yeemz (Yi-Mei Templeman) is a cellist, singer-songwriter, and composer based in Santa Monica, California. yeemz uses her classical training to breathe new life into the cello, recontextualizing its voice in an indie folk setting where tradition meets quiet rebellion. She blends musical worlds seamlessly, creating music that is intimate yet universal, intricate yet accessible. A lifelong songwriter, yeemz began composing at the piano, and later developed her signature style—singing while playing the cello like a guitar—after she couldn’t bring her ukulele to college.
Her distinctive approach to the cello, paired with refined composition skills and evocative storytelling, has garnered a growing community of fans. She orchestrates all of her original songs, drawing inspiration from literature, classical music, and the indie-folk artists she grew up listening to.
In addition to her artist project, yeemz is the proud cellist of her internationally acclaimed piano trio, Trio Gaia – the most recent trio in-residence at the New England Conservatory. She also performs classical cello concerts, composes film scores, records and arranges strings for other artists, and teaches cello students of all ages.
Her debut album, produced by Leroy James Clampitt (Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Beer, Laufey), will be released later this year via Harbour Records. Find her on Instagram @yeemz.cello
