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

Hi Yuko, why did you pursue a creative career?
Being a music composer allows me to connect with the world in a meaningful way: to inspire and be inspired by people through music. Every time I create something, I feel truly alive. When I score for films and TV, I empathize with the characters and their stories. When composing music for games, I immerse myself in imaginary worlds. These experiences reflect so many aspects of life, allowing me to observe and reflect more closely on everything happening in 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.
I am an LA-based composer, orchestrator, and arranger for media. Born and raised in Southeast China, I moved to LA to explore more opportunities in music. My studies at Musicians Institute back my passion with a strong foundation of professional skills and prepared me for my career.

My team and I have been involved in creating music for Tencent Games and other mobile games, including PUBG. This year, we are proud to have received nominations from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA).

The journey hasn’t been easy—it took a lot of hard work and persistence. But at the end of the day, I can look back with pride and gratitude that I’m still pursuing what I love.

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.
Being at the center of entertainment, the concert halls and theaters in LA are where the magic happens. The Hollywood Bowl, Fonda Theatre, and Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, The Wiltern in Koreatown, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA are places where I’ve experienced many precious moments. The Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood are spots where you can meet some of the coolest people and performers in town. Candlelight Concerts here are also stunning venues that immerse you in beautiful music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shoutout to Kin Lee, who has been not only a significant mentor in my music journey but also a true life mentor. He guided me through a pivotal stage and brought me into the music industry. I also want to extend my gratitude to all my family and friends for their incredible love and support—without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: https://www.yukozen.com/listen-watch

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeng.yuko

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGa3mfmnRa8

Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/0wJXZs6jWlmmgrdQNoCtX9?si=gRmcbr9TShu7M6ZhMELi4g

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.