SONAÍRÍ - Fix You

Sonaírí' - INTERVIEW

Sonaírí's cover of Coldplay's classic and much beloved Fix You is a beautifully judged interpretation that demonstrates how a pop classic can be covered by new artists without losing the emotional power that made it so beloved from the beginning. In case you don’t know yet, Sonaírí is the Irish classical duo of soprano Amie Dyer and tenor David Corr. In their cover they took a unique approach with a more intimate vibe and fresh vocals.

As Coldplay fans and those alike know, Fix You has always been a song about the love shown to a partner when they are experiencing a loss. In their cover, Sonaírí so perfectly embraces that message with sincerity. Rather than attempting to replicate the original, they focus on the vulnerability of the songwriting. The duo's work together has a base in compassion, making the song bound to connect with a possible different or new audience on their own. This cover choice might not come as a surprise to fans as it mirrors the thoughtful songwriting that is the at the core of their work.

The production can best be described as cinematic, allowing their strong vocals to shine throughout all parts of the song. Another one of the highlights is how the orchestral textures gradually appear alongside the duo’s harmonies. This creates a build towards the song's classic and much beloved climax. Producer Cliff at WL Studios shows here that he is an expert at knowing the importance of restraint, producing a song that enhances the sincerity of the lyrics.

In conclusion, Sonaírí's cover of Fix You will appeal not only to Coldplay fans but also to listeners who appreciate thoughtful artists such as Celtic Woman, Il Divo, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban and The Piano Guys. Finding a space between classical crossover, contemporary folk and vocal-focused music, the duo definitely have a distinctive identity. This cover showcases both how their voices complement each other and their ability to add originality to a fan favorite.

Check out our interview with David and Amie below as they chat about the story behind the recording of their cover of Coldplay’s “Fix You.”

Coldplay’s “Fix You” is one of the most beloved songs of the last twenty years. What drew you to this particular song and why did you feel now was the right time to record it?

David: I’ve always admired the simplicity and honesty of the song. It speaks to so many people. As performers, we’re drawn to music that tells a story and connects emotionally with audiences, and “Fix You” does that beautifully. We felt this was the right time to record it because we wanted to explore contemporary repertoire through the lens of our classical crossover sound.

Amie: The song carries such a powerful message of hope, compassion and love, and that’s what really drew us to it. In the world we live in today, with the challenges and pace of everyday life, those are the things I personally feel get us through everything and I know that’s something we both connect with deeply. When we performed it live, we could see how deeply it resonated with audiences. We felt there was an opportunity to bring something different to it through our voices and musical backgrounds while remaining true to the heart of the original.

Every artist brings something different to a cover. What was your approach when reimagining “Fix You” and how did you make it your own while respecting the original?

David: Our starting point was always respect for the original. It’s such an iconic song that we never wanted to change it for the sake of it. Instead, we focused on the storytelling and emotional journey, allowing the music to unfold naturally and letting the lyrics lead the interpretation.

Amie: As a classical crossover duo, harmony is central to what we do. Harmony and vocal layering were central to our approach, allowing us to shape the emotional journey of the song together. We also worked with a cinematic, orchestral-style arrangement that feels expansive, but still humble in its delivery, so it supports the emotion of the song without taking away from its simplicity.

Was there a particular lyric or emotional theme within the song that resonated with you personally?

David: The line “Lights will guide you home” has always resonated with me. It’s such a simple phrase, but it carries a powerful sense of hope and reassurance. Music has the ability to comfort and inspire, and that lyric captures this perfectly.

Amie: It’s a song we’ve both sat with at different times in our lives. To me, it’s about hope. The kind that shows up when things feel heavy, uncertain or a little lost. Those moments when you’re trying to find your way forward, and all you need is that tiny flicker of light to guide you. It’s a feeling I think everyone can relate to in their own way.

Tell us a little about the recording process. Where was the track recorded and what creative decisions shaped the final version we hear today?

David: We had a great help from our producer Cliff of WL Studio’s who really understood what we were trying to achieve. We wanted the recording to feel authentic and honest. Rather than overcomplicating the arrangement, we focused on creating space for the vocals and allowing the song to breathe. Every decision came back to serving the story and emotion of the piece.

Amie: We recorded the track at WL Studios. It was a very collaborative process with all three of us from the start. One of the most exciting parts was layering our own vocals, which builds throughout the track and gives it a choral feel towards the end. Our producer shaped the instrumentation to build the overall emotional arc which added to highlighting the climax of the piece without taking away from the sincerity and simplicity of the song itself.

Sonaírí have built a reputation for powerful vocal performances and rich harmonies. How did those elements influence your interpretation of the song?

David: Harmony is at the heart of Sonaírí. We wanted the vocal blend to create warmth and comfort, almost like two voices supporting one another. That felt very fitting given the message of the song.

Amie: Our classical training allows us to bring richness and depth to the music while remaining sincere. We really enjoyed shaping the harmonies together. We wanted them to reflect the emotion of the song and its natural build, so the interpretation grew very organically.

It was a very collaborative process, and figuring it out together actually brought us closer creatively. We each brought different ideas to the table, and it felt very natural to blend them into something that felt true to both of us and to Sonaírí.

What has the response been like from audiences when performing the song live?

David: The response has been incredibly positive. There is a stillness in the room when we perform it, which tells you that people are listening and connecting with the message.

Amie: The response has been incredibly moving. We’ve had many people come up to us after performances to share what the song means to them personally, and I’m always touched by the honesty and bravery it takes to do that. Music can be such a personal thing, and it’s a real honour when someone trusts you enough to share their memories, experiences or emotions with you. What I love most is that the song seems to mean something different to everyone. Hearing those stories reminds me why music is so powerful in the first place. It creates connections, starts conversations and allows people to feel seen in ways that words alone sometimes can’t.

For listeners discovering Sonaírí for the first time through this release, how would you describe the group’s sound and musical influences?

David: Sonaírí is a classical crossover duo that blends elements of opera, classical music, Irish song and contemporary repertoire. We are passionate about storytelling and creating performances that connect with audiences emotionally.

Amie: For me, Sonaírí is really the meeting point of everything David and I love about music. We both have classical and operatic training, but we're equally drawn to the storytelling, warmth and connection you find in Irish music and other genres. I'd describe our sound as a blend of classical elegance and Celtic soul. A big part of what excites us is exploring the voice itself, the different colours, textures and emotions it can bring to a piece of music. We love showing how genres can blend together in unexpected ways, and how the same voice can move between different musical worlds while still telling a story and connecting with people.

While this release is a cover, are you currently working on original material and what can audiences expect from the next chapter of Sonaírí?

David: We’re always exploring new repertoire and exciting collaborations. We are actively looking for a composer to work with so if there is anyone out there that is interested we’d love to hear from them. Our big focus is on continuing to develop our artistic indemnity and brand.

Amie: Yes original material is definitely something we would love to explore! It’s a very exciting time for us. We have concerts, new recording projects and creative collaborations planned throughout the year. Audiences can expect more music that bridges the worlds of classical, Irish and contemporary repertoire.

Traditional and contemporary influences often sit side by side in your music. How do you balance those elements when choosing material to record?

David: For us, it always comes back to the quality of the song and the story it tells. Whether it’s an opera aria, a traditional Irish ballad or a contemporary classic like “Fix You”, it has to resonate

Amie: We love finding connections between different genres and discovering how music from different worlds can sit beautifully alongside one another. For us, classical crossover is all about building bridges while respecting musical traditions to create something that feels fresh and accessible to modern audiences. When choosing material to record, we're always looking for the right balance between those two worlds. We gravitate towards music that tells a story and resonates with us personally, whether it's a classical favourite, a contemporary song or something rooted in Irish tradition. If a piece allows us to stay true to our musical roots while exploring the different layers of the voice and bringing something fresh and distinctive to the piece, that's usually a strong sign it's the right fit for us.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes and ambitions for the rest of 2026?

David: We hope to continue growing our audience both in Ireland and internationally. We’re excited about performing, recording and sharing more of the music we love with existing supporters and new listeners alike. We have some exciting projects in the pipeline including some corporate and international work.

Amie: We’re particularly looking forward to our Bloomsday recital in June, where we’ll celebrate the music, literature and spirit of James Joyce alongside actor Molly Murphy Hazzard and artist Natalie Forrester’s Colours of Ulysses exhibition. More broadly, we hope to continue creating memorable musical experiences internationally and building the Sonaírí story throughout 2026.

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