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

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.
One of my career goals is to make Chinese music accessible to American and global audiences in entertainment. I want the Western audience to learn about our music, art, and culture in a way that feels easy, fresh, and accessible. Musically, I incorporate Chinese vocals and traditional instruments such as pipa and guzheng with modern film scoring elements like epic drums and cinematic strings. Combined, they create beautiful and powerful sonic and visual images that blend wonderfully with video games and film.

The journey to creating Chinese-oriented music in the US was definitely not an easy one. In college, I mainly studied American and European music focused on classical, jazz, and pop genres, and it was much later in my journey that I embraced my musical identity. Now I am so happy as a musical and cultural chameleon.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love taking my friends around the city! I love taking my friends out for a picnic and frisbee session in Central Park, and then taking them downtown or Brooklyn to get yummy Italian food, and a few espresso martinis followed by a jazz show or jam session.

Museums in NYC are a must also! I love feeling immersed in art and culture, and will take you to the Met, Guggenheim, and MoMA!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely to my mom who has been supportive of my dreams! She has been so encouraging in my musical journey ever since I was 4 years old when I learned piano and told me to never give up when people doubted me. Thank you for your love and support, mom!

Website: www.aizhoumusic.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aizhou-liu-1172a9146/

Image Credits
Photos by Béla Baptiste

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