Hey, y’all! If you haven’t heard it yet, the Dallas String Quartet just dropped an epic cover of Miley Cyrus’ latest hit single “Flowers.” As a millennial music critic, I was beyond excited to give it a listen, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
URL: https://www.dallasstringquartet.com/
For those who aren’t familiar with DSQ, they’re a super-talented quartet made up of Ion Zanca on viola, Valory Hight and Melissa Priller on violin, and Young Heo on bass. They’re known for blending classical and pop music together in the most seamless way possible. Seriously, it’s like they were made for this.
“Flowers” is already a beautiful song, to begin with, but the way DSQ reimagined it is just stunning. They start off with a more traditional sound, similar to chamber music, before transitioning into a more modern pop sound with drums, bass, and guitar. It’s such a cool contrast, and it really showcases their versatility as musicians.
But what really stands out about this cover is just how emotive it is. The strings have this way of tugging at your heartstrings and making you feel all the feels. It’s a really powerful experience, and I found myself getting lost in the music in a way that I haven’t in a long time.
I have to admit, I was a little hesitant about a classical crossover cover of one of Miley Cyrus’ songs. I mean, I grew up listening to her, and I have a lot of fond memories associated with her music. But DSQ managed to keep the essence of the original while putting their own spin on it, making it something totally unique and special.
And let’s talk about that spin for a minute. DSQ really leaned into the contrast between classical and pop, and it pays off in a big way. The way the strings and the drums play off of each other is just magical. It’s like they’re having a conversation, and we get to be a part of it.
I also love the fact that this cover is open to interpretation. As Ion Zanca, founder of DSQ, said in a recent interview, “Flowers has a simple and beautiful melody that everyone can relate to and enjoy. The rhythm is catchy and the harmonic structure reminds me of a classical piece. The beautiful lush sound of the strings was perfect for this arrangement.” It’s a song that can mean different things to different people, and DSQ’s cover captures that in a really special way.
I think DSQ’s cover of “Flowers” is a total win. It’s the perfect mix of classical and pop, and it’s sure to please fans of both genres. Plus, it’s just really beautiful to listen to. If you haven’t heard it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. Trust me, your ears will thank you!
And while you’re at it, make sure to give DSQ a follow on social media. They’re always sharing cool behind-the-scenes content, and they’re just a really fun group of musicians to follow. Plus, they’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with classical crossover music, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Garth Thomas