Meet Darryl Sim

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darryl Sim. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darryl below.

Hi Darryl , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My purpose as an artist has been shaped gradually over time. When I first began writing and producing music, my intention was simple: to tell my story in hopes that someone out there might resonate with it. That foundation still holds true today but my perspective has deepened.

I now see music not just as the end product, but as one part of a larger creative life. While I still find joy in songwriting and production, I’ve discovered a growing passion for documenting the journey itself. This too, I’ve come to realize, is a meaningful form of creative expression. Since coming to New York, I’ve become more intentional about capturing the full picture of my process, something I’ve been sharing through weekly vlogs on my YouTube channel.

My music is deeply shaped by my personal experiences and not only the time spent in studios or my bedroom writing songs, but the way I live, reflect, and grow day to day. This shift in perspective was made possible by the space and encouragement I found at BerkleeNYC, where I had the chance to slow down, ask myself difficult questions, and really understand my “why.”

While I am sure my purpose will continue changing, my purpose now is to be present, to make music, and to live a creative life with intention, and to share all of it, not just the polished result.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

To put it simply, I write, produce, and perform original music. I write about things that move me — moments of nostalgia, quiet introspection, and the beauty in the mundane. What excites me most is that I get to turn personal experiences into songs and share them with an audience. There’s something powerful about making meaning out of everyday life and inviting others into that world. In July 2024, I released my debut EP, moments of clarity, which captured feelings of longing, loneliness, and love during a four-month stretch away from home. It was a transformative project that shaped my introspective indie pop sound.

Building on that foundation, I’ve recently completed a new five-song EP that I’m proud of and excited to share. It delves into the tension between passing time and the desire to remain present. At its heart, the project is a gentle call to pause, breathe, and stay grounded. I’m aiming to release the first song in January 2026. In the meantime, I am working on a marketing strategy to ensure a smooth rollout while making new music and sharing my process on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities that have defined my journey are persistence, collaboration, and a willingness to try. There were many moments when I wanted to give up, times I convinced myself that no one cared about what I had to say. But looking back, I realize that the music I make now is the product of five years of persistence. I’m proud of where I’ve arrived, but I can only say that because I chose to stay on the ride, even when it felt easier to step off. That ride became more manageable and meaningful because I found people to share it with: collaborators and friends who supported and enriched my work. Still, none of this would have happened without the initial spark which was a willingness to simply try.

My advice to anyone early in their journey is to keep revisiting your “why”, find what brings you joy in the process, and stay open to collaboration, growth, and trying new things.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The challenge I am currently facing is trying to find a deeper and meaningful way to engage my audience. I don’t want to keep pushing the final product (my songs) to them but I want to invite them into the journey. As such, I’m exploring sustainable ways to share my creative process on social media, not just as promotion, but as connection. My goal is to create space for two-way interaction where my audience feels like a part of the process.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Leong Yi Wei, Owen Conroy

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