Meet Yi Long | Singer & Songwriter

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

Hi Yi, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The driving force behind my creative journey is my unwavering love for music and singing, a passion that has been with me since childhood. My goal is to embrace the freedom of being myself and to express my innermost thoughts and emotions through music. It’s a mission to continually explore the limitless possibilities within the world of music, to connect with others on a profound level, and to share the beauty and power of music with the world. This deep-seated love for music fuels my creative endeavors and motivates me to push the boundaries of artistic expression in pursuit of my musical dreams.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a singer-songwriter focused on giving music life through cultural expression. Born and bred in China and embraced by the vibrant music scene in the United States, I’m proud of my intercultural identity. I recently graduated with a master’s from the Musicians Institute majoring in contemporary vocal performance. I’m currently working as a faculty member in the same school and performing in multiple venues.

My musical journey has been adorned with vibrant melodies and pulsating rhythms. Since my early years, I’ve displayed a profound interest in music and mastered several instruments, including the clarinet, piano, and guitar. However, the actual ascent of my musical journey occurred when, at the age of 15, I sang on the stage of the Vancouver Global Chinese Spring Festival Gala, enchanting the audience with a Chinese traditional folk song that I rearranged. This recognition not only marked the commencement of my musical journey but also laid a sturdy foundation upon which I would build my dreams.

Driven by an inquiring mind for musical exploration, I went to Los Angeles, USA, and pursued my graduate studies at the Musicians Institute. Here, I found myself in an environment that recognized and celebrated my talents. My academic journey was complemented by the guidance of distinguished music mentors, including luminaries such as vocal coach Debra Byrd, Gina Bagg, Jessica Louise, Dean Brown, and Tianyang Lan. These mentors not only nurtured my abilities but also instilled in me fresh inspiration and limitless possibilities.

My voice is often described as infectious and dynamic. My primary musical styles encompass pop, jazz, and R&B. I’m also a singer-songwriter, and my singles have had over 5 million streams across various online platforms. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have performed and collaborated with some outstanding Chinese artists, as well as to have sung theme songs for movies. I have also done live performances on stages of various scales, including live houses, theaters, and stadiums.

In addition to my solo endeavors, I have also had the privilege of performing as a backing vocalist for many famous artists from Hong Kong during their U.S. Tours. These renowned artists include Christopher Wong, Priscilla Chan, Adia Chan, Johnny Yip, Jinny Ng, Frances Yip, and many more. These experiences have not only enriched my musical journey but have also allowed me to contribute my vocal talents to the performances of these artists.

In the year 2023, I achieved a significant milestone in my music career with my new single “Friday Night Is Dead,” a piece where I served as the singer, songwriter, and producer. This creation earned me multiple prestigious awards in LIT international music awards, including Best Singer-Songwriter, Best Music Producer, Best Female Vocalist, and Best Funk Music, establishing me as a four-time gold award recipient. Additionally, “Friday Night is Dead” was named a finalist in the Best Asian R&B category at the InterContinental Music Awards.

When reflecting on my career journey, one of the most significant challenges I faced was organizing and hosting my first independent solo concert in Shenzhen, China, immediately after completing my bachelor’s degree in contemporary vocal performance. This project holds a special place in my heart because it marked a significant milestone in my career and allowed me to make a positive impact on both the artistic and philanthropic fronts.

What set this project apart in terms of challenges was the multifaceted role I had to assume. I was able to prepare, rehearse, and coordinate, pulling all the strings and moving all the weights within an extremely limited timeframe. While I was the lead singer, I also took on crucial tasks, including conceptualizing the creative direction, designing the visual elements, arranging the music, managing promotions, and crafting the stage design. This comprehensive approach allowed me to create an all-encompassing experience for the audience, where music seamlessly intertwined with visual aesthetics.

The fact that this concert attracted substantial media attention and received recognition from multiple industry professionals was immensely rewarding. It not only validated my musical endeavors but also opened doors for potential collaborations and growth within the industry. Knowing that my work was highly valued by experts in the field was a significant boost to my confidence and motivation.

Beyond the artistic achievements, what made this project truly special was my decision to donate all of the concert’s income to the “Shenzhen Project Care Foundation”. This act allowed me to contribute to a cause I deeply believed in and use my artistry to make a positive impact in the community. It emphasized the idea that art can be a catalyst for positive change and reinforced my commitment to merging my pursuit of music with a sense of social responsibility.

I’m profoundly proud of the intersectionality of culture and identity I bring to music. My artistry is routed in traditional Chinese music but elevated by the sound of Jazz and R&B in the US. This fusion of multiculturalism in ethnomusicology gifted me with a unique perspective on how I interpret and perform using my voice. I want to create a singing style in a world where differences are celebrated and continue to build a bridge between cultures and their melodies.

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?
I believe the most beautiful moments in Los Angeles are during sunset. So, if new friends come to visit, I will take them to the beach to enjoy the sea breeze while watching the sunset. Speaking of food and drinks, In-N-Out is a must-try, and I’ll introduce them to some of my favorite Chinese restaurants, including Sichuan cuisine or hot pot. There are also various boba tea shops that I love. I will also take them to some of the iconic spots in LA, such as the Griffith Observatory, Downtown for the City Lights, Santa Monica, or shopping in Beverly Hills.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a huge shoutout to my partner Sam Yang. Sam is a talented Southern California-based photographer with a creative vision for life in motion. I met Sam when we first collaborated on creating the cover image for my newly released single and from there we got to know each other better. He is a kind soul who’s always ready to uplift others with his positive energy. What I love about Sam is his consistent mentorship and guidance in my life and career in general. Being an educator, he has always been supportive in empowering and encouraging me to pursue what I believe is meaningful. We both have the same vision to create an impact on people’s lives, promote cultural diversity, and become role models for others. I feel secure and confident facing challenges knowing he will always be there to listen and be of assistance. He also has an eye for small details within a person that makes them unique in photos. Sam loves doing creative digital storytelling, but that is not all of what he does. He also shoots for USC athletics, and the NBA, and flies drones for businesses. Super grateful for his presence in my life!

I would also like to shout out my close friend, fellow Musicians Institute classmate, and colleague, Jeffery Tay. Jeffery is a renowned singer-songwriter who came to LA to pursue his master’s in singing, the same program I was in. I have known him for years and he never ceases to amaze me with his talent. Throughout our time at MI and multiple other places, I have enjoyed his wisdom, humor, and unwavering support for my career. Jeffery is an important figure in my life. He has helped me endure and go through some of my lowest, which was super helpful. He has also helped me point out directions in life at pivotal crossroads. More importantly, he understands my passion and purpose, which makes him a trustworthy friend. I appreciate Jeffery for always being there when I needed him!

My final shoutout goes to the two most important persons in my life- my parents. They made me who I am today and I cannot give them enough credit for this. My parents are a beacon of hope and a tower of love. They taught me how to sing, how to love, and most importantly, how to be proud of myself. I have always relied on them throughout my journeys both home and abroad. I cannot appreciate them enough for the environment they worked so hard to provide me growing up. They keep supporting me with all they have without ever asking for anything in return. Love y’all mom and pops!

Website: www.longyimusic.com

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCofzxBcRCdM16g1jZ75RAQ

Other: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VqMNatpTORj4PDhcgiSal?si=ndW4WvAcTQiGZzTeHn_vtg&nd=1

Image Credits
Sam Yang @sammydepthphoto