Katie Malco and mui zyu
Katie Malco (left) and mui zyu (right)
Image courtesy of the artists
mui zyu is a Hong Kong–British artist based in London who crafts music that feels like stepping into a dream—where delicate melodies, haunting textures, and surreal storytelling blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
Drawing inspiration from her parents’ Cantonese record collection, video game soundtracks, and film scores, her sound is both intimate and cinematic, dark yet full of hope. Her lyrics explore themes of cultural displacement, escapism, and alienation, creating a world that is abstract yet deeply personal. The Guardian describes the mui zyu universe as “playful pop that’s left-field and tender, dissonant and melodic all at once…crafting her own absurd, beautiful home.”
Critically acclaimed for her distinct artistic voice, zyu has released two records with US label Father/Daughter Records, along with an EP of Cantonese songs. She has performed across Europe, North America, and East Asia. With a new record currently in the works, zyu continues to expand her unsettling sonic universe.
Katie Malco is a British indie rock singer-songwriter known for her emotionally resonant and raw musical style. Her work captures the intricate balance between vulnerability and strength, reflecting personal experiences with striking honesty. Her debut album, 2020’s Failures, was celebrated for its lyrical depth and evocative melodies, drawing comparisons to artists like Julia Jacklin, Phoebe Bridgers, and Julien Baker.
With her distinctive voice and heartfelt storytelling, Malco continues to carve out a unique space in the indie rock landscape, releasing well-crafted music and touring across the UK, Europe, and the US alongside artists such as Bob Mould, Laura Stevenson, Julien Baker, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Alvvays, SOAK, Fenne Lily, and R.E.M.’s Peter Buck. Malco now returns with new music, collaborating with Laura Stevenson, SOAK, and mui zyu on a string of singles that have received praise from NPR, the Line of Best Fit, Stereogum, Paste, and more, alongside radio support from the BBC.