#6 Chuchu Wen, composer/vocalist
Boston-based Chinese composer/vocalist Chuchu Wen seeks her ultimate style of expression in the music that doesn't fit in the conventional categorization.
— Where are you from and what do you do?
I’m originally from China and I’m currently based in Boston for the past 6 years. I am a composer and vocalist. I do several different things — besides contemporary music, I do pop, jazz, soul, R&B, etc. A year ago I sang some underground hip-hop in several concerts.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in electronic music production from China.
Then I went to the Berklee College of Music in Boston to study voice for two years. I just finished my Master’s degree in composition at New England Conservatory.
I’m originally from China and I’m currently based in Boston for the past 6 years. I am a composer and vocalist. I do several different things — besides contemporary music, I do pop, jazz, soul, R&B, etc. A year ago I sang some underground hip-hop in several concerts.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in electronic music production from China.
Then I went to the Berklee College of Music in Boston to study voice for two years. I just finished my Master’s degree in composition at New England Conservatory.
— Are you largely influenced by the Western popular music, you think?
I guess… kind of… must be. I’ve lived in the US for 6 years and I always listened to music of around the world in my childhood. I was not "always" interested in popular music, but I like taking elements from them. When I write music, I don’t really think about the genre. I don’t like categories. I don’t "directly" quote a popular style into my music because it doesn’t make sense. I get inspirations from whatever I’m listening to and I bring some of the elements into the contemporary classical language. It’s hard to explain… I think I do many things because I want to express myself in the way that I am most comfortable with.
— What kind of project have you been working on?
I’m doing a mini album project with my friend. It’s in the style of indie-electronica.
Also I’m currently working on the Norwegian Wood Suite. It’s based on Haruki Murakami’s book Norwegian Wood. I love the story so much. I just finished one of the movements based on one scene in the story. Other movements will be about each character.
— What kind of a person you would like to become through your artistic work?
I want to be a composer and artist who can express myself in the way I love.
Besides music and art, what the life gives to you and things you experience are all important to me. I wish to influence people by my music and my personality. I guess, in order to do so, I need to work on social skills. I tend to stay home alone — in fact, I enjoy being alone. I think talking to people is a skill... I need to practice that more. (laugh)
Thanks, Chuchu for a fun & inspiring conversation!
If you are curious about her future projects, follow her on SoundCloud.
I guess… kind of… must be. I’ve lived in the US for 6 years and I always listened to music of around the world in my childhood. I was not "always" interested in popular music, but I like taking elements from them. When I write music, I don’t really think about the genre. I don’t like categories. I don’t "directly" quote a popular style into my music because it doesn’t make sense. I get inspirations from whatever I’m listening to and I bring some of the elements into the contemporary classical language. It’s hard to explain… I think I do many things because I want to express myself in the way that I am most comfortable with.
— What kind of project have you been working on?
I’m doing a mini album project with my friend. It’s in the style of indie-electronica.
Also I’m currently working on the Norwegian Wood Suite. It’s based on Haruki Murakami’s book Norwegian Wood. I love the story so much. I just finished one of the movements based on one scene in the story. Other movements will be about each character.
— What kind of a person you would like to become through your artistic work?
I want to be a composer and artist who can express myself in the way I love.
Besides music and art, what the life gives to you and things you experience are all important to me. I wish to influence people by my music and my personality. I guess, in order to do so, I need to work on social skills. I tend to stay home alone — in fact, I enjoy being alone. I think talking to people is a skill... I need to practice that more. (laugh)
Thanks, Chuchu for a fun & inspiring conversation!
If you are curious about her future projects, follow her on SoundCloud.
Photography & Interview by Michiko Saiki
August 4, 2016
August 4, 2016