In Motion is our transformative 18-month artist development programme for original music creators at pivotal points in their careers. We support music creators to design and embark on the next chapter of their creative and professional journey, providing the space, personalised support, funding, networks and skills development to realise their ambitions, culminating in a final creative project for public release.
In this Q&A, we speak to In Motion 2026 creator Simmy Singh, a violinist, composer, and Earth activist whose work dissolves the boundaries between classical, folk, electronic, and improvisational sound. Born in Cymru to Indian and English parents, her creative voice is rooted in a deep connection to land, lineage, and the sacred.
Her artistry has evolved from the concert hall to the forest floor — exploring how beauty, grief, and action can coexist in service of healing both people and planet. Now she moves toward the edges, seeking ever more intimate and intentional spaces where music becomes ceremony, and listening becomes a return to the wild edges of our souls.
How would you describe your creative process?
Inextricably linked to my relationship with the natural world. I have always needed to be close to nature to fully connect to and channel my creativity. My process is almost always born out of improvisation and expression of a moment.
Are there any particular themes, ideas or questions that you find yourself returning to in your work?
How to connect to my inner wild landscape through my music, and how to create music that enables others to do so.
“I have always needed to be close to nature to fully connect to and channel my creativity. My process is almost always born out of improvisation and expression of a moment.”
Has your background, identity or environment influenced your sound or practice in any particular ways?
For sure, I think growing up in the countryside has somehow led me closer to folk music. My peers in Chets opened my eyes to jazz, funk and electronic music – music that blew my mind!
How did you first start making music, and what drew you to composition in particular?
I came to it after being very inspired by other musicians – Alice Zawadski, Snarky Puppy. But I mostly came to it after realising I had learn the language of an instrument but hadn’t found how to express myself in that language. So it was born out of a need and want to be more authentic and to find my own personal expression. To create music that aligned with me, my values and my life – rather than traditions that I didn’t necessarily feel connected to, or that represented who I am.
What’s your relationship with improvisation, and how does it shape your work?
Almost all my work is born out of improvisation.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative flow?
getting outside. singing. sounding. nightime. retreating to a special place in my heart in Pembrokeshire to switch off my phone, be in the moment and be with the land.
“In a world that feels so fragile, I feel more determined than ever to try and create a container for people to feel and express together, to explore how music can play a pivotal role in doing so, and to do it in the most meaningful way possible.”
What are you looking forward to most about In Motion?
I’m most looking forward to having a team of people to support me in bringing my proposal – of creating a ceremonial concert based around the Work That Reconnects – to life. In a world that feels so fragile, I feel more determined than ever to try and create a container for people to feel and express together, to explore how music can play a pivotal role in doing so, and to do it in the most meaningful way possible.
Sound and Music is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Network Partner supported by PPL.
In Motion 2026 is made possible with the generous support of Arts Council England. PRS Foundation, The Cockayne Foundation and Sound UK.
Learn more about Simmy Singh
Meet the In Motion 2026 creators
Learn more about In Motion