Haibei Wang of New York, Los Angeles on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Haibei Wang and have shared our conversation below.

Haibei, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me starts with the essentials: a homemade latte, a cup of tea, and breakfast. Coffee and tea are a must in my routine, and I’m a big latte lover. I especially enjoy making latte art at home when the weather gets cold.

After that, I head to my music workstation, check emails for revision notes or new assignments, and start writing. I usually take a break in the middle of the day to exercise or watch a movie, then get back to composing until bedtime.

It might sound a bit boring, but I’ve found that a simple and consistent routine is where my creativity thrives.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a freelance composer specializing in music for media. My work can be heard in films, video games, advertisements, and more. If I had to describe my music in three words, they would be: storytelling, emotion, and color.

I love blending elements of Chinese folk music with modern Western sounds to craft a unique voice, using music as a way to interpret and elevate stories. I enjoy the process of layering music with visuals and sound design—transforming a single dimension into a rich, multi-dimensional experience for the audience.

In addition to composing, I also teach music composition. I find joy in sharing my journey with students and am constantly inspired by their growth and creativity.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Back in college, I served as the musical director for a stage musical. I initially tried to communicate my ideas through words, but they never quite captured what I meant. So I sat down at the piano and started playing. One by one, the singers joined in—singing exactly the way I had imagined. In that moment, I realized I had access to something beyond just Mandarin: a universal language. And through it, I could express myself more clearly and powerfully than words ever could.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Back in 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic, the world came to a halt. The entertainment and music industries shut down, and most of my projects were either canceled or postponed indefinitely. I began to question my worth — wondering if I was contributing anything meaningful to the world, and whether music could truly help people who were suffering. I even considered switching to a more practical career.

That perspective changed when I scored a documentary about Heart of Dinner, a nonprofit based in Chinatown that delivered meals to isolated elderly residents during the pandemic. I deeply resonated with the story and was grateful to contribute in my own small way. The film turned out beautifully, and it reminded me of the power of music to amplify kindness and connection. It helped me rediscover my purpose and the value music can bring — even in the most uncertain times.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that creativity is more than just something we generate. It’s something we tap into, like a universal intelligence flowing through us. There are moments when music or ideas seem to come from nowhere, as if they already existed and I’m just discovering them. I can’t prove where that spark comes from, but I’ve felt it too often to ignore. It’s as if we’re channels, not just creators. And to me, that mystery is both humbling and magical.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m traveling with my family or watching movies with my parents — two of our favorite things to do together. Whether we’re exploring somewhere new or simply sitting on the couch, I love the moments when we share our thoughts during a road trip, over a meal, or after the credits roll. Those quiet conversations make me feel grounded, connected, and truly at home.

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