Meet Xiaoyi Ying | Media Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xiaoyi Ying and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xiaoyi, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Honestly, although I was passionate about music from a young age, I never imagined I could work in the music industry. I always assumed I would grow up like my peers, enjoying a carefree youth and eventually settling into a conventional job.

However, during my sophomore year of high school, one day I was having breakfast with my father, and we were discussing my grades and future career aspirations. My father suddenly asked me, “Do you want to study music? I know you love music, and I’ve heard that a career in music can be quite rewarding.”

He asked this for several reasons. First, he knew very well how deeply I was fascinated by music. Second, he was aware that with my grades, I would likely end up in a decent but not top-tier university. Third, a former classmate of his who had worked in the music industry mentioned that if you do well in this field, you can live a very good life. That was the first time I seriously considered whether I should pursue a career in music. I was nervous because it concerned the trajectory of my life. After returning to school, I thought about it day and night for an entire week.

When I came home, I gave my father a firm answer: YES, I want to make music for the rest of my life!

Therefore, the main reasons I chose this career path are my love for music, the fulfillment of my desire to express myself, my parents’ unwavering support, and my aspiration to live an extraordinary and unique life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The reason I decided to study music is quite simple: First, I didn’t want to live a predictable, conformist life. Second, I knew that if I didn’t pursue music professionally, I would regret it for the rest of my life. What has supported me throughout my journey is pure and unending passion for music. This passion is like an eternal flame that continuously fuels my drive. Whether in the toughest times or in seemingly hopeless situations, I have kept moving forward. So I can proudly and firmly say that if my high school self saw where I am today, they would be proud. I truly am living the dream.

I wouldn’t say I’ve completely “made it” in the music industry, but I am able to create and produce music professionally within specific styles and genres. This is thanks to years of formal training at music conservatories, participation in music composition competitions, reading classical scores, listening to masterworks, and performing in various events.

Currently, I am primarily known as a Film, TV, and Video Game media composer, having gained extensive experience and wonderful memories from composing for films, TV shows, and video games. However, my work isn’t limited to scoring. I am also a professional arranger, having created music for pop songs, musicals, and music variety shows. I believe my musical expression is nuanced and sincere, a quality derived not only from professional practice but also from an increasingly evident ability to empathize. Being highly sensitive since childhood, I easily feel others’ joys and sorrows, and I have a good sense of storylines in various narratives. Therefore, I often drop all other labels and call myself a storyteller—only I tell stories through music.

Moreover, I have a very inclusive approach to music. This has led me to explore and appreciate various musical styles. In hindsight, this is a great trait because whether arranging, scoring, or composing serious music, understanding and mastering different musical styles is crucial. For example, the music in a film cannot convey just one emotion. As a professional modern composer, it’s beneficial to understand Debussy’s musical language while also knowing how to create a funky groove. So, I can proudly say that I am a well-rounded modern composer and producer.

At the same time, I feel that I am getting closer to finding my own voice. Through years of learning and accumulating experience, I have gradually found the musical language I like and frequently use. By combining the language of the masters with my own experiments, a unique style and language that belongs to me is becoming more mature. I believe this is distinctive. It means that anyone who collaborates with me will ultimately receive music that is special and carries my unique musical imprint.

As a result, my clients and fans can always hear unique, genre-blending music from me. There are no boundaries between classical and modern, nor between pop, jazz, and rock. Everything merges into my music.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friends to experience LA’s unique music culture. The Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, various live music venues, and independent jazz bars are all excellent places to immerse in LA’s vibrant music scene.

At the same time, Los Angeles has many unique coastlines, perfect for picnicking, taking leisurely walks, and enjoying beautiful views with friends.

Finally, when it comes to food, I have a strong preference for Chinese cuisine, so I would definitely recommend the restaurants in the Chinese communities on the east side of LA, such as Alice’s Kitchen!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m deeply aware of how challenging the journey has been to get here, and it’s all thanks to the support and help from my classmates, friends, family, and teachers. I’d like to give a special shoutout to my professor from college, Joe Carrier (http://www.joecarrier.net). He opened many doors filled with endless musical possibilities for me. He taught us the meaning of professionalism, the attitude a professional musician should have, and he completely made me fall in love with orchestral music. I can honestly say that without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you, Joe!

Website: https://www.xiaoyiyingmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xiaoyi.darcy_music/

Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/xiaoyi.darcy_music/

Other: https://uscscoring.com/students/2024/xiaoyi-ying