Meet Shanghai Phantom

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

Hi Shanghai, what makes you happy? Why?
As an independent Alternative R&B artist based in LA, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing people bumping their heads and vibing to my music. It’s in those moments that I feel the most rewarded. Over the past decade, the entertainment industry has become increasingly standardized, with a growing emphasis on the commercial value of a song rather than the artistry behind it. I hope more artists can shift their focus back to the music itself and embrace the beauty of authentic expression.

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 am an Alternative R&B and Trap Soul music artist, and Shanghai Phantom is my artist name. My unique dark aesthetics and my bilingual/bi-cultural background set me apart from others. Growing up immersed in both Eastern and Western cultures has allowed me to blend diverse influences into my music, breaking the boundaries of different genres and creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly different. Artists like The Weeknd, Future, and Swae Lee have significantly influenced my music, helping me shape a distinct edge that resonates with a wide range of listeners.

2024 has been a major year for me, with a strong focus on live performances. I’ve had the privilege of performing with big artists like CHASETHEMONEY, Ted Park, and Justin Park. I’m really excited to see how much more I can achieve by the end of this year.

This music journey has never been easy. The hardest part is overcoming the loneliness. Back in college, I spent countless hours alone in the piano rehearsal studio, practicing by myself. There were many times when I stared at the ceiling, thinking about giving up on my music career because I didn’t know where it was heading. But my love for music helped me push through. As the old saying goes, “Without loneliness, there will never be greatness.” Once you learn to handle being alone, you can create your best musical pieces.

The story behind my artist name, Shanghai Phantom, is rooted in my origins and aspirations. Shanghai is the city where I was born, and Phantom is my favorite car. When people hear my music, they’ll know that my sound is as top-tier as my name suggests.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
LA is definitely a city full of hidden gems, and I have three go-to spots to share with you guys.

Little Tokyo Table Tennis – This is one of the main reasons LA feels like home to me. Every Tuesday night at Terasaki Budokan, there’s a table tennis pop-up. Unlike traditional ping pong spots, people actually dress up like they’re attending a fashion show to play. The whole gym transforms into a movie, gradually becoming an underground gathering spot for art creatives.

Steep LA – This is the best spot for modern Chinese food and tea. The place is super innovative and conceptual, contributing to the new vibrant atmosphere in Chinatown nowadays. It’s a perfect place to organize your thoughts and get refreshed with traditionally brewed Chinese tea.

Melrose Trading Post – This fashion flea market has been running every Sunday since 1997. I’ve found so many unique clothes, pants, and accessories here. While shopping for name brands is cool, thrifting is even cooler. Contrary to what people might expect, most items are well-preserved and in good condition. You can also meet lots of LA-based independent designers with their unique clothing lines. It’s a perfect place for style and inspiration.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a big shoutout to my vocal teacher and songwriting tutor, P.jai Robinson. My artist career wouldn’t be possible without her help. The best thing about Professor PJ is her honest feedback on everything I do in music, which helps me be more self-aware and refine my musicianship. To this day, I still take my voice lessons with her weekly.

Website: https://linktr.ee/shanghai.phantom

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanghai.phantom/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shanghai.phantom

Other: Spotify Page https://open.spotify.com/artist/2FLFYSZ4uqtFo5fIqypUDZ?si=5hWbP5VTQxikt599fCmAhg 

Image Credits
Calvin Ma Fiona Jane Alicia Zamora Steven Kaliel John Ruffinelli Xingchen Qiu