Brian Jeffrey
The track, which debuted in 15 different languages at once, conveys a heartfelt message that encourages understanding and connection in a world where isolation has increasingly become a widespread issue.
“Could You Lend Me a Smile” is the inaugural piece in Miist’s project titled 6 Important Songs, inspired by the tragic true story of a young Japanese office worker who tragically passed away alone and went unnoticed for months.
Moved by this heart-wrenching event, Miist pondered: “Did anyone ever offer him a smile?” This reflection drove her to craft this emotionally resonant song, a gentle yet impactful reminder for us to rediscover the importance of caring for one another.
Miist, the first artist of Chinese descent to break into the Billboard Adult Contemporary Top 25 in the U.S., launched her professional music journey at the age of 34.
In 2023, she was introduced to the music scene by the iconic producer Narada Michael Walden. A survivor of childhood abandonment and having battled terminal cancer at 28, Miist stands as a symbol of hope and resilience.
She actively represents Teen Cancer America and initiated the Smile Project, a global network of artists committed to healing through the art of music.
Dong Lan shared her thoughts, saying, “When David Brunt connected me with Miist’s project, I felt an immediate bond—despite not having met her before. It evoked a haunting tale I once encountered in France concerning someone who passed away alone at home and went undetected for weeks. It made me ponder: if I were to die at home during the COVID lockdown, who would even notice? How long would it take? Are we becoming isolated and lost, even in our own living spaces?”
She also reminisced about her university days: “One day, while I was trudging home, weary and drained, I saw a young girl, probably around two years old, riding on her father’s shoulders. When she turned to smile and wave at me, it felt like a surge of uplifting energy coursed through me, instantly washing away my exhaustion.”
Dong Lan has long championed the uplifting power of a smile and initiated the #SSS (Sing – Share – Smile) campaign to foster connection and emotional healing.
Her personal encounters during her travels further solidified this belief: “I once tried smiling at strangers on trains, in stations, and on the streets. Initially, some appeared shy or defensive, as if they had forgotten how to reciprocate a smile. However, more often than not, when I offered a genuine smile a second time, they smiled back. Returning to Vietnam, I felt a wave of joy seeing smiles everywhere, from motorbike riders to street vendors. It deepened my love for Vietnam.”
Alongside Dong Lan, “Could You Lend Me a Smile” features renowned artists, including Grammy-winning cellist Eru Matsumoto (recognized for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album), and producer Kitt Wakeley (Grammy winner for Best Classical Album and Best Global Music Album), along with various global vocalists and engineers.
Dong Lan is also gearing up to unveil a new single in June, part of her Redmoon – Love for Women initiative.
The forthcoming track, NAKYE DNKYE (If you don’t love me, let someone else love me), aims to convey messages of self-acceptance and empowerment for women.
Dong Lan composed, co-produced, and performed the piece, which also features an up-and-coming young rapper and will be officially launched soon.
Photos: Supplied by the artist
