2016), saxophone, has released a new CD with pianist Alex Siu Lun Li titled “You, Me, Us” under Neuma Records.
May said this is not just music for saxophone and piano. The CD gives voice to queer artists who are bringing their whole life experiences to their music. It gives vulnerable testament to the queer communities’ identity and culture through new works from living queer composers.
“This album is not just a collection of recordings or another gig,” May said. “It is a reflection of stories that feel close to the heart—stories of struggle, of joy, of love, of self-discovery. For me, this music is more than notes on a page. It is a reflection of emotions that come from living through these experiences.”
The tracks include Sebastian Zhang’s “White Socks?!,” Stuart Beatch’s “on queer survival,” Jennifer Higdon’s “Echo Dash,” Darius D. Edwards’ “Where Will My Flowers Go?” and Spencer Arias’ “You, Me, Us.”
“To be queer is to know both challenge and resilience,” May said. “But also to find beauty and strength within a community bound by love. And while we may share similarities, each person’s journey is deeply personal and entirely their own. That same sense of individuality resonates through this album. Just as no two people are alike, every piece of music carries a unique voice, proudly painting a picture of who we are.”
“You, Me, Us” finds its roots in the I Exist Project, an initiative to advocate for the creation and performance of works that center queer narratives.
May is a saxophonist who has premiered works and collaborated with today’s most eminent and emerging composers, while advocating for contemporary music in solo, chamber and orchestral performances.
The CD is available on all streaming platforms. Visit https://go.unl.edu/nickmaycd for more information and to hear samples from the CD.
