Where Music Meets Memory: A Conversation with Shaparak Malek-Morvai on Building Authentic Connections Through Lhyme
How do you create genuine intimacy between artists and fans in an age of digital overwhelm? For Dr. Malek-Morvai, the answer lies in the universal languages of music and food.
In the bustling landscape of modern music journalism, where content often feels transactional and surface-level, Dr. Malek-Morvai has carved out something refreshingly different with Lhyme, a music and food fusion platform that highlights recipes from featured artists' lives—whether they're on the road, in the studio, or navigating late-night writing sessions.
Having recently graduated with her Doctorate of Education from Western Kentucky University in May 2025—with research focused on the Advancement of Women in the Workplace through sponsorship and mentorship—Dr. Malek-Morvai now operates from the scenic Tennessee countryside near the Harpeth River, where she has built a storytelling platform that transcends traditional artist profiles. Instead, Lhyme explores the deeper connections between creativity, culture, and the meals that shape our most intimate memories. The platform's mission is simple yet profound: to forge authentic connections between fans and artists through something tangible they can share beyond just the music.
What distinguishes Lhyme isn't merely its innovative concept—it's Dr. Malek-Morvai's unwavering commitment to authenticity and collaborative integrity. Every feature requires artist approval before publication, ensuring that both the stories and recipes shared remain as genuine as the relationships they represent.
In our conversation, Dr. Malek-Morvai reveals her approach to navigating the constant tension between artistic vision and commercial pressures, the intentional methods she employs to build community through shared culinary experiences, and how her daily walks through Tennessee's natural landscape keep her both grounded and creatively inspired. Her storytelling philosophy—one that honors both the vulnerable humanity of artistry and the profound cultural significance of food—offers a masterclass in creating meaningful content that transcends the typical boundaries of music journalism.
The music and food industries are both deeply creative yet highly business-driven. How do you maintain your artistic vision while navigating the commercial pressures of your industry? Can you share a specific moment when you had to choose between creative integrity and commercial success?
The music and food industries are both highly creative and deeply commercial spaces, often requiring a careful balance between artistic integrity and external pressures. I stay true to my creative vision by focusing on Lhyme's mission: to connect food and music through nostalgia. At its heart, Lhyme is a storytelling platform that provides artists with a tangible, multisensory way to reflect on their journeys through the foods and songs that have shaped them.
I emphasize authenticity by making sure every feature is approved by the artist before it goes live. This process helps build trust and maintains collaborative integrity. Despite constant industry pressures—whether it's to follow trends, chase algorithms, or shift toward more commercially driven content—I intentionally stay true to my brand, my medium, and the independent artists I collaborate with. I'm not interested in chasing followers or industry fame. My goal is to preserve the platform's integrity and deliver a meaningful, immersive experience that celebrates both creative expression and personal storytelling.
Both music and food have this incredible power to bring people together and create shared experiences. How do you intentionally use your platform to build community, whether that's connecting with fans, supporting other artists/chefs, or creating spaces where people feel they belong?
I use my platform, Lhyme, to share creative experiences in a way that goes beyond the surface. In an era when music is more accessible than ever, the connection between artists and fans can often feel more distant. Fans are craving something deeper—something more personal. Traditional music journalism often feels transactional, but Lhyme is about creating a space where food and music come together to tell the untold stories—the ones that show the human side of the artist.
Through each feature, we explore the artist's memories tied to food, their cultural influences, and the moments that shaped them. It's an experience rooted in collaboration and mutual respect. I'm intentional about ensuring the artist feels fully seen, and in doing so, we invite readers into a more intimate and immersive journey.
Our readers don't just read about an artist—they listen to their music through embedded links, and they cook a recipe inspired by that artist's favorite meal or a dish tied to their story. That multi-sensory experience is where Lhyme thrives—building community, honoring creativity, and maintaining the integrity of what we do.
Whether you're touring, working late studio sessions, or running a restaurant kitchen, the music and food worlds can be demanding and unpredictable. What are your go-to strategies for maintaining your well-being and staying grounded when your schedule is chaotic? Do you have any rituals—maybe a comfort food or song—that keep you centered?
I live in the beautiful countryside of Tennessee, near the Harpeth River—some of the most stunning nature and views you'll find in Middle Tennessee. And while my schedule can definitely get chaotic, one daily ritual keeps me grounded: I make it a point to get outside and walk every single day, no matter what. I usually aim for two to three miles in our local park. It's my reset button—it clears my head, helps me think through ideas for upcoming features, and sparks inspiration.
Even on the busiest days, that walk is non-negotiable. I'm almost always listening to music—either artists I'm about to feature or my personal favorites. It's become a core part of my creative process.
Outside of that, I try to maintain a fairly consistent routine—something like 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central, depending on meetings and deadlines. Having structure in my personal life really helps balance the unpredictability of creative work. But that daily walk? That's the anchor. It keeps me grounded, inspired, and ready to keep creating.
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