Meet Betty Ke

 

We were lucky to catch up with Betty Ke recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Betty, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I developed my confidence and self-esteem through a journey of self-awareness and cultural adaptation. Growing up in Taiwan, I often felt shy and less confident, influenced by social norms that prioritized others’ needs over my own. For example, in school, I hesitated to ask questions out of fear that my concerns might seem foolish or waste others’ time. This mindset extended to social situations, where I rarely voiced my needs.

However, as I grew older, I realized that this version of myself was shaped by my environment, not my true self. I began to actively seek out new environments and experiences that challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. I started by asking questions in public, initiating conversations, and slowly building my confidence through practice.

The most significant change came when I moved to the United States for school. The cultural differences were profound—people here are more self-assured, unique, and confident. Being in this environment helped me nurture my own self-esteem, supported by the unwavering encouragement of friends and family. Over the past few years, I’ve learned to embrace both the Taiwanese and American aspects of my identity, continuously practicing and balancing to become the best version of myself.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As an independent singer-songwriter originally from Taiwan, now based in Los Angeles. My journey into the world of music has been a blend of passion, cultural exploration, and relentless pursuit of creative expression. Music has always been the rhythm of my life, starting from a young age when I was deeply involved in percussion for over 13 years. My early experiences in a school wind band and found a Pop Music club when I was in university, taught me the importance of leadership, collaboration, and musicality.

Though my initial dream was to pursue a career in classical music, life had other plans. I eventually found myself in an Applied Foreign Language program in business, which took me away from music for a while. However, a pivotal moment came when a friend introduced me to the Production Music program led by Real Huang of the Taiwanese band F.I.R. This experience reignited my passion for music, particularly in the pop genre, and led me to pursue a degree in Applied Music at Tainan National University of the Arts.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to fuse different musical styles and cultural influences to create something truly unique. My music often explores themes of loss, transformation, and self-discovery, resonating with listeners on a deep emotional level. I see music as a powerful tool for storytelling and connection, and I strive to create art that not only entertains but also inspires and evokes reflection.

Professionally, I’m focused on several exciting projects. One of the most significant is a children’s storybook that I’m developing, which will be accompanied by an album and animation. This project combines my love for storytelling with my passion for music, offering a multi-sensory experience that I hope will resonate with both children and adults alike.

I’m also proud to be a part of Grammy U and to be interning at Oceanfive Records under the mentorship of Skylar Ward. These experiences have been invaluable in helping me navigate the music industry, both in terms of professional growth and cultural adaptation. I’m constantly learning and evolving, and I’m excited about the future opportunities that lie ahead.

For those who are just getting to know me, I want you to know that my work is more than just music—it’s a reflection of my journey, my heritage, and my commitment to empowering others through art. My goal is to create music that not only resonates but also provides strength and companionship for those facing their own challenges. Whether through my music, my storytelling projects, or my live performances, I hope to inspire confidence in others to be their true selves and face life’s struggles with courage. I’m passionate about pushing my creative boundaries and exploring how art can bring people together and uplift them. Stay tuned for more projects and performances designed to inspire and support you on your journey!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have had the most significant impact on me are confidence (or the journey from a lack of it), the courage to try new things, and the importance of communication.

Confidence (or the lack thereof):
For much of my life, I struggled with self-confidence, often feeling insecure. There’s a saying that if you fake it, eventually it becomes real, and I’m still on this path, continuously practicing to build genuine confidence. It has been a challenging but rewarding journey, and I’ve learned that confidence isn’t just about feeling secure—it’s about embracing vulnerability and being willing to take risks despite the fear.

Courage to Try New Things:
I’ve always been someone who isn’t afraid to try new things, even when I know there’s a possibility of failure. If something scares me, I believe it’s all the more reason to dive in. Yes, there may be setbacks or failures, but those experiences are essential steps toward becoming a better version of myself. I’ve learned that growth comes from pushing beyond my comfort zone and embracing the unknown.

Communication:
I firmly believe in the importance of communication, whether it’s in relationships, projects, or any other aspect of life. Even when I’m emotional, it shows that I genuinely care and am trying my best to connect with others. Sometimes, I might become more reserved, but that too is a form of communication—it’s my way of respecting and protecting myself while navigating through challenges.

In summary, confidence, courage, and communication have been key in shaping my journey. They’ve helped me navigate the ups and downs of life and my career, and I believe they are qualities that can make a significant difference for anyone.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

In the past 12 months, one of the most significant areas of growth for me has been finding the courage to take a major step forward in my career in the United States. This has involved applying for a work visa and continuously submitting resumes to explore job opportunities. It’s been a challenging journey, but I’m proud to say that I have started receiving interview opportunities with companies like UMG and BMG, which is a testament to my perseverance.

In addition to applying for a work visa and sending out resumes, I was thrilled to secure a part-time job as an event staff member, which gave me an excellent opportunity to work at major events such as Coachella and Stagecoach, as well as various concerts and festivals. These experiences have been not only exciting but also invaluable in helping me build connections and gain firsthand insights into the industry. It has been a wonderful journey, and I can’t wait to see where these opportunities will take me next.

Furthermore, I recently decided to apply for an artist visa, a decision that took a lot of courage. This is an important step for me as it represents my commitment to giving myself the chance to explore new possibilities and see where this path may lead. It’s about embracing uncertainty and believing in my capabilities while staying focused on future opportunities. This process has been a profound learning experience, strengthening my belief in breaking boundaries and taking risks to pursue my passion.

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