Meet Yichen Qu | Musician & Composer & Music Producer

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

Hi Yichen, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think I never really *chose* to pursue an artistic career in the traditional sense—it just unfolded naturally. Music has always been an essential part of how I perceive the world. I was drawn to sounds, to textures, to the emotions they evoke. I remember being fascinated not just by melodies but by the atmosphere a certain chord progression or a layer of noise could create.

At some point, I realized that making music was the only thing that truly made sense to me. It wasn’t just about playing an instrument or writing songs—it was about *exploring* sound, experimenting with different sonic landscapes, and using music as a way to express things that words couldn’t fully capture. I gravitated toward genres like post-rock, shoegaze, experimental electronic, and noise rock because they gave me the freedom to blur boundaries, to create immersive, emotional experiences rather than just structured songs.

I also see music as a way of documenting life. Whether it’s the isolation of a city at night, the chaos of modern existence, or the quiet moments of reflection, I want my work to *feel* like something real, something lived-in. That’s why I’ve been involved in different bands and projects—each one is a different exploration, a different piece of the puzzle.

So, pursuing music wasn’t really a *decision*—it was more like an inevitability. It’s the way I process the world.

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.
My art is about exploring the boundaries between sound and emotion, between chaos and harmony. I don’t see music as just melodies and rhythms—it’s an immersive experience, a way to create entire sonic landscapes that tell stories without words. Whether it’s through shoegaze’s dreamy, distorted walls of sound, post-rock’s cinematic build-ups, or experimental electronics’ unpredictable textures, my goal is always to make music that resonates on a deeper, almost subconscious level.

What Sets Me Apart
I think what makes my music different is its rawness and atmosphere. I don’t just create songs—I build environments with sound. I like to incorporate unexpected elements, whether it’s layering city noise into a track, blending analog warmth with digital textures, or pushing instruments beyond their conventional roles. My music often carries a sense of melancholy and dissonance, but not in a way that feels hopeless—it’s more about capturing the complexity of emotions, the beauty within imperfection.

I also move between different projects and styles rather than sticking to one formula. With Naohai (闹海), it’s about the raw, unfiltered energy of noise rock and post-rock. With Absolute Purity (绝对纯洁), it’s more electronic and experimental, blending noise with atmospheric textures. In my solo work, I lean even more into cinematic and abstract sound design. This constant exploration keeps my music fresh and unpredictable.

What I’m Most Proud Of & Excited About
I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been able to stay true to my artistic vision despite the challenges. The music industry—especially the independent scene—can be tough. Trends come and go, and there’s always pressure to fit into certain molds. But I’ve managed to build a body of work that reflects me, without compromising on creativity.

One of the most exciting moments was Absolute Purity’s album “We Fought Over The Moon” receiving international recognition. Winning awards like the CLIO Music Awards and The One Show finalist spot showed me that experimental music could still reach people on a larger scale. It reinforced my belief that pushing boundaries is worth it.

My Journey—Was It Easy?
No, not at all. I started out in the underground scene, playing small gigs, working multiple jobs to support my music, and constantly questioning whether I was on the right path. When I moved to Los Angeles to study at Musicians Institute, I was under financial pressure and even did food delivery at midnight to make ends meet. Those moments were tough, but they also shaped me. Driving through the quiet streets of LA at night, surrounded by neon lights and silence, I found inspiration in solitude. Some of my compositions were born out of those experiences.

Overcoming these challenges was about persistence and adaptation. I learned to embrace uncertainty, to use obstacles as creative fuel instead of letting them discourage me. Every setback, every rejection, every moment of doubt pushed me to refine my art even further.

What I Want the World to Know
I want people to know that my music isn’t just about sound—it’s about feeling. It’s about capturing fleeting emotions, distilling chaos into something beautiful, and building sonic worlds that people can lose themselves in. I don’t create music for the mainstream—I create it for those who seek something deeper, something beyond the ordinary.

My journey isn’t about chasing fame or fitting into industry expectations. It’s about exploration, about constantly pushing the limits of what music can be. Whether through my bands, my solo projects, or my collaborations, I want my work to leave a lasting impact—not just as songs, but as experiences.

And if there’s one thing I’d want people to take from my story, it’s this: follow the sound that truly moves you, no matter where it leads.

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?
Beach always, for the ocean breeze, street art, and boardwalk vibes.
Sunset view. Any place but the dawn time. The color of the city is so charming.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quyc88/

Youtube: https://studio.youtube.com/@yichenqu

Image Credits
i have the rights and permissions for all the images.