August 3, 2023

YAQI Unveils Cultural Fusions – From Chinese Roots To Global Artistry

YAQI, the Chinese artist who had last shared the compelling single, “Imma Do Me,” discusses her musical journey and future plans. While remaining dedicated to pop music, the singer and songwriter expresses eagerness to explore genres like R&B, Soul, Electronic, and Rap in her upcoming releases.

Crediting her upbringing in China for shaping her artistic style, YAQI draws inspiration from its rich cultural heritage and traditions. Her impactful music connects with young audiences facing challenges, and she encourages aspiring musicians to embrace the spotlight and write their own narrative.

Moving from China to the United States motivated YAQI to succeed as a global artist and share her unique cultural perspective with the world. Her approach to crafting lyrics involves being authentic and true to her vulnerabilities and emotions, enabling her to forge deep connections with a diverse audience by tapping into a shared experience and the power of collective movements.

Check out the rest of the interview in the section below.

With recent singles like “Imma Do Me” and “I’m On It,” you’ve made your mark in the pop scene. What other genres are you eager to explore in your upcoming releases?

While my heart remains dedicated to pop music, I am also keen on exploring diverse genres such as R&B, Soul, Electronic, and Rap. In fact, I am currently working on a new R&B/Soul track and a few rap songs on the way too.

How did growing up in China impact your artistic style, and how has this cultural fusion shaped your creative path in the American music industry?

My upbringing in China has profoundly shaped my artistic style in several significant ways. Among the three ancient civilizations, China stands alone as the only sovereign state that has continued to exist to this day. This enduring history has deeply influenced my creative expression, drawing from its rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. My father, being a traditional Chinese ink wash artist himself, has also had a tremendous impact on my artistic journey, as his opinions and insights play a significant role in shaping my work.

Living there exposed me to a diverse array of cultural practices, which broadened my perspective and ignited a curiosity for exploring various artistic elements. This curiosity led me to experiment with blending different influences into my music, enabling me to connect with a more large-scale audience and opening doors for collaborations with artists from different backgrounds. My hometown instilled in me the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, which have been instrumental in navigating the competitive landscape of the American music industry and overcoming challenges along my path to success.

“Summer Bala” was a turning point in your life and career. Could you describe the emotional journey behind creating the award-winning single and how it led to self-discovery and empowerment?

“Summer Bala” marks the beginning of my journey in the Chinese music scene. When I first created the song, I never imagined it would become such a massive hit. It was just a simple expression of a young girl enjoying her summer days. The overwhelming success of the song felt surreal. Following this unexpected success, I was inspired to take a bold step in my career. I decided to establish my own entertainment company in Beijing, China. The song’s triumph empowered me to pursue my passion for music wholeheartedly, knowing that hard work and dedication would yield positive results.

The experience taught me valuable lessons about the power of self-belief and the importance of staying true to my artistic vision. It reaffirmed my love for creating music and solidified my determination to continue making the music I am truly passionate about. As I move forward on my musical journey, I am grateful for the impact that “Summer Bala” had on my life and career. It has become a reminder that following one’s heart and putting in the effort can lead to remarkable achievements and personal fulfillment.

Your impactful music connects with young audiences dealing with life’s challenges. Can you share a specific inspiring experience that influenced one of your songs?

My purpose is to encourage and support the young generation in overcoming the challenges they face in life. Before I embarked on my journey to create my first English single, “I’m On It,” I had just completed my Master’s degree in acting for film. At that time, my life was filled with numerous essays to write, concerns about my visa status, and financial struggles. But, something extraordinary happened one day while I was driving along the renowned Mulholland Drive. I

At that moment, a spark ignited within me, urging me to pursue my passion for creating meaningful music. It was this inner fire that first brought me to America, and I was determined not to give up on my dreams of singing and acting. I persevered through eight attempts to secure my visa, all driven by the desire to collaborate with talented producers in the United States.

The very next day after that powerful moment on Mulholland Drive, I began searching for producers to work with. I wanted to convey the message that no matter how challenging life may get, following your passion and listening to your heart can lead to extraordinary outcomes. It’s crucial to strike a balance in life, nurturing your mental well-being while continuously striving towards your dreams. This dedication is what propels us forward, knowing that if our time on this Earth were to end tomorrow, we would have no regrets.

What advice would you offer to young women and aspiring musicians hesitant to embrace the spotlight because of societal expectations or prejudice?

I want to share some valuable advice. It’s really none of other people’s business, once you realize that the world is a reflection of your own perceptions, it’s like unlocking a powerful secret. You’ll naturally start to alter your expectations and prejudices towards others, and something magical will happen – people’s perceptions of you will change too.

Of course, I understand that societal expectations can weigh heavily on women and musicians, but remember, it’s your life, and you hold the pen to your own story. You can either let others dictate your path, or you can take charge and write your narrative yourself, the decision is yours to make: Do you want to remain in the shadows, scared and worried for the rest of your life, or do you want to step into the spotlight and showcase your unique perspective? The power to choose has always been in your hands.

Can you provide some insights into your process for crafting lyrics that delve into personal vulnerabilities and emotions while still resonating universally?

As a singer and actress, my approach to crafting lyrics is all about being completely authentic and true to my vulnerabilities and emotions. My identity as an Asian female immigrant artist, striving to achieve my dreams in America, shapes my perspective and experiences. I pour my heart and soul into my music, capturing the daily struggles, the loneliness, the tears, the devastation, and, of course, the joys that come from making things happen.

I’m just lucky to be part of the universal movement of empowered women and the ongoing fight for recognition and respect for Asians in America, I find my voice naturally aligning with these larger movements. Therefore, the lyrics resonate universally just because I’m at the right time and represent the right communities.

Could you tell us about a significant moment during your move from China to the United States that motivated you to succeed as a global artist and influenced your approach to pursuing your dreams?

Certainly! One significant moment was the overwhelming sense of cultural transition and the realization of the vast opportunities that awaited me in this new country. Leaving behind the familiarity of my home country and venturing into a completely different cultural landscape was both exhilarating and challenging. The experience of starting anew in a foreign land brought with it a mix of emotions, including excitement, uncertainty, and even moments of doubt. I faced language barriers, cultural differences, and the need to adapt to a whole new way of life.

Amidst all the adjustments, I discovered a profound motivation to showcase my unique perspective as an artist and share the beauty of my culture with the world. This journey ignited a fire within me to embrace my identity as an artist with diverse cultural influences. The United States, with its vibrant music scene, offered a platform to reach a global audience and connect with people from various backgrounds. The realization that my voice could resonate with listeners from different parts of the world sparked a newfound determination to pursue my dreams relentlessly. Every step I took was fueled by the desire to break barriers, build bridges between cultures, and share the power of music as a universal language.

Watch the official music video for “Imma Do Me” below: