Meet Jingyuan (John) Li | Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jingyuan (John) Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jingyuan (John), we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-taking has been incredibly important in both my life and career. I’m still learning to take more risks—it takes a lot of courage. But as a composer in an ever-evolving industry, taking risks is not just valuable, it’s essential. Over time, I’ve developed certain writing habits that help me work more efficiently, but I’ve also noticed they can make me too comfortable in specific styles. That comfort can limit creativity. Risk, on the other hand, challenges the brain to find new solutions and pushes us into unfamiliar territory where real growth happens. That’s often how innovation starts—by taking a leap.

On a personal level, I tend to be reserved, especially when it comes to talking with strangers. But in this industry—especially in a place like LA—connecting with others is key. There’s always the risk of being judged or misunderstood, but more often than not, taking those social risks leads to meaningful relationships and surprising opportunities. Wonderful things can happen when you step outside your comfort zone.

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.
I’m a composer, and these days I mostly work in film, television, and video games. What draws me to this field is the incredible power music has to connect people with stories. It’s always been about that emotional bridge for me—using sound to deepen the audience’s experience and make the narrative truly resonate. Every project feels like a new opportunity to offer a fresh perspective and bring something meaningful to life through music. That’s what excites me most about what I do.

My path here hasn’t been straightforward. I started out playing in bands, then gradually moved into writing more serious concert music, and eventually found my way into composing for visual media. Along the way, I fell in love with the vast range of musical styles and genres out there. I’m still exploring, always learning, and hoping that one day, all these influences will come together into something truly unique.

It hasn’t been easy. Like many freelance creatives, I’ve faced a lot of uncertainty—the waiting, the self-doubt, the moments of questioning whether I’ve made the right choices. But when something finally clicks, when a piece lands just right, or a project comes to life in a way that moves people—those moments make it all worth it. That’s what keeps me going.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being discerning about the people you surround yourself with. Not everyone has your best interests at heart, and it can be tough to spot those who aren’t sincere. But over time, you learn to pay attention to how people show up. Finding like-minded collaborators and being open with them—that’s something I’m still learning to do, and I think it’s a lifelong process.

Another big lesson is resilience. There are times when life feels overwhelming, and progress feels out of reach. But persistence matters. Staying the course, even when things are tough, is key. I want people to know that behind the music is a real person, someone who’s just trying to keep growing, keep creating, and keep connecting through sound.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to take them on a little road trip adventure that shows off the beauty and diversity of the American Southwest and West Coast.

We’d start in Joshua Tree—there’s something incredibly calming about that wide-open desert landscape, with its surreal rock formations and peaceful energy. It’s the perfect place to slow down, take it all in, and reset.

From there, we’d head east toward Arizona. While Sedona has some stunning red rock views, I’d probably skip it during peak season since it can get pretty crowded. Instead, we’d make our way to the Grand Canyon, which is always awe-inspiring no matter how many times you’ve seen it—there’s just nothing like standing on the edge of something so massive and timeless.

Then, I’d plan a stop at Antelope Canyon. I haven’t been yet myself, but from everything I’ve seen and heard, it’s a magical place. The way light pours through those narrow sandstone walls—it’s like stepping into a dream.

After that stretch of nature and stillness, we’d switch things up with a visit to Las Vegas. It’s the perfect place for a bit of urban contrast—great food, shows, lights, and energy. Just enough excitement before hitting the coast.

To wrap up the trip, we’d head up the legendary Highway 1 along the California coastline. That drive is one of the most scenic in the world—cliffs, ocean, small towns, and endless views. We’d end the journey in San Francisco, a city full of character, history, and amazing food. It’s a great place to walk around, explore neighborhoods, and soak up a little West Coast culture.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. Even though they’ve been thousands of miles away, outside the States, their support over the years has meant everything to me. I didn’t grow up in a musical family, so the fact that I ended up pursuing a career in music and the arts probably came as a surprise to many people, including them.

Looking back, I think a big turning point was my childhood piano teacher—someone who was incredibly open-minded and had a real artistic vision. She encouraged her students to explore their passions and helped my mom see a different way of thinking. That influence really stuck. Over time, both of my parents began to trust in my path, even if they didn’t fully understand the world I was stepping into. They’ve always believed in me, even without having any background in music themselves, and that kind of belief is powerful. I’m deeply grateful for it.

Website: https://jlimusic.wixsite.com/jl-web-2024

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnli0808/

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0LAtOWT4hezzRen3FZTInx?si=6S-J5-2oSVKSIdF6jY5Jmw

Image Credits
Image Credit: Kristopher Carter
Image Credit:Joshua 魏 Nai