Nick May (sax) and Alex Siu Lun Li (piano)You, Me, Us
- BuzzSlayers
- Oct 30, 2025
- 2 min read
You, Me, Us is not just fiercely powerful, pertinent, and joyful music for saxophone and piano; it gives voice to queer artists who are bringing their whole life experiences to their music. Saxophonist Nick May and pianist Alex Siu Lun Li bring this 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,” says Nick. “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.”
Highlights include:
• Sebastian Zhang – White Socks?!, a playful, groove-driven blend of jazz, video game, and anime music
• Stuart Beatch – on queer survival, a haunting and devastating plea for peace
• Jennifer Higdon – Echo Dash, a thrilling race to the end from Pulitzer- and GRAMMY-winning icon
• Darius D. Edwards – Where Will My Flowers Go?, inspired by Whitney Houston’s iconic and soulful singing
• Spencer Arias – You, Me Us, a powerful and emotionally dynamic work, showcasing fierce virtuosity, subtly, and everything in-between.
“To be queer,” continues May, “is to know both challenge and resilience, 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.”
“I hope this album reaches anyone who feels uneasy realizing they’re not heterosexual,” Alex Li adds. “I was there too, a scared and closeted teenager. An LGBTQ+ radio program lit the way for me and invited me to join a loving community ready to embrace people no matter who they love. This album is my way of passing that torch forward, to anyone just beginning their journey of self-discovery: I see you. We share your struggles. You are never alone.”
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. Through commissioning, collaboration, education, and numerous performances across the country, the I Exist Project seeks to shine a light on the wide spectrum of queer identities and celebrate individuality through music.
Nick May is a saxophonist that is sought after as “a highly expressive, virtuosic, and fresh performer” (David Del Tredici). May has premiered works and collaborated with today’s most eminent and emerging composers, while advocating for contemporary music in solo, chamber, and orchestral performances.
Alex Siu Lun Li, a Hong Kong-born pianist, is active in solo and collaborative performances. His work bridges cultures and offers meaningful experiences for diverse audiences. He often highlights underrepresented composers and incorporates innovative multimedia elements to expand the reach of classical music.
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