Article by Kevin Young
Photo credit Xue Liang
A-Lin a songstress hailing from Taiwan performed at the 2014 CMJ music festival. She uses her powerful vocals to captivate audiences. Already creditable in Taiwan, she is now an emerging international star performing in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, China, and most recently New York.
In the following interview she talks about what music means to her and her expectations for performing in New York.
1. How does it feel to be performing at CMJ?
It feels great. I’m very happy to see international fans.
2. Aside from performing in New York is there anything else you would like to do here?
I’ve performed in New York before but aside from performing I really want to try a burger from Shake Shack. I heard it’s really delicious. I also want to see a Broadway show.
3. Who are your main music influences?
The carpenters are my main music influence. I love Mariah Carey too.
4. Which foreign artist collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with Beyone. I love her song single ladies.
5. How would you describe your musical style?
My musical style is very popish. It’s very soothing. Initially I didn’t like singing this type of style of music. I wanted to do more powerful and strong songs. Yet after hearing fans thank me for the music I have brought them because it has helped them overcome obstacles in their lives, I realized that I had a major responsibility to share the music with them to help them cope with difficult situations.
6. Is it rewarding to have that burden?
When I was young I wanted to be a doctor. But in a way I’m still a doctor because I help people. I’m using my music as a vehicle to help people with their emotional health.
7. On Friday what can fans expect to see from you?
Love. This time I’m not performing with a full band. It’s only a guitarist and a pianist. So this performance will focus on my vocals. I just want to share my music with the audience on a deeper level where they can connect with it. I can express my own emotions of happiness and sadness to create an exciting experience for the listener. I put a lot of my own personal thoughts into my music
8. To people who hear your music for the first time any message to those fans?
Enjoy the show! I want to use this opportunity to make new friends. Even if people don’t understand Chinese I want them to be able to listen to the music.
9. The American music industry is changing with all the different genre mashups. Is Taiwan’s music industry going in that direction too?
Taiwan’s music is like that too. Many artists are starting to collaborate with artist from other genres. Even my music on this album includes a lot of different genres. My heritage comes from an aboriginal tribe. I put in a lot of tribal music.
10. Do you have any plans to expand in America’s market?
Of course! There are no boundaries to music so I hope that I’ll get the opportunity to really become part of America’s market. I hope through this performance more people can read media that is covering my show to learn about me.
A-Lin a beautiful and friendly musicians who composes her own songs is an already established star in Taiwan but would love to affect people all over the world with her music. Having released 6 albums and 2 Eps in her budding career and being dubbed a “diva” in due time she can perhaps be on the same international spotlight as one of idols, Mariah Carey.
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